Innovative Approaches to OCD Treatment: ERP and ACT in Practice

This continuing education event explores two evidence-based treatment approaches for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundations, intervention techniques, and clinical applications of both models. The event will highlight the strengths and limitations of each approach, provide case examples, and discuss emerging hybrid treatment models that integrate ERP and ACT principles.

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between the theoretical frameworks underlying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD treatment, specifically identifying how Relational Frame Theory differs from Emotional Processing Theory.
• Describe the core processes of ACT, including cognitive defusion, acceptance, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action as they apply to OCD treatment.
• Compare and contrast the mechanisms of change in ACT versus ERP, explaining how psychological flexibility differs from habituation as a treatment target.
• Analyze the current empirical evidence supporting ACT as an intervention for OCD, including efficacy rates, dropout rates, and quality of life outcomes compared to traditional ERP.
• Identify at least three specific ACT techniques that address obsessions and three techniques that address compulsions in OCD patients.
• Evaluate the clinical considerations for selecting between ACT and ERP approaches based on patient characteristics, treatment history, and clinical presentation.
• Apply ACT concepts to a case example of OCD, demonstrating how to implement defusion strategies, values-based interventions, and acceptance techniques with specific patient symptoms.
• Design an integrated treatment plan that incorporates elements of both ACT and ERP approaches for OCD, recognizing when and how to implement specific components from each modality.
• Assess treatment outcomes beyond symptom reduction, including functional improvement, quality of life, and psychological flexibility measures in accordance with ACT principles.
• Formulate appropriate clinical responses to treatment challenges in ACT for OCD, including addressing experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and barriers to values-based action.
• Comprehensively Define OCD and Its Clinical Framework
• Critically Evaluate Treatment Approaches for OCD
• Master the Fundamentals and Application of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Target Audience

Learning Levels

• Intermediate-Advance