Date course created: March 2025
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been found to be effective for a wide range of clinical presentations, including anxiety, depression, substance use, pain, and transdiagnostic difficulties (Gloster et al., 2020). Since ACT was first studied in 1986, there have been over 1,039 randomized controlled trials examining ACT (Hayes, 2019). ACT has been studied in its application to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and studies have found that clients who receive ACT for OCD experience reduction in OCD symptoms, as well as additional reduction in concurrent depressive symptoms (Evey & Steinman, 2023; Philip & Cherian, 2021, Twohig et al., 2014; Twohig et al., 2010, Twohig et al., 2018). Rather than viewing OCD as a deficit or dysfunction, ACT uses a functional contextual approach to place the problem in the way one reacts to obsessive thoughts and urges, and how one becomes rigid in one’s behavioral responses in their contexts. ACT uses six core processes of change to reduce suffering and improve quality of life (Hayes et al., 2012). Each of the core processes of ACT are used to shift from OCD-based behaviors to connecting with one’s values in the face of obsessive thoughts and urges.
This workshop builds on the strong efficacy of ACT for OCD to provide attendees with an on-demand experience of the ACT core processes at work when ACT is integrated into Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of ACT and its theoretical basis for application to OCD treatment. Experiential exercises and case studies will be used to help participants see firsthand how ACT can be combined with Exposure and Responsive Prevention for enhanced treatment of OCD. Participants will leave with a strong understanding of how to engage clients in ACT for effective treatment of OCD, that not only reduces OCD symptoms, but leads to a more values-aligned life.
**This is a 5.75-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform**
Agenda:
00:00 – 00:30: Introduction, Working with Religious and Cultural Factors, The Dangers of Perfectionism
00:30 – 01:00: Introduction to the Hexaflex Model, Common Thoughts in OCD, Navigating Thoughts During Turbulence
01:00 – 01:40: New Therapeutic Approaches, Psychological Flexibility, Acceptance, The Temptation to Avoid Discomfort
01:40 – 02:40: Understanding OCD and Values
02:40 – 03:10: Case Study, Exposure and Willingness, OCD Symptoms and Assessment Tools
03:10 – 04:00: Willingness & Perspectives in Exposure Therapy, Empowering Clients & Real Risks in Exposure Therapy
04:00 – 04:45: Fears, Distressing Thoughts, Accepting the Passage of Time, Mindful Self-Compassion, Anticipation
04:45 – 05:15: Metaphors for Self-Observation, Integrating Therapeutic Approaches, Process-Based Change in Therapy
05:13 – 05:52: Navigating Intrusive Thoughts, Present Moment Awareness, Introducing ACT to Clients
Objectives:
This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:
a). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the core tenets, principles, and underlying theory of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy applied to OCD.
b). After completing this training, participants will be able to explain each of the six core processes of ACT and their application to OCD.
c). After completing this training, participants will be able to illustrate how ACT interventions can help individuals with OCD build psychological flexibility.
d). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify and describe how to move fluidly through core processes in moment-to-moment experiences in session.
e). After completing this training, participants will be able to explain how to create values-based exposures for OCD, based on willingness and values.
f). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe how to use cognitive defusion to notice and disengage from OCD-based thoughts and compulsive urges.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this event includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, MFT’s, psychiatrists and other clinical mental health professionals.
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Emily Wharton, PsyD
Material Author(s): Emily Wharton, PsyD
For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.
Course Materials & Delivery Method:
- Course Materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
- Delivery Method – This course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.
CE Approvals:
Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not quality for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2024 – July 23, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive 5.75 clinical continuing education credits.
Other Helpful Information:
- Refund & Cancellation Policy – You may review this policy at any time by clicking here.
- Accessibility Accommodations – If you require a reasonable accommodation for any reason, please email your request to cc@onlinececredits.com
- Course Completion Requirements – 1.) View the entire Lesson module (accessible from the main course page), to include the embedded and/or linked presentation video(s), slide deck, additional materials, and/or links to any shared video clip(s) that may have been edited from the presentation video(s) to comply with copyright laws. 2.) Click into the Quiz module accessible from either the main course page or the Lesson page and complete the Quiz with an 80% or better pass rate. 3.) Complete the course evaluation – you’ll be sent to the evaluation automatically once you successfully pass the Quiz.
- Posttest Requirements – You must answer 80% or more of the Quiz questions correctly to pass. If you fail to pass the first time, you may attempt the quiz again until you are able to pass with a score of 80% or better. Quizzes are graded instantly and automatically by the learning management system once your attempt is submitted.
- Certificate of Completion – Certificates of completion are automatically generated – downloadable from your Dashboard and emailed to you – once you view the Lesson materials and complete the Quiz and the course evaluation.
- How to Enroll – Login to the website first if you already have a user account. If not, you will create your permanent user account login information during course enrollment. Select the appropriate course library using the top menu of the website. Once inside your chosen course library, find and select your desired course to be taken to the main course page. Click the button on the top banner to enroll. When the order window pops up, enter your details and place your order. You will be emailed an enrollment confirmation message, and you’ll be sent to a landing page instructing you how to begin your newly enrolled course.
- System Requirements –
- Recommended Devices: Desktop, Laptop, or Tablet computer. (Note: Our platform is mobile responsive and may be fully accessed from a connected smartphone).
- Suggested Browsers: Updated version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.
- Recommended Network: Home wi-fi, ethernet, or a public wi-fi with VPN (Note: agency or corporate networks are often equipped with restrictive firewalls that may adversely impact your experience on our platform).
- Recommended speed/bandwidth: Minimum download speed > 20Mbps and minimum upload speed > 6Mbps.