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

Perfectionism. It’s a complicated trait that shows up a lot when working with OCD. It can present in a range of ways and can look like self-loathing, anger, people-pleasing, or even a strong sense of doubt and uncertainty in clients. In this skills episode, we dig into how perfectionism can manifest in a client, how it might present in a session, and how to address it when it does. 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.

This is the final part of our chat with Associate Professor of Psychology and convenor of the clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne, Dr Brett Deacon. In our previous conversations with Brett, he explained safety behaviours, accommodation behaviours from family and clinicians, and how accommodating behaviours that reduce discomfort can limit the efficacy of treatment for clients with OCD. In this episode, Brett expands on how clinicians can balance moving too quickly or too slowly in ERP. He also explains how he uses one simple and kind of gross demonstration in the classroom to teach future clinicians the importance of being bold and unafraid when working with clients. Resources and links: Purchase ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’ hereDr Brett Deacon at the University of MelbourneDr Brett Deacon on LinkedIn 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.

George Habib is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of Wellbeing Services at the University of Melbourne. Alongside this role, he's been working in his own clinical practice for over 25 years. His work, deeply rooted in trauma support and symptom interpretation, has shaped his leadership in health services and legal aid. In this episode, George tackles the clinician’s role in structured OCD treatment, highlighting the necessity of addressing deep-seated triggers. You’ll discover how a clinician’s strict adherence to protocols could influence the therapeutic journey. You’ll gain insights into how various therapeutic modalities can be integrated to effectively navigate the complexities of OCD 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.

In our last episode, Associate Professor of Psychology and convenor of the clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne, Dr Brett Deacon, explained the concept of safety behaviours and how to manage them in OCD treatment. In this episode, Brett dives into the data behind safety behaviours and accommodations. He expands on how making more accommodations can impact treatment and how clinician accommodations can be as limiting as parental or familial accommodations. Resources and links: Purchase ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’ hereDr Brett Deacon at the University of MelbourneDr Brett Deacon on LinkedIn 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.

Dr Brett Deacon is an Associate Professor of Psychology and convenor of the clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne. Brett has worked in the field of psychology for over 15 years with a focus on exposure therapy for anxiety and OCD. He has published many papers on therapist barriers to exposure therapy and strategies for overcoming them and is a co-author of ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’. Throughout the next three episodes, Brett explores the role of clinicians in exposure therapy and how their feelings could be holding back the client. In today’s episode, Brett addresses safety behaviours. He digs into what they are, the safety behaviours we all engage in, and how to manage safety behaviours when treating OCD. Resources and links: Purchase ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’ hereDr Brett Deacon at the University of MelbourneDr Brett Deacon on LinkedIn 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.

Guilt and shame are a normal part of the human experience. Where it can become a problem is when clients are unable to overcome, or even identify, guilt and shame they may be feeling which can lead to a “stuckness” in treatment that can be frustrating and upsetting. In this skills episode, we’ll explain the difference between guilt and shame, discuss telltale signs to look for in clients, and how to address these emotions if they are impacting 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.

Joanne Isbister is a Certified Genetic Counsellor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Jo has over 15 years of experience as a genetic counsellor and has clinical experience in perinatal, paediatric, and adult genetics. After Identifying a gap in local services, Jo is developing a clinical service at the RMH to provide equitable access to psychiatric genetic medicine for those in need. In today’s episode, Jo will explain what genetic counselling is and how it helps patients. She talks about the complexities of patient mental health histories and the implications of shame and stigma on patients. Jo also breaks down how genetic counselling can help mitigate some of the common fears for people living with mental illnesses around having children and passing on their genes. 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.

Penny Moodie is a Co-founder of So OCD and the Author of "The Joy Thief". Penny is a passionate OCD advocate and her book, “The Joy Thief” is a deeply personal exploration of OCD along with practical advice from mental health professionals. In this episode, Penny describes the experience of writing "The Joy Thief", the effect it had on her own OCD, and the things she learnt along the way. She also shares her hopes and wishes for others with OCD who want to reclaim their happiness from their condition. Resources and links: Purchase "The Joy Thief" 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.

One of the main roles of a clinician is to provide as much knowledge as possible when supporting clients in treatment. But when does knowledge and education, or psychoeducation as it's known, become a reassurance trap when treating OCD? In this skills episode, we'll explore how to detect if psychoeducation is bordering on reassurance, and how to navigate that with your client. We'll also discuss the importance of transparent conversations, how sometimes providing a little bit of reassurance is alright, and that even we clinicians have to learn to accept uncertainty. 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.

Dr Luca Cocchi is a Group Leader and Associate Professor at QIMR Berghofer, who is currently working on ways to improve TMS for its usage in OCD treatment. Dr Philip Mosley is a Psychiatrist and Clinician-Scientist at QIMR Berghofer, where he is currently researching DBS for treatment-refractory OCD. In this episode, Phillip explains deep brain stimulation (or DBS) and how it's being used to treat severe and treatment-resistant OCD. Phillip and Luca also discuss the outcomes of recent clinical trials and explain how accessible these treatments currently are for Australians. This episode is part two of our two-part conversation with Luca and Phillip. Check out our last episode to hear more about the neuroscience behind OCD, and the use of TMS for OCD 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.

