The mission of this SIG is to increase understanding and use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as an evidenced-based approach in the treatment of individuals who suffer from OCD and related disorders. This SIG will broadly focus on clinical applications (including ACT and ACT-informed exposure and response prevention) and research based in contextual behavioral science as related to obsessive compulsive disorder and related conditions, including, but not limited to, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, perfectionism, illness anxiety disorder, body-focused repetitive disorders (e.g. trichotillomania and excoriation disorder), and common comorbid presentations (e.g. anxiety, tics, autism, depression, and substance use disorders, among others).

SIG Leadership:

Kristin Fitch, PhD
Katy Rothfelder, MA, LPC
Rebecca Schneider, PhD

Accomplishments:

The ACT SIG in the IOCDF is now forming from a collaboration with the OCD and Related Disorders SIG in the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). Through this collaboration, we have started an ACT and OCD Special Topics Series. Please see the schedule for more information.

Initiatives:

  • Increase awareness and acceptability of ACT as an appropriate treatment option for OCD and related disorders by educating professionals and the public.
  • Build on and contribute to the diverse and inclusive community of professionals within IOCDF in order to foster connection, collaboration, and growth towards shared values.
  • Disseminate evidence-based treatment and training for OCD and related disorders, including the use of acceptance and commitment therapy as an independent treatment approach or integrated with exposure and response prevention or other behavioral treatments.
  • Contribute to the reduction of current barriers to care for communities with health disparities due to race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, religion, language, socioeconomic status, or region of residence, as well as mitigation of further gaps in health and healthcare for marginalized groups as a result of the ongoing climate crisis.
  • Support basic and applied research related to the understanding and treatment of OCD and related disorders through the lens of contextual behavioral science.

Planned Activities:

  • Collaborate with the OCD and related disorders special interest group in the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS).
  • Create a listserv or means of communication within the group
  • Hold SIG meeting at Annual OCD Conference
  • Use our website as a hub for resources for the public and professionals
  • Organize workshops, symposia, and/or panel discussions for the Annual OCD Conference
  • Create a peer-consultation or reading group

Additional information about group:

In the early formation of this group, we would like this SIG to be a joint effort with the OCD and related disorders special interest group in the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS).

Want to Join the ACT SIG?

Our group is open to professionals (e.g. students, clinicians, researchers).