APN case presentation: Treating OCD with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

“Sex and Drugs and Thought Control: Treating OCD with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.”
Presenter: Dr Vincent Fogliati

About this presentation: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by unwanted thoughts, images, and impulses (obsessions), as well as mental or behavioural rituals that are employed to reduce anxiety and distress (compulsions). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with its explicit focus on the acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, appears well-placed to counteract some of the core avoidant processes of OCD. For example, the skill of cognitive defusion encourages clients to refrain from thought suppression, while willingness is designed to reduce the affective avoidance that often underpins compulsive rituals.

This case presentation describes the use of ACT to assist a client presenting with OCD. Specifically, the client reported fears of contamination by hallucinogenic drugs, as well as intrusive thoughts about having committed acts of infidelity. The six core therapeutic processes of ACT will be briefly presented, before a discussion of how these were applied to help the client manage their symptoms.

About the presenter: Dr Vincent Fogliati is a Clinical Psychologist at The Sydney ACT Centre, and a post-doctoral fellow at the eCentreClinic, Macquarie University. Vincent has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He has a particular interest in anxiety-based disorders, and his research has been published in a number of journals including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Pain.

Registration (closes 16th May): http://www.trybooking.com/PNDT

Cancellation Policy: No refunds, but attendee substitutions are allowed.