Helping Non-CBT Therapists Work Safely with OCD: Study and On-Demand Training

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which has proven to be very effective for many. However, many therapists who are not specifically trained in CBT feel uncertain or underprepared when faced with OCD cases while also making some navigable mistakes. This gap in training can lead to unnecessary worsening of symptoms. Recognising this challenge, I conducted and published a study, and created an on-demand training resource to help non-CBT therapists work safely and effectively with OCD clients, and offer guidance on how and when to refer on for specialist OCD therapy.

In my study co-authored with Prof. Mick Cooper, ‘Brief humanistic counselling with an adolescent client experiencing obsessive-compulsive difficulties: A theory-building case study’ published in Counselling and Pyschotherapy Research (2022), I explored a single case of brief humanistic counselling for OCD and identified some issues with the therapy around the client’s OCD symptoms. This case study used data from the ETHOS trial.

Building on the findings of my study, I developed the on-demand training, "Working Safely with OCD", which provides insight into OCD, psychoeducation for OCD, 12 mistakes made in talk therapy, simple practical tools, and when and how to refer clients on for specialist OCD treatment. Available on Vimeo, this training aims to equip non-CBT therapists with essential knowledge for safely engaging clients with OCD, and teaching some ways to manage OCD symptoms without exacerbating them while they work with other issues the client has brought to therapy.

Sometimes clients with OCD don’t want to work on their OCD, or they have previously and want to navigate other relational issues, or they are on a waitlist for OCD targeted CBT work. This course aims to support non-CBT therapists to navigate the challenge of OCD so they can better support these clients on other things they wish to address in therapy at this time. 

These resources aim to empower therapists, reduce the stigma around OCD treatment, and prevent the common mistakes that can happen in talk therapy. By providing this training, I hope to bridge the gap and ensure that clients with OCD can receive the support they need in a safe and informed environment.

To find out more about the course and to access it visit: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/workingsafelywithocd

To view the centre’s other trainings please visit: LIVE or On-demand.