Jonathan Hershfield will present “Integrating ERP and DBT in the Treatment of Unwanted Thoughts and Intense Emotions,” The gold standard treatment for OCD and related disorders is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that emphasizes exposure and response prevention (ERP). Inherent in exposure approaches to unwanted thoughts is an engagement with distress (anxiety, disgust, or other difficult emotions). In ideal circumstances, the patient is a witness to the distress rising and then subsequently abating throughout the exposure process without having to engage in compulsions. However, for OCD sufferers who are especially sensitive to intense emotions, including those with trauma, borderline personality disorder, and other comorbid conditions, these experiences can lead to dissociation, self-harm, and even suicidality. As a learning process, in order for ERP to be effective, the patient needs to be able to remain present throughout the learning experience. As such, strategic modification might be made for some patients to keep them in the “zone” of intensity that can be maintained and observed. Many of these distress tolerance and emotional regulations skills can be found in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Contrary to some misconceptions, that exposure can never involve distress reduction or coping techniques, this workshop aims to highlight how ERP and DBT can be simultaneously incorporated to help patients navigate unwanted thoughts and intense emotions together. Target audience: professionals, individuals with OCD and their support persons , Attendance fee includes continental breakfast and hot buffet lunch.