The International OCD Foundation will hold their 24th Annual Conference from July 7 – 9. This year it will be held in San Francisco, and has become a great gathering event for therapists, researchers, children, adolescents, adults and family members. Every attendee will obtain more skills and education. In addition, those who struggle with OCD and OC related disorders will also receive inspiration and support.
The International OCD Foundation is the leading resource for the OCD community in the world. The organization expects more than 1,600 attendees to join others who share the struggles of OCD, yet hope for a more meaningful life.
For the past few years, the Mindset Family Therapy staff has had the opportunity to teach workshops at the conference. We feel privileged to be invited to do so again this year.
If you or your loved one is struggling with OCD, you should consider attending the Conference this year, or start planning to attend next year.
These are the workshops or groups our staff will be presenting this year:
Friday, July 7 • 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Yoga and Mindfulness for Teens
Explore the benefits of yoga and improved awareness, balance, flexibility, and relaxation and in a spirit of curiosity and self-discovery. In this class, teens will be guided through basic pranayama (breathing) practices to connect mind and body, and be introduced to a variety of asanas (poses) ranging from simple standing to more challenging balancing postures. As participants mindfully breathe, move, and stretch in new and exciting ways, they will develop confidence in and a deeper appreciation for the gift of the body.
Speaker: Laura Harper, MSW, CSW
Friday, July 7 • 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Relationship OCD Support and Psychoeducational Group
We know that OCD morphs, and as you go through life it will target what you care about the most. Many individuals are surprised to hear that OCD actually can target their relationship and quite often don’t understand how it happens. They often believe that their current feelings and situations may not be OCD. Uncertainty about your loved one doesn’t need to torment your everyday life. This support group will also provide essential information to help you recognize rOCD, such as recognizing cognitive distortions, red flags, and we will share ACT skills for you to start managing rOCD.
Speakers:
Annabella Hagen, MSW, LCSW
Nancy Larsen, MSW, CSW
Saturday, July 8 • 8:00am – 9:30am
ACTing your Way Through the OCD Storms
Life gets tricky when you are a teen, and may become even more topsy-turvy when OCD storms show up. This ACTion workshop will teach you how to listen with ACT ears, do what it takes to get through the OCD storms, and focus on what matters most in your life. ACT principles will be taught and reviewed through experiential exercises that include: ‘DOTS with Paddles,’ ‘The Arm Timeline,’ ‘Dancing in the Rain,’ ‘The Wrinkled Sock’, and ‘Demons on the Boat.’
Speakers:
Annabella Hagen, MSW, LCSW
Nancy Larsen, MSW, CSW
Saturday July 8, 2017 8:00am – 9:30am Golden Gate C1
Saturday, July 8 • 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Pedophilia OCD Psychoeducation and Support Group
Pedophilia OCD, also known as pOCD, is a disturbing illness due to intrusive sexual thoughts about children. Those who suffer from this form of OCD find themselves tormented with endless shame and guilt. ‘Did I look at that child inappropriately?’ ‘Was I aroused when I held my nephew/niece?’ ‘Does that police siren I hear mean that they are coming after me?’ We invite you to come and join us as we look at pOCD with understanding and self-compassion. We’ll process your concerns and questions and identify essential ACT skills to help you move through distress caused by OCD more effectively.
Speakers:
Annabella Hagen, MSW, LCSW
Nancy Larsen, MSW, CSW
Sunday, July 9 • 8:00am – 9:30am
Yoga and Mindfulness for Middle Schoolers
Explore the benefits of yoga improved awareness, balance, flexibility, and relaxation in a spirit of curiosity and self-discovery. In this class, middle schoolers will be guided through basic pranayama (breathing) practices to connect mind and body, and be introduced to a variety of asanas (poses) ranging from simple standing to more challenging balancing postures. As participants mindfully breathe, move, and stretch in new and exciting ways, they will develop confidence in and a deeper appreciation for the gift of the body.
Speaker: Laura Harper, MSW, CSW
Sunday July 9, 2017 8:00am – 9:30am
