Several clinicians from the NOATC recently attended the 29thInternational OCD Foundation annual conference in Orlando, Florida. You might find yourself asking, “What the heck is that?” And the answer might depend on who you ask.
According to Amy, “It's nerd camp and the most wonderful time of the year.”
Jokes aside, there are two components to answering that. The first is, what is the International OCD Foundation?
“The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is the largest 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving a broad community of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their family members and loved ones, and the mental health professionals and researchers around the world.
What started as a small group seeking mutual support in 1986 has grown into an international organization with Affiliates in 31 states in the US, in addition to global partnerships with other OCD organizations and mental health non-profits around the world.” (iocdf.org)
Secondly, what is the Annual OCD Conference? The Annual OCD Conference is the largest national event focused solely on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. This extraordinary event brings together individuals with OCD, their loved ones, and mental health professionals under the same roof with the goal of educating attendees about the latest treatments, research, and practice in OCD and related disorders.
If you haven't had the chance to learn about the International OCD Foundation, we strongly encourage you to head over to www.iocdf.org. Additionally, whether you experience OCD, have a loved one who experiences OCD, or are a clinician or a researcher, the annual OCD conference is a wonderful way to learn about the latest updates, research, treatments on OCD amongst a community of individuals with aligned interests and experiences.
This year's conference was informative and educational. It was wonderful to connect with other clinicians, clinics, podcasters and community partners from around the world! Fun was also had at this year's conference, including a trip to TopGolf, karaoke, team meals and pup time! Our clinic had a number of clinicians that presented on a variety of topics. A list of which can be found below. We also had the chance to attended several sessions and learn from other great clinicians, researchers and individuals with lived experience from around the world.
· Amy Mariaskin, PhD and Katie Boyer, LCSW, MT-BC, lead a support group for transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse people with OCD.
· Katie Boyer, LCSW, MT-BC presented with Caitlin Pinciotti, Ph.D., Chris Trondsen, LMFT, and Lauren Wadsworth, Ph.D. ABPP for a presentation titled OCD and the"L" Word: Exploring the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ people with OCD.
· Amy presented with Nathan Peterson, LCSW, Josh Spitalnick, PhD, and Allison Solomon, PsyD on Finding and Fighting Fears, a Fun and Interactive Scavenger Hunt for Middle schoolers.
· Amy presented on a panel of individuals with lived experience titled Dispatches from the Family Tree: How Family Can Come Together to Address OCD."
· Judy Mier-Chairez, PhD, Chris Pursell, LCSW and Amy Jenks, PsyD conducted an interactive presentation titled “Ahoy Mateys! A Pirating Adventure for Kids.”
· Judy also presented with Terence Chiang, PhD and Marcia Rabinowits,PsyD on "IOCDF DEIAC: Who We Are, What We Do, and Where We're Headed."
· Kelly Flanagan, LPC-MHSP lead a workshop about the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder with Scott Granet, LCSW, and Chris Trondsen, LMFT
· Chris Pursell, LCSW and other board members from OCD Tennessee attended the IOCDF annual affiliate meeting.
This conference is aways action-packed, full of valuable and applicable education and a great time for connection and community. Next year marks the 30th year of this conference and we are already looking forward to it. More information about the 2025 Annual conference can be found here: iocdf.org