Dr Luca Cocchi is a Group Leader and Associate Professor at QIMR Berghofer, where he is currently working on ways to improve TMS for its usage in OCD treatment. Dr Philip Mosley is a Psychiatrist and Clinician-Scientist at QIMR Berghofer, who is currently researching DBS for treatment-refractory OCD. In this episode, Luca and Phillip explain the neuroscience behind OCD, as well as what treatment-resistant OCD means and why it happens. Plus, Luca breaks down the exciting possibilities of transcranial magnetic stimulation (or TMS) for OCD. This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Luca and Phillip. Keep an eye out for part two, where Luca and Phillip dive deeper into the treatment possibilities of TMS and DBS. 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.

Welcome back to another skills episode! Today, we're covering something you may have heard mentioned a few times in our previous episodes: meditation. Mindfulness-based strategies can be incredibly useful for clients and clinicians alike, and there are many ways they can be helpful when integrated with ERP. In this episode, we'll explain why mindfulness is so important, and share how you can best teach it to your clients. You'll also hear us discuss why it's important for all of us to learn to feel our feelings, and to understand the difference between noticing thoughts and dismissing them. Plus, we'll share some ways you can start to scaffold mindfulness into your client's 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.

Hannah Gersh is a Psychologist and Clinical Registrar at the Melbourne Wellbeing Group. As an early-career psychologist, Hannah understands how nerve-wracking it can be to start in the industry, and is here to share her experiences to help ease the nerves of any other early-career psychologist. In this episode, Hannah shares how she found her way into working with OCD, as well as how she deals with nerves and feelings of inadequacy. She'll explain what she's found most useful for her development as an early-career psychologist, before sharing some advice for clinicians looking to get into the OCD treatment space. Resources and links: 'Freedom from OCD' by Jonathan Grayson 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.

Welcome back to our deep dive into creating ERP tasks, where we're continuing to explore the ways you can get creative in treatment, regardless of the presentation or the subtype. In this episode, we're exploring different ways to create ERP tasks in the context of pure OCD, and paedophilic OCD. We'll share the ways to help your clients interrupt mental compulsions, as well as how to create safe and appropriate tasks for managing paedophilic intrusive thoughts. Plus, we'll share how you can take the learnings from these subtypes, and apply them to creating ERP tasks in any context. This episode is part two of our two-part chat about how to create ERP tasks. Check out our previous episode, to hear us break down the foundations of creating ERP tasks, and the importance of collaboration and creativity in this process. 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.

Welcome back to another skills episode! This week, we're following on from our previous skills episode, "What is ERP?", with an episode on how to create ERP tasks. We'll be exploring all the ways you can break the rules and get creative with ERP, whilst still remaining evidence based in treatment. In this episode, we'll explore how to design exposure tasks for OCD, regardless of the subtype. We'll also share how important it is to stay collaborative, creative, and courageous — regardless of whether you're a client or clinician. This episode is part one of our two-part chat about how to create ERP tasks. Keep an eye out for our next episode, where we'll dive even deeper into the techniques you can use to create ERP tasks. 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.

Penny Moodie and Rosie Frankish are the Co-founders of the So OCD website, a resource built to provide local support for Australians with OCD. Penny Moodie is an OCD advocate, with a background in media and communications, who is currently studying for a social work degree whilst writing a book about OCD. Rosie Frankish has a background in psychology and currently works in the community mental health sector, developing and delivering specialist mental health and homelessness programs across Victoria. In this episode, Penny and Rosie discuss all things family support, including what they believe family members need to know whilst supporting their loved ones through treatment. Plus, Penny and Rosie share some of their personal experiences with intrusive thoughts, and how they've changed throughout their lives. This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Penny and Rosie. Check out our last episode to hear how and why they founded So OCD, and what they want clinicians to know about what OCD treatment is like. Resources and links: So OCD 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.

Penny Moodie and Rosie Frankish are the Co-founders of So OCD, a website resource built to provide local support for Australians with OCD. Penny Moodie is an OCD advocate, with a background in media and communications, who is currently writing a book about OCD whilst studying for a social work degree. Rosie Frankish has a background in psychology and currently works in the community mental health sector, where she is involved in the development and delivery of specialist mental health and homelessness programs across Victoria. In this episode, Penny and Rosie share their stories of being diagnosed with and living with OCD, and also what their personal journeys in therapy have been like. They explain the things that they have found helpful in treatment and everyday life, and what they want clinicians to know, from the perspective of someone who is in treatment for OCD. This episode is part one of our two-part conversation with Penny and Rosie. Join us next time for part two, where they'll dive deeper into their own experiences with OCD, and in particular, how families can support their loved ones in treatment. Resources and links: So OCD 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.

Navigating the process of supporting loved ones in treatment can feel like walking through a minefield. It's easy to question if it's appropriate to involve yourself in the treatment process, where the boundaries lie, and how to even begin. These questions can feel overwhelming and often lead to us doing nothing at all. In this skills episode, we discuss how clinicians can expand their treatment plans to include a client's family and friends, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries. We'll also emphasise the importance of accessing knowledge, practising self-care, communicating, and holding space for grief for those who are supporting a loved one in treatment. Resources and links: International OCD Foundation websiteSo OCD websiteNatasha Daniels - YouTubeAn OCD Kids MovieObsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Made of Millions Foundation'Daring to Challenge OCD' by Joan Davidson'The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD' by Jonathan Abramowitz 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.

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.

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.