Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks for taking the time to fill us in on the conference. I wish I had been able to attend, as it sounds like it provided encouragement and helpful info. IOCDF Conference Hi all, I haven't been posting much but have been reading. My sons and I attended the conference in Chicago. J(19) has OCD, dx at 14 (inpt psych unit for a week and since has seen a CBT psychologist, is on meds but still struggles). My other son (22) attended as support for J and we turned it into a family vacation. The conference was so informative but I find myself overwhelmed with information. I'm still processing it all. I think the best workshops were those with OCD survivors talking about their struggles and treatment. The keynote speaker gave was inspiring. I hope that these moments helped J see that with the right therapy he can get his life on track. It helped that several of the speakers were young adult males who found the right therapy for them and have persevered. WE all enjoyed a panel that included Fletcher Wortman who wrote the book Triggered. The panel also included another OCD survivor who is now a PhD candidate and working as a clinical psychologist and their therapists. They discussed the pt/therapist relationship and how treatment worked for them. There were also of course a broad range of workshops on treatment and research. There was so much it was difficult to decide what to attend. Jeff Szymanski did a presentation on Perfectionism that hit home for me. The boys also liked one entitled Mr Monk vs Dr Spock Distinguishing between OCD and OC Behavior Disorder. Reid (from NC, I believe)talk on Changing the Mind of OCD was helpful for me in understanding the importance and difficulty of seeking out and embracing uncertainty for those with OCD. My takeaways are for those with newly diagnosed kids is seek out the best treatment early on. Talk with the therapist in depth about what treatment will look like and what will be included. Listen for ERP, ask about their experience with ERP. The situation we are now in is J has a therapist he loves but who doesn't do ERP. They've made some progress but I think it could be better with ERP. We were so shell-shocked in the beginning, we didn't ask the right questions. I would also get family therapy (as much as you can)to help in coping with the strain this puts on the family. It's only recently that I realize the stress this has placed on J's older brother and I'm sure it had a role in the breakup of my marriage. OCD is a family disease, it affects everyone involved. There was a workshop for siblings. So learn as much as you can, be assertive, ask questions, interview therapists, don't be afraid to change providers if therapy isn't following the course you had been led to expect. I know everyone's situation is different and it's often very difficult to find good help but leave no stone unturned. It was great to see so many people there, therapists, parents and siblings. I left the conference with hope that things are changing and more and better treatment will be available to all of those who need it. If you ever have an opportunity to attend a conference, do it! This was a financial stretch for us but it was so worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks for sharing. I was just thinking earlier today that I hadn't seen anyone comment yet, would have to ask. And there was your post when I signed in! It all sounds wonderful, I can imagine there is a lot to try to " take in " , that Monk vs Dr Spock sound interesting, entertaining. Do you know if OC Behavior Disorder is different, or another name for, OC Personality Disorder?? May have to google OCBD. Glad there were some male speakers/sufferers to speak, I'm sure that helps with teen boys, etc. So happy you all got to go! Nice of older