Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCD

Dr Jonathan Abramowitz is a clinical psychologist, author, and Professor for the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina in America. With over 25 years of experience, Jon is recognised internationally as a leading authority on the treatment and study of OCD and is dedicated to researching and publishing his findings on OCD treatment and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of clinical psychology students. In today's episode, Jon explains how to integrate the inhibitory learning model into clinical practice and the importance of maintaining consistency in that process. He then shares his difficulty in knowing that the first edition of his book, "Getting Over OCD: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life", is still in circulation. This episode is part two of our two-part conversation with Dr Jonathan Abramowitz. Check out our last episode, where Jon introduces us to his insights on the inhibitory learning model. Resources and links: Dr Jonathan Abramowitz website Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Jonathan Abramowitz is a world-renowned clinical psychologist and a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina. Jon has over 25 years of experience working in the treatment of OCD and related disorders and has contributed to hundreds of scientific publications in that time. He also trains clinical psychology students and is the author of several books and book chapters. In today's episode, Jon explains how he came to be involved with OCD treatment and research in the first place. He shares his insights on the evolution of the inhibitory learning model and details how it can be used to modify ERP and treat OCD. This episode is part one of our two-part conversation with Dr Jonathan Abramowitz. Keep an eye out for our next episode, where Jon delves deeper into how to integrate the inhibitory learning model into practice. Resources and links: Dr Jonathan Abramowitz website Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's easy to get bogged down in the options that are available when deciding on treatment options for clients. Treatment for OCD can include inpatient treatment, one-on-one treatment, group therapy, and anything in between. In this episode, we're going to do a deep dive into group therapy, and how to adapt ERP to work in a group therapy setting (spoiler alert: it's easier than you think). We'll explore the structure of a group therapy session, and how to manage challenges such as cost and time limitations. Plus, we'll discuss the power of group therapy, and how beneficial it can be to have group participants supporting each other. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Jonathan Grayson is a Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Director of the Grayson Center in LA and the Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California. Jonathan has specialised in OCD treatment for over 40 years and even authored an award-winning book on the topic, 'Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: a Personalised Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty.' In this episode, Jonathan continues explaining what it's like to live in genuine uncertainty and explores the challenges both clients and clinicians can face when fully embracing uncertainty. Plus, he shares a challenging personal story and some interesting pop culture references. This is part two of our two-part chat with Jonathan. Check out our last episode for part one, where Jonathan introduces us to the idea of uncertainty in the context of OCD. Resources and links: Grayson Center website Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Jonathan Grayson is the Director of the Grayson Center in LA as well as the Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California. Jonathan has over 40 years of experience in the treatment of OCD and was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International OCD Foundation. In today's episode, Jonathan explores the concept of uncertainty and how to get better without knowing all the answers. He then goes on to share valuable insights into how to discuss uncertainty with clients and even demonstrates how it works in treatment. This is part one of our two-part chat with Jonathan. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we further explore how to live with uncertainty. Resources and links: Grayson Center website Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Clair Lawson is a clinical psychologist and the Director of her group private practice, Lawson Clinical Psychology, in Perth, Western Australia. She has over 21 years of experience working as a clinical psychologist in government and private practice settings and has spent much of this time treating OCD. Clair is also a training supervisor for clinical psychology students at the University of Western Australia and a mentor for allied health businesses looking to increase their impact. In today's episode, Clair shares her perspective on what ERP is like in a group therapy setting and the ways you can get creative in this space. She also breaks down her thoughts on the difference between group and individual sessions, and how to get the most out of each format. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Salkovskis is a Professor from the Oxford University in the UK. Paul has worked as a clinical psychologist since 1979 and as a researcher interested in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including OCD, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and health anxiety. He's also on the editorial board for several psychology journals and is the current president of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. In today's episode, Paul explores the current research trajectory into OCD and treatment options. Paul shares his knowledge from years of working with OCD and his ideas on how betrayal functions in OCD. He finishes with an important reminder that OCD is not always what it seems. Resources and links: Professor Paul Salkovskis' website Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Eli Lebowitz is an Associate Professor from Yale University who studies and treats childhood and adolescent anxiety. Eli is also