Description:
Join Jeff Szymanski, PhD and Max Maisel, PhD as they act out role plays, engage your case consultation questions, and guide you through small group practice related to skill building. If you are wanting to integrate ACT into your ERP practice - this experiential session (only available live) could be for you! This session is not be recorded for playback is not eligible for CEs.

About Your Trainer:
Jeff Szymanski, PhD

Jeff Szymanski, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of “Getting to the Next Level Consulting”, a firm specializing in clinical and organizational consultation for mental health professionals at all levels. With more than 25 years as a leader in mental health, Dr. Szymanski is a senior clinician, consultant, trainer, and administrator. He previously served as the Executive Director of the International OCD Foundation for 15 years following his role as the Director of Psychological Services at the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital. Currently, Dr. Szymanski is a Clinical Instructor in Psychology (part-time) at Harvard Medical School, where he supervises pre-doctoral psychology interns through McLean Hospital’s internship program. He is the author of “The Perfectionist’s Handbook”, and he has appeared in over 150 media stories, presented at a multitude of conferences, as well as delivering several domestic and international trainings.


Max Maisel, PhD

Dr. Max Maisel is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults with OCD and anxiety disorders using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).  He is especially  passionate about working with individuals with comorbid body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) or tics/Tourette Syndrome, and seamlessly integrating conceptualization of these concerns into their overall treatment plan. Dr. Maisel  is the founder and CEO of Beachfront Anxiety Specialists, a boutique group practice in Los Angeles with 7 clinicians, all who work primarily with OCD, anxiety, and OCD related disorders. He is a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and is the president elect for the Southern California Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavior Science (ACBS). Dr. Maisel has  provided workshops to thousands of clinicians through organizations such as Simple Practice LLC, California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy-Long Beach/South Bay Chapter, and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science-SoCal chapter. He has also conducted trainings for doctoral programs at Cal Lutheran University, Loyola Marymount University, and California State University at Northridge. Additionally, Dr. Maisel has been featured as a guest on several podcasts, discussing a range of OCD and anxiety-related topics. Some notable appearances include “Your Anxiety Toolkit” by Kimberly Quinlan, LMFT, and “Mindstories” with Josephine McNary, MD. To find out more about Dr. Maisel and his practice, you can visit https://beachfrontanxiety.com/

Description:
Not only do trauma and PTSD frequently co-occur with OCD, they are likely to intersect with OCD in etiology, form, and function. This presentation will provide an overview of the various ways that trauma and PTSD can intersect with OCD, best practices for assessing and conceptualizing these co-occurring concerns, and recommendations for using exposure therapy more holistically to address these complex intersections and achieve more lasting improvement in symptoms and wellbeing. The presenter will take curated Q&A from the audience as time allows.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Differentiate similarly presenting and functioning symptoms of OCD and PTSD.

• Explain the similarities and differences in exposure therapy approaches for OCD and PTSD

• Apply what is learned about exposure therapy for co-occurring OCD and trauma/PTSD to their own clients

CE Information (more info below):
NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Caitlin Pinciotti, PhD

Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Pinciotti’s research focuses on the assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of OCD, trauma, and PTSD, and she has a secondary interest in OCD in the LGBTQIA+ community. She has published more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, given more than 60 peer-reviewed conference presentations, and has led more than 50 invited trainings and workshops for hospitals, clinics, academic institutions, and foundations across the globe. Dr. Pinciotti was the recipient of the 2024 Hartford Hospital Institute of Living Bicentennial Lectureship Award for her work developing and disseminating justice-based exposure and response prevention for identity-related OCD.

Description:
Anxiety Sensitivity—the fear of anxiety-related sensations—is a powerful transdiagnostic risk factor across panic disorder, OCD, health anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and more. This training provides clinicians with a clear understanding of the cognitive and physiological mechanisms underlying anxiety sensitivity and practical, evidence-based interventions to address it. Participants will learn how to assess anxiety sensitivity, incorporate interoceptive exposure and cognitive strategies, and integrate this work into CBT, ACT, and exposure-based treatments.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Define anxiety sensitivity and differentiate it from trait anxiety, generalized worry, and physiological arousal.

• Describe the cognitive, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms through which anxiety sensitivity contributes to the development and maintenance of panic disorder, OCD, health anxiety, and trauma-related conditions.

• Assess anxiety sensitivity using validated tools and clinical interviewing strategies, and incorporate findings into case conceptualization and treatment planning.

• Implement at least three evidence-based interventions targeting anxiety sensitivity, including interoceptive exposure and cognitive or acceptance based strategies, within CBT or exposure-based treatment frameworks.

CE Information (more info below):
NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Gina Abbondante, LCSW
Gina began her education at Rider University, with a Bachelors of Psychology and concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. She went on to obtain a Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University in 2009, and completed her clinical licensure in 2012. During that time, she worked for Virtua Hospital’s The Center for Women in Lumberton. There, Gina counseled women experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, and birth trauma.

