Making Sense of Obsessions and Compulsions: Identifying and Treating OCD
Making Sense of Obsessions and Compulsions: Identifying and Treating OCD
Presented by Mike Heady
Friday, January 22, 2027
9:00 am to 12:15 pm (3 CEs)
Live by Zoom
Description:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects approximately 2% of the global population and is recognized by the World Health Organization as a serious condition driving significant disability. This presentation delivers an in-depth analysis of the modern architecture of OCD, tracing the path from how obsessions are formed to the precise functional role of compulsive responses.
Going beyond phenomenology, we will explore evidence-based treatment modalities focusing on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) and the proposed underlying mechanisms. By bridging theory with practical understanding, this presentation will equip clinicians with the clinical precision necessary to confidently assess, differentiate, and understand diverse OCD presentations.
Learning Objectives:
After participating in this workshop, attendees will be able to:
Discuss two prominent and distinct theories of how obsessions are formed.
Differentiate between the behavioral mechanisms of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and the cognitive mechanisms of Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) in clinical practice.
Build competency in case conceptualization from both treatment perspectives.
Analyze the strengths and limitations of each treatment approach and their evidence base.
Presenter Bio:
Mike Heady, LCPC, is the co-owner and co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute in Maryland, bringing over 18 years of specialized experience to the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. A former professor of psychology at McDaniel College and a current faculty member with the International OCD Foundation’s Training Institute, he combines academic rigor with practical clinical experience to support clinicians and clients alike. Mike is widely recognized for his leadership in advancing evidence-based treatments—particularly Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)—among U.S. clinicians and consumers through podcasts, webinars, and national training initiatives. In addition to supervising clinicians internationally, he regularly presents workshops on I-CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), with a specialized focus on helping clinicians understand and treat shame within anxiety and OCD-related presentations.
Continuing Education
Psychology Specialists of Maine (PSM) has been designated by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists as a pre-approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists in Maine. Our programs are led by experts and specialists who provide advanced clinical training focused on expanding interventions and techniques for therapists in agencies and private practice. These programs were designed to meet the continuing education requirements of psychologists, counselors, and social workers licensed in Maine. This event qualifies for 3 (three) CEs. All participants are requested to retain a copy of the event flyer and Certificate of Completion for documentation when renewing their license.
Need to Cancel?
Please review the Cancellation Policy for this event.