Dr. Felicity Sapp PhD. - Registered Clinical Psychologist
Getting Ready for OCD Treatment - in a group format
Why Therapy in a Group Format?
Starting the therapy process in a group format allows individuals to obtain the needed information to fight back OCD quicker. It allows OAPS to provide more individuals with the needed information in one setting rather than having to wait for openings individually - and allows us to be able to help more individuals suffering from OCD. In fact, Getting Ready for OCD Treatment is not typical Group Therapy - rather it is more of an interactive workshop. It is complementary to individual sessions and follows the exact same format as the first 4 sessions of individual treatment. Once finished, you will continue treatment in individual sessions with an OAPS Psychologist. In this workshop, you will learn about OCD and gain an understanding of the treatment; be introduced to early stage tools; and have an opportunity to practice in a supportive environment. Learning in a group format allows you to recognize that you are not alone in dealing with OCD, and you will have a chance for interpersonal learning through other people’s experiences who are living with OCD, their challenges, successes and shared insights.
Foremost this is about a fit for you and your wellness and treatment. Getting Ready for Treatment in a group format can be very rewarding for those that are interested and past participants have commented that "I can't believe how much I learned about OCD in such a short time" ; "it was great to hear that I am not the only one struggling". On our initial individual meetings, if interested, we will work with you to assess your fit to this type of treatment and we can discuss whether this is of interest to you and the availability.
Since the nature of learning in a group is one of openness and conversation, it will be important that all members are wiling to maintain confidentiality and an element of privacy regarding who is in the group and what is shared. This is not Group Therapy - meaning that you do not need to share your story -although you are most welcome to, if desired. Regardless this type of learning is most effective if members feel that they can share their experiences (if desired) in a safe and private environment.
What is the treatment?
The goal of Getting Ready for OCD Treatment is to provide you with the needed tools to begin the process of CBT and get you ready to start your own individual ERP treatment.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard when treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders. Each session builds on the previous and involves a clear process effectively administering Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment. Prior to the actual implementation of ERP it is necessary to understand the science behind the treatment and obtain the necessary treatment tools.
This Getting Ready for OCD Treatment group will focus on educating you about OCD and introduce you to the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
What to expect
Session 1
Understanding OCD as a neurobiological disorder such that you will understand the rationale for the CBT/ERP treatment
Session 2
Introduction of necessary tools to implement OCD – beginning to individualize your own treatment
Session 3
Explanation of evidence-based treatment of OCD - What is ERP?
Session 4
An opportunity to implement the tools and practice ERP in the session - able to practice in a private location (or Zoom room)
How often would we meet?
Meeting weekly for 4 weeks in a small intimate group setting after meeting with either Dr Sapp or an Associate to determine if you are a good fit for a group.
Group size will be limited to 4 members at this time
Location
At our offices or virtually as part of our COVID stay healthy strategy:
Suite 102, 7370 Sierra Morena Blvd SW Calgary, Alberta
Parking is free either in the front lot or on the street in frontof the building