Gina’s specialty and passion is treating anxiety disorders and OCD, particularly in pregnancy and postpartum. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Inference-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. In addition to treating clients, Gina also provides clinical supervision for LSWs and LACs looking to obtain clinical licensure, and consultation for training and tough cases.

Katie Marrotte, LCSW
Katie is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the treatment of OCD. Katie has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Health and Mental Health from the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. Social work focuses not just on pathology, but also looks at human development through a lens of policy, social justice, and social welfare to give a more complete look at factors affecting people on a grander scale. This background in social justice contributes to her passion for pursuing a more robust set of skills for treating OCD, as well as advocating for multifaceted treatment approaches and competency for OCD specialists.

Katie also runs a private practice offering Inference-Based CBT and Exposure Response Prevention for OCD. Katie believes that the most effective approach for treating OCD should be evidence based, multifaceted, and most importantly, informed by the needs of the client.

Carl Robbins, LCPC
Carl Robbins LCPC is a psychotherapist with nearly 40 years experience in treating OCD and anxiety disorders. He is the Director of Training at the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland and a clinical instructor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Mr. Robbins was one of the first US clinicians to use Inference-based CBT and remains committed to helping to disseminate this approach through training, consulting, podcasting, and using social media.

Description:
A common clinical issue for clients struggling with anxiety and mood disorders is shame. It is widely noted that not addressing shame can impact treatment readiness, engagement, and even outcomes. Outside of compassion focused exercises commonly integrated into treatment, there are few practical assessments and interventions for identifying and treating shame. In this workshop we will discuss the clinical significance of distinguishing adaptive shame from maladaptive shame and how it’s different from guilt. We will demonstrate how to functionally assess four specific domains shame commonly impacts. Lastly, through case examples, we will elaborate on cognitive behavioral and interpersonal interventions that go beyond integrating self-compassion into treatment.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Integrate CBT and interpersonal interventions to reduce maladaptive shame.

• Identify 4 domains of functioning where shame can present.

• Distinguish adaptive and normal shame from maladaptive dysfunctional shame.

CE Information (more info below):
NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Mike Heady, LCPC

Mike Heady, LCPC is a full-time clinician and the Co-Owner & Co-Director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland (ASDI) where he has specialized in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions for the last 16-years. He is a faculty member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDFs) Training Institute and a Clinical Fellow with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). As a former adjunct professor of psychology at McDaniel College and a regular presenter at annual conferences for the IOCDF and ADAA, Mike has a passion for learning and teaching. He provides clinical consultation to therapists and has produced numerous professional webinars for organizations including ADAA, IOCDF, NOCD as well as group practices and clinics across the U.S. on topics related to OCD treatment as well as training in ERP and I-CBT. He has appeared on several podcasts discussing I-CBT, ERP, shame, intimacy, perfectionism and other OCD and anxiety related issues.

Description:
Standardized Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) models, while effective, often fall short when addressing the unique symptom presentations and treatment adherence challenges faced by clients from diverse backgrounds. This advanced training moves beyond basic cultural competence to explore how intersecting identities—including racial/ethnic, religious, and military cultural contexts—shape the content of obsessions, influence avoidance behaviors, and interact with the systemic issues clients face. Using three in-depth case studies, participants will analyze the influence of current sociopolitical stressors (e.g., systemic racism, minority stress, political polarization) as both sources and exacerbating factors for OCD symptoms. The workshop emphasizes the critical need for advanced, evidence-based adaptations to traditional ERP and commitment strategies to ensure ethical and effective treatment for every client.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Analyze Contextual Influence: Identify how racial/ethnic minority stress, specific religious dogma, and military cultural norms influence the content and presentation of OCD symptoms, differentiating culturally normative beliefs from pathological obsessions.

• Evaluate Sociopolitical Impact: Analyze the role of current sociopolitical issues (e.g., discrimination, institutional bias) as compounding factors or direct content sources for OCD symptoms (e.g., fears of harm/contamination tied to political violence, social justice scrupulosity).

• Adapt Advanced ERP: Develop and justify at least three evidence-based adaptations to standard Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and inhibitory learning strategies to better address OCD that is intrinsically tied to a client’s cultural identity or sociopolitical environment, using case examples.

CE Information (more info below):

NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Michelle Ruiz Deal, LPC-S

Michelle Ruiz Deal, LPC-S, is the Founder and Clinical Director of OnHealing Therapy, a mental health practice specializing in anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergent care in San Antonio, Texas.