the Program for Anxiety Disorders Director at the Yale Child Study Centre. His research focuses on the development, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety, but his passion lies in exploring cross-generational and family influences on anxiety and related disorders. In today's episode, Eli shares some ways clinicians can support parents if their children are diagnosed with OCD. He also details some of the reasons we might be getting it wrong in supporting families and explains how the SPACE program can help reduce family accommodation. Resources and links: Breaking Free of Anxiety - A Journey Through SPACE SPACE Treatment website Eli Lebowtiz’s website Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Crawford is an Educational and Development Psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting adults, children, adolescents, and their families with various mental health issues (including OCD). She is passionate about engaging parents in the support of their children and tailoring approaches to support her client's individual needs. Emily is also a 'Tuning in to Kids' facilitator and a mother of four young children herself. In today's episode, Emily breaks down all things meltdowns. She shares why kids have meltdowns, what parents can do when their child is melting down, and why it's so hard for parents to keep their cool when their child is having a meltdown. Plus, she shares a fascinating insight into what it means to 'flip your lid'. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Marie Karakis is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who works closely with neurodiverse young people, including those with autism, ADHD, and OCD. She is also the Director of Young Minds Psychology, a private practice that provides assessment, intervention, treatment, and school consultations. In today's episode, Marie shares her insights into the similarities and differences between autism and OCD in young people and what to consider when treating OCD in neurodiverse clients. Plus, Marie details some of the things she found most useful in her practice, such as the importance of forming client connections. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Emily O'Leary is an experienced Clinical Psychologist passionate about treating OCD and the Managing Director of three clinical psychology practices and one psychiatry practice. She also manages a consulting business that provides training and supervision to other psychologists in her areas of interest. Emily is committed to raising awareness of the complexity of disorders like OCD and anxiety, which she does via lectures, workshops, and online and print media in Australia and worldwide. In today's episode, Emily shares her knowledge of OCD and anxiety and how they present in clients that deal with both. She also details how to tease the two disorders apart and treat them appropriately. Plus, you'll hear about Emily's passion for advocacy and education, and she shares her experience of encouraging skill development in treatment. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanya Arabatzoudis is a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), specifically trichotillomania. She spent her postgraduate studies exploring how emotion regulation and trichotillomania were linked and now works with patients with OCD and BFRBs. In this episode, Tanya explains BFRBs and the current limitations on research into these behaviours. Tanya also breaks down how to use the SCAMP model in your practice and reminds us all how important it is to be able to 'go with the flow'. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine McGrath is a Senior Psychologist at the Melbourne Wellbeing Group. She has over 15 years of experience working with young people and families who are dealing with all sorts of mental health concerns, including OCD. In today's episode, Catherine shares her tips on when to include family in the treatment of a young person before detailing her experience working with younger clients with OCD. She then discusses ideas for how to have fun in therapy with games like 'Spot It'. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been leading up to this moment for the past few skills episodes. We have referenced ERP and talked about it, but what is it? So in this episode, we'll finally answer that question! We're also going to answer other frequently asked questions about ERP, such as do we need to do a hierarchy, aren't we just teaching distraction, and how does ERP work with the different subtypes of OCD? Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brydie Huggins is a school psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with young people in school settings. She's passionate about involving parents in the treatment process and delivering programs such as Tuning in to Kids, which helps teach an emotion coaching approach to parenting. In today's episode, Brydie explains the impact that schools can have on a young person's mental health and the importance of sound systems to support them in this environment. Plus, she shares an insight into the importance of setting boundaries as a practitioner to ensure you deliver the best support for your clients. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OCD is a complex disorder, and it's easy to feel stuck when it comes to treatment options, no matter the client's age. So what are the treatment options, and when should we use them? In today's episode, we're talking through the various types of treatment available for OCD, from psychological therapy to deep brain stimulation. Then, we'll share our insights into how you can get messy with treatment whilst remaining evidence-based in your work. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Michael Twohig is a well-renowned professor of psychology at Utah State University. His research includes exploration of acceptance and commitment therapy in OCD treatment, and he has published over 200 scholarly works and seven books. In today's episode, Michael explains the most common problems when treating OCD. He also talks us through his two most recent books, ACT in Steps, co-authored with Dr Michael Levin and Dr Clarissa Ong, and The Anxious Perfectionist, co-authored with Dr Clarissa Ong. This episode is part two of our conversation with Michael. Check out our last episode for the first part of our chat. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Michael Twohig is a professor of psychology at Utah State University, where he teaches and studies the use of acceptance and commitment therapy in OCD treatment. He co-runs the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Research Group and has published over 200 scholarly works, with funding from sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health and the I-OCD-F. In today's episode, Michael talks us through his research on acceptance and commitment therapy and its potential uses for OCD treatment in conjunction with ERP before sharing his insight into the importance of flexibility as a healthcare practitioner. This episode is part one of our two-part conversation with Michael. Tune in next time for part two. Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're back with another Skills episode, covering the OCD subtype we haven't discussed yet: Pure O. We'll be discussing where the term came from, why we're so confused by it, and what the research tells us about this unique subtype. In this episode, you'll hear us exploring and thinking out loud about Pure O. We talk about where the idea of Pure O came from, what it looks like in session, and how it can create confusion for clinicians and clients alike if it's misunderstood.   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Johanna Lynch is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland, as well as a General Practitioner. She presents to audiences internationally and across Australia, and conducts professional case consultation and coaching for GPs and multidisciplinary clinicians. In this episode, Johanna shares more about how the mind and body connection to healing is the missing link in most modern medicine. You'll be inspired by her wisdom and her carefully developed approach to distress that makes sure not to dismiss or ignore pain. Plus, an insight into her book, all about whole-person care. This episode is part two of our discussion with Johanna. Check out our previous episode for the first half of this enlightening conversation.   Resources and links: Purchase Johanna's book here   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Johanna Lynch is a General Practitioner and Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. Alongside presenting to audiences across the globe, Johanna works closely with GPs and students, teaching whole-person care and mental health skills.  In today's episode, Johanna shares how she came to work in the mental health industry and be a champion for whole-person care. She introduces us to the importance of listening in the healing process and details some of her research on using whole-person care to help create a sense of safety. This episode is part one of our two-part conversation with Johanna; keep an eye out for the second part in the coming weeks.   Resources and links: Purchase Johanna's book here   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we're exploring everything you need to know about themes and subtypes of OCD, and asking the critical question: do subtypes of OCD matter?  We talk about the different kinds of subtypes and how these may change throughout someone's life. We'll also explore when it might be helpful to categorise OCD subtypes with a client and give you a handy way of conceptualising themes of OCD using the analogy of form versus function.    Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Claire Cody is a Psychiatrist and the director at The Village Clinic, where she looks after infants, children and teens, alongside consulting for various hospitals around Melbourne. Claire has a passion for working holistically with young people and families and hearing their stories so they can work together towards recovery. In this episode, Claire shares her thoughts on the role psychiatry plays in treating mental health in young people and discusses best practices in establishing a multidisciplinary team that best supports families, before getting personal by sharing some of her own intrusive thoughts.    Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we dive into the all important question: How do we assess symptoms of OCD? Assessment of OCD doesn't always happen in one session - sometimes you need to work with someone for a long time before they reveal a part of themselves that then allows you to make a diagnosis.  And so on today's episode, we discuss OCD's symptoms according to the DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria, and the various types of assessments you can use when screening for OCD. And we also explore how to determine if someone's thoughts are egosyntonic or egodystonic (and what that even means!).   Resources and links:  Assessment scales for obsessive-compulsive disorder    Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Scott Blair-West is a consultant psychiatrist and the Co-founder and Medical Director of the OCD program at The Melbourne Clinic. Scott also works in private practice, as well as pro-bono for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. And … he also provides training on anxiety disorder management and CBT to trainees, psychologists and psychiatrists. In this episode, you'll hear about the role of psychiatry and medication in the treatment of OCD, the benefits of inpatient admissions and some of the interesting things Scott has learned during his career including… (wait for it!) his belief that providing reassurance to clients isn't always a bad thing!   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our very first episode! We're so excited to be kicking off our podcast today by explaining a common question we get: What is OCD? We'll be discussing everything from what obsessions and compulsions look like, to what happens in the brain when someone has OCD. In this episode, you'll learn about the complexities of OCD in a way that will help you and your clients understand it better. We also dive into the mechanisms behind how compulsive behaviours occur and why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is so effective in helping your clients gain more certainty.   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.