Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCD Dr Celin Gelgec and Dr Victoria Miller

This is the final part of our chat with  Associate Professor of Psychology and convenor of the clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne, Dr Brett Deacon.

In our previous conversations with Brett, he explained safety behaviours, accommodation behaviours from family and clinicians, and how accommodating behaviours that reduce discomfort can limit the efficacy of treatment for clients with OCD.

In this episode, Brett expands on how clinicians can balance moving too quickly or too slowly in ERP. He also explains how he uses one simple and kind of gross demonstration in the classroom to teach future clinicians the importance of being bold and unafraid when working with clients.

 

Resources and links:


Purchase ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’ here
Dr Brett Deacon at the University of Melbourne
Dr Brett Deacon on LinkedIn

 

Connect:


https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/
http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

George Habib is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of Wellbeing Services at the University of Melbourne. Alongside this role, he's been working in his own clinical practice for over 25 years. His work, deeply rooted in trauma support and symptom interpretation, has shaped his leadership in health services and legal aid.

In this episode, George tackles the clinician’s role in structured OCD treatment, highlighting the necessity of addressing deep-seated triggers. You’ll discover how a clinician’s strict adherence to protocols could influence the therapeutic journey. You’ll gain insights into how various therapeutic modalities can be integrated to effectively navigate the complexities of OCD treatment.

 

Connect:


https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/
http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

In our last episode, Associate Professor of Psychology and convenor of the clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne, Dr Brett Deacon, explained the concept of safety behaviours and how to manage them in OCD treatment.

In this episode, Brett dives into the data behind safety behaviours and accommodations. He expands on how making more accommodations can impact treatment and how clinician accommodations can be as limiting as parental or familial accommodations.

 

Resources and links:


Purchase ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’ here
Dr Brett Deacon at the University of Melbourne
Dr Brett Deacon on LinkedIn

 

Connect:


https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/
http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Dr Brett Deacon is an Associate Professor of Psychology and convenor of the clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne. Brett has worked in the field of psychology for over 15 years with a focus on exposure therapy for anxiety and OCD. He has published many papers on therapist barriers to exposure therapy and strategies for overcoming them and is a co-author of ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’.

Throughout the next three episodes, Brett explores the role of clinicians in exposure therapy and how their feelings could be holding back the client.

In today’s episode, Brett addresses safety behaviours. He digs into what they are, the safety behaviours we all engage in, and how to manage safety behaviours when treating OCD.

 

Resources and links:


Purchase ‘Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice’ here
Dr Brett Deacon at the University of Melbourne
Dr Brett Deacon on LinkedIn

 

Connect:


https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/
http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Guilt and shame are a normal part of the human experience. Where it can become a problem is when clients are unable to overcome, or even identify, guilt and shame they may be feeling which can lead to a “stuckness” in treatment that can be frustrating and upsetting.

In this skills episode, we’ll explain the difference between guilt and shame, discuss telltale signs to look for in clients, and how to address these emotions if they are impacting treatment.

 

Connect:


https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/
http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Joanne Isbister is a Certified Genetic Counsellor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Jo has over 15 years of experience as a genetic counsellor and has clinical experience in perinatal, paediatric, and adult genetics. After Identifying a gap in local services, Jo is developing a clinical service at the RMH to provide equitable access to psychiatric genetic medicine for those in need.

In today’s episode, Jo will explain what genetic counselling is and how it helps patients. She talks about the complexities of patient mental health histories and the implications of shame and stigma on patients. Jo also breaks down how genetic counselling can help mitigate some of the common fears for people living with mental illnesses around having children and passing on their genes.

 

Connect:


https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/
http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.