With eight years of experience, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor focusing on complex cases where OCD intersects with PTSD and eating disorders. As a proud Latine woman and veteran, Michelle offers bilingual (English/Spanish) and culturally responsive care to veteran, first responder, and equity-seeking populations. She is a dedicated advocate and sought-after speaker, actively challenging mental health stigma using evidence-based treatments like ERP and CPT.

Description:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) remains the gold standard for OCD treatment, yet clinicians frequently encounter challenges maintaining client willingness throughout the treatment process. This presentation introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a clinical adjunct—not a replacement—for evidence-based OCD treatment, offering practical tools for supporting client engagement before, during, and after exposure tasks. Participants will learn to conceptualize resistance as protective parts with understandable fears, distinguish Self-led from parts-led ERP, and apply a four-step supportive communication protocol to build internal willingness at every phase of treatment. This session is not be recorded for playback is not eligible for CEs.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Differentiate three common resistance patterns in OCD treatment (avoidance, reassurance-seeking, subtle non-compliance) and reconceptualize them as protective parts using IFS language.

• Distinguish between Self-led and parts-led engagement in ERP, recognizing clinical indicators of each.

• Apply a four-step supportive communication protocol before exposures to assess and build internal willingness.

• Utilize IFS-informed check-ins during and after exposure tasks to maintain engagement and consolidate learning.
  

About Your Trainer:
Melissa Mose, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD and related disorders. She is IFS Level 3 Certified, a graduate of the IOCDF Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), and currently serves as President of OCD Southern California. With 30 years of clinical experience—15 specializing in OCD—Melissa has developed an integrative approach combining Internal Family Systems therapy with evidence-based OCD treatment. She is the author of Internal Family Systems Therapy for OCD: A Clinician's Guide (PESI, 2024). Melissa maintains a private practice in Calabasas, California, and trains clinicians internationally through her professional training program at ifsforocd.com.

Description:
The growing interest in I-CBT gives us a new way of thinking about and treating OCD. Since PTSD is a common co-occurring condition (approximately 25% of those with OCD will experience PTSD at some point in their lives), we have the opportunity to look at OCD+PTSD cases through a new lens as well. EMDR and CPT are both evidence-based treatments for PTSD. This session will use the evidence-base of each modality (I-CBT, EMDR, and CPT) to demonstrate clinical considerations for how they may be applied together to treat co-occurring OCD+PTSD.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Adapt I-CBT modules to identify potential targets/index event for further consideration for EMDR/CPT.

• Distinguish between the Feared Possible Self in OCD and negative cognitions/stuck points in PTSD.

• Utilize EMDR/CPT to work through specific negative cognitions/stuck points that are dynamic to OCD inferences.

CE Information (more info below):

NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW

Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW owns and operates a private practice where she specializes in OCD and PTSD. Bronwyn provides training and consultation in I-CBT, and is a co-founder of OCD Training School. She is also an EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant. Bronwyn is certified in Ex/RP (ERP) by UPenn's Center for the Study and Treatment of Anxiety. She is the co-chair of the International OCD Foundation's I-CBT Special Interest Group.

Description:
There is now clear evidence in emerging literature that contamination OCD based on disgust is processed in a different part of the brain versus fear, in long-term memory, and often does not respond to traditional habituation-model ERP therapy. Getting stuck with clients who present with primarily disgust rather than anxiety? Bring your cases to this session on the presenter’s Mastery approach, featuring live role-playing and curated Q&A from the audience.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Describe the differences between fear-based and disgust-based contamination OCD, and their implications for treatment strategy.

• Apply the Mastery approach, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for treating contamination OCD – particularly for cases involving disgust and/or other non-habituating triggers.

• Apply knowledge from the role-play of actual case examples of disgust-based contamination OCD to demonstrate how to apply the Mastery approach in these cases, including treatment planning, use of judicious safety behaviors versus gradual exposure, basing practice sessions around client readiness, measuring progress, and more.

CE Information (more info below):

NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Rich Gallagher, LMFT

Rich Gallagher LMFT is a therapist specializing in anxiety and OCD treatment, based in Ithaca, NY. He is a 2014 graduate of the IOCDF’s intensive BTTI clinical training program for OCD treatment, has presented at multiple IOCDF conferences, and developed the OCD Training School course Treating Contamination OCD.

Rich’s book The Contamination OCD Workbook, the first-ever workbook on this topic, was an Amazon #1 bestseller on OCD. His Mastery approach has been featured in numerous podcasts, CEU programs and conference workshops, and he consults with treatment providers worldwide.

He is also the author of numerous self-help books on anxiety disorders and communications skills for major publishers, including a finalist for 2008 Business Book of the Year. His titles include Stay Calm, It’s Just Your Brain (Callisto/Penguin Putnam 2024), The Anxiety Journal (Rockridge Press, 2022), Stress-Free Small Talk (Rockridge Press, 2019), How to Tell Anyone Anything (AMACOM/HarperCollins, 2009), and many others.

