Innovative Approaches to OCD Treatment: ERP and ACT in Practice

This continuing education event explores two evidence-based treatment approaches for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundations, intervention techniques, and clinical applications of both models. The event will highlight the strengths and limitations of each approach, provide case examples, and discuss emerging hybrid treatment models that integrate ERP and ACT principles. Less...

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Learning Objectives

Differentiate between the theoretical frameworks underlying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD treatment, specifically identifying how Relational Frame Theory differs from Emotional Processing Theory.
Describe the core processes of ACT, including cognitive defusion, acceptance, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action as they apply to OCD treatment.
Compare and contrast the mechanisms of change in ACT versus ERP, explaining how psychological flexibility differs from habituation as a treatment target.
Analyze the current empirical evidence supporting ACT as an intervention for OCD, including efficacy rates, dropout rates, and quality of life outcomes compared to traditional ERP.
Identify at least three specific ACT techniques that address obsessions and three techniques that address compulsions in OCD patients.
Evaluate the clinical considerations for selecting between ACT and ERP approaches based on patient characteristics, treatment history, and clinical presentation.
Apply ACT concepts to a case example of OCD, demonstrating how to implement defusion strategies, values-based interventions, and acceptance techniques with specific patient symptoms.
Design an integrated treatment plan that incorporates elements of both ACT and ERP approaches for OCD, recognizing when and how to implement specific components from each modality.
Assess treatment outcomes beyond symptom reduction, including functional improvement, quality of life, and psychological flexibility measures in accordance with ACT principles.
Formulate appropriate clinical responses to treatment challenges in ACT for OCD, including addressing experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and barriers to values-based action.
Comprehensively Define OCD and Its Clinical Framework
Critically Evaluate Treatment Approaches for OCD
Master the Fundamentals and Application of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's.

Learning Levels

Intermediate-Advance

Friday, April 11, 2025

Live Interactive Webinar

03:00 PM EDT - 05:00 PM EDT

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EARN 2 CE Credit Hours

About the speakers

Maria Rheba Estante, LMFT/LPCC

Maria Rheba Estante, LMFT, is a compassionate and culturally attuned therapist dedicated to empowering individuals through a strengths-based approach. Drawing inspiration from Adler, Jung, Bion, Reich, and Dr. Nancy McWilliams, she integrates holistic and evidence-based modalities to foster healing, clarity, and personal growth.

With extensive experience across private practice, digital health platforms, and school-based counseling, Maria specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her work has spanned diverse populations, including individuals navigating OCD, anxiety disorders, trauma, substance use challenges, adolescents, and young adults.

Currently licensed in multiple states, Maria Rheba Estante provides therapy through telehealth primarily for Tava Health, Two Chairs, Joon Therapy and Quest Health Management. She cultivated her ERP skills during her tenure at NOCD and is committed to continuous learning through professional case consultations with Dr. Marisa Mazza and Dr. Jeff Syzmanksi. Her professional dedication to the practice of behavioral health also includes advancement of mental health accessibility, clinical excellence, and continuous refinement of treatment protocols to enhance client outcomes.

Hannah Derleth, MA, LMHC

Hannah Derleth, MA, LMHC, is a dedicated and experienced mental health counselor licensed in Massachusetts and Indiana. She specializes in evidence-based treatment approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, as well as therapy for anxiety, trauma, and LGBTQ+ clients. With a strong background in clinical settings ranging from private practice to correctional institutions, Hannah has provided therapy in diverse environments, including telehealth platforms, substance use recovery centers, and correctional facilities.

As the owner of Safe Haven Counseling and Consultation Services, she offers individualized telehealth therapy, emphasizing a client-centered, strengths-based approach. Hannah’s experience includes working with high-acuity clients, crisis management, and diagnostic assessments. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University and has been recognized for her commitment to providing accessible, compassionate mental health care.

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

Understanding OCD and Core Treatment Approaches (15 minutes)

Presentation 1: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD (30 minutes)

Presentation 2: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD (30 minutes)

Comparing and Integrating ERP and ACT (20 minutes)

Case Study Discussion and Clinical Applications (15 minutes)

Closing Remarks and Resources (5 minutes)

CE Information - Earn 2 CE Credit Hours

CE Approvals

National Board for Certified Counselors

Tava has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7563. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Tava is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

CE Process Info

Before the event, you will receive an email from CE-Go with access to the virtual event. After the event, you will receive access to your evaluation and continuing education certificate via a personalized "attendee dashboard" link, hosted on the CE-Go website. This link and access to the virtual event will be sent to the email account you used to register for the event.

Upon accessing the CE-Go "attendee dashboard", you will be able to:

Complete evaluation forms for the event
Download your continuing education certificate in a PDF format

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the CE-Go platform, please contact CE-Go at 888-498-5578 or by email at support@ce-go.com Please Note: Emails for this event will come from "support@ce-go.com".

If you have any continuing education related questions, please contact your event organizer.

Please make sure to check your spam/junk folder in case those emails get "stuck". We'd also suggest "Allowlisting" support@ce-go.com. This tells your email client that you know this sender and trust them, which will keep emails from this contact at the top of your inbox and out of the junk folder.

Disclosure

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity ― including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity’s planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

PLANNERS AND REVIEWER
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

FACULTY
The faculty of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.