Clinicians will find the 10 step treatment program presented in this book invaluable in the diagnosis and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). This well researched, proven approach has helped many move beyond the anxiety that was keeping them stuck. In addition to clinicians, clients will benefit from reading and completing the numerous and helpful exercises.

There are three parts to this book. Part 1, discusses (step by step) the symptoms of OCD, the causes, and available treatments. Clinicians will become conversant in the various OCD subtypes, enabling the tailoring of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies relevant to client needs.

Part 2, Outlines (step by step) how to construct treatment and action plans for battling obsessions and compulsive rituals. Exercises are illustrated and explained to facilitate client movement and motivation.

Part 3, provides (step-by-step) instructions in the application of efficacious CBT techniques. These steps assist clients in changing the thinking, feelings, and behavioral patterns that keep OCD alive. The worksheets and forms will help clinicians enable clients to resolve OCD and steps for maintaining that improvement are included.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the clinician will be able to:

• Be aware of the criteria for the correct diagnosis of an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Know the therapeutic behaviors they must master to be effective in treating clients with OCD
• Understand how rituals and avoidance keep the cycle of OCD going
• Posses a greater understanding of how to use cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of OCD
• Be able to help clients understand their own OCD, their subtype, and how to be active in their own treatment
• Be able to articulate how to use and how not to use cognitive therapy strategies and when the use of medication is indicated or contraindicated
• Be cognizant of how to guide clients in maintaining healthy behaviors to prevent the return of avoidance and ritualistic patterns

Syllabus / Course Instructions

• The Course consists of reading the selected book, successfully completing an online posttest and filling out a course evaluation.
• The book is not included. It must be purchased separately. We have supplied a link to Amazon.com for your convenience.
• Purchasing your course will give you access to both a printable copy of the test and an online version. Print the test to use as a companion as you read the book and answer the questions.
• You cannot exit the online test once you begin, so have your answers available.

Additional Resources On This Site for CE

• The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know
  David J. Miklowitz, Ph.D.: 15 CE Credits
• Overcoming Bipolar Disorder
  by Bauer, Kilbourne, Greenwald, Ludman, and McBride: 10 CE Credits
• The Addictions Recovery Workbook
  by James E. Phelan: 5 CE Credits
• Hidden Addictions
  by Marilyn Freimuth: 8 CE Credits
• Spiritual Approaches in the Treatment of Women with Eating Disorders
  by P. Scott Richards, PhD, Randy K. Hardman, PhD, Michael E. Berrett, PhD: 9 CE Credits

Additional Resources Not On This Site

• Munford, Paul. Overcoming Compulsive Checking. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 2004
• De Silva, Padmal, and Rachman, Stanley. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Facts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004
• Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (OCF)
  PO Box 961029
  Silver Spring, MD 20910
  Website: www.adaa.org/About ADAA/ContactUS.asp

Intensive Treatment Program:
• Contact: Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD
  Department of Psychology, UNC-CH
  
• Campus Box 3270 (Davie Hall)
  Chapel Hill, NC 27599
  Phone: 919-843-8170
  email: ocdprogram@und.edu
  Website: www.jabramowitz.com

Bio: Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD

Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. Abramowitz founded and directed the OCD and Anxiety Disorders Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The National Institute of Mental Health, among others, has supported his award-winning research on OCD and he serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. He lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and two daughters.