Description:
OCD and neurodivergence can look strikingly similar—yet require very different clinical responses. This course helps clinicians untangle overlapping features of OCD, autism, ADHD, and related presentations using a function-based, neuro-affirming framework. Through real-world case examples, participants will learn to avoid common diagnostic missteps and apply thoughtful adaptations to ERP and other evidence-based treatments that reduce suffering without pathologizing neurodivergent identity.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Analyze neurodivergence, neuro-affirming care, and OCD processes

• Diagnose look-alike behaviors by function, distress, flexibility

• Appraise diagnostic pitfalls in OCD + ND overlap

• Prepare neuro-affirming adaptations to ERP, ACT, and I-CBT

• Demonstrate screening and formulation tools

CE Information (more info below):

NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Gina Abbondante, LCSW

Gina began her education at Rider University, with a Bachelors of Psychology and concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. She went on to obtain a Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University in 2009, and completed her clinical licensure in 2012. During that time, she worked for Virtua Hospital’s The Center for Women in Lumberton. There, Gina counseled women experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, and birth trauma.

Gina’s specialty and passion is treating anxiety disorders and OCD, particularly in pregnancy and postpartum. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Inference-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. In addition to treating clients, Gina also provides clinical supervision for LSWs and LACs looking to obtain clinical licensure, and consultation for training and tough cases.

Kim Cox, LMFT
Kim is an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and consultant with a strong background in clinical practice, managing clinical programs and teaching. With over 12 years of experience supporting families, children, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings, she specializes in treating anxiety and OCD using ACT informed ERP and supporting loved ones of those with lived experience with anxiety and/or OCD through parent/family- focused approaches including SPACE/SPACE-FTL and Family Wellbeing Program Approach (FWPA). Further, Kim specializes in working with the intersection of OCD, ADHD, AuDHD or Autism with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming care. Her approach integrates specialized practices to effectively address the systemic impacts of anxiety and OCD on individuals with lived experience and their loved ones who are motivated to support their treatment goals and needs.

Description:
This presentation will include an overview of the existing research on OCD among LGBTQIA+ individuals, including how identity-based stressors often intersect with symptoms. Next,  recommendations for treating OCD in LGBTQIA+ clients (inclusive intakes, culturally responsive case conceptualization, etc.) will be shared. Finally, case consultation will be offered to attendees who have brought challenging cases.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Describe several ways in which identity-based stress can intersect with OCD symptoms

• List 3 ways to increase cultural responsiveness in intakes and treatment planning

• Apply what is learned to their own work with LGBTQIA+ clients with OCD

CE Information (more info below):

NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE

About Your Trainer:
Caitlin Pinciotti, PhD

Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Pinciotti’s research focuses on the assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of OCD, trauma, and PTSD, and she has a secondary interest in OCD in the LGBTQIA+ community. She has published more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, given more than 60 peer-reviewed conference presentations, and has led more than 50 invited trainings and workshops for hospitals, clinics, academic institutions, and foundations across the globe. Dr. Pinciotti was the recipient of the 2024 Hartford Hospital Institute of Living Bicentennial Lectureship Award for her work developing and disseminating justice-based exposure and response prevention for identity-related OCD.

Lauren Wadsworth, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Lauren Wadsworth is a board certified clinical psychologist passionate about expanding access to evidence-based mental health treatments as well as furthering diversity and inclusion efforts. She is the founding director of Genesee Valley Psychology (GVP), an insurance-based clinic providing financially accessible evidence-based treatment to the Western NY area, with offices in Rochester and Buffalo. Dr. Wadsworth is also the founding director of Meridian Psychology Practice, a private-pay clinic serving NY, MA, and GA. Passionate about increasing access to evidence-based training, she is a co-founder of the Mental Health Network and Training Institute offering app-based training and consultations. She is the co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers, a consultation company offering diversity and identity-related trainings for organizations and leadership, and co-authored a related book: Did That Just Happen?! Beyond "Diversity" -Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations. Finally, she is a Clinical Senior Instructor in Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

Description:
Interested in speaking with Melissa Mose about your OCD cases through an IFS lens? Melissa can help guide you regarding when IFS may or may not be a good fit with aspects of your cases. This session is not be recorded for playback is not eligible for CEs.
About Your Trainer:
Melissa Mose, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD and related disorders. She is IFS Level 3 Certified, a graduate of the IOCDF Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), and currently serves as President of OCD Southern California. With 30 years of clinical experience—15 specializing in OCD—Melissa has developed an integrative approach combining Internal Family Systems therapy with evidence-based OCD treatment. She is the author of Internal Family Systems Therapy for OCD: A Clinician's Guide (PESI, 2024). Melissa maintains a private practice in Calabasas, California, and trains clinicians internationally through her professional training program at ifsforocd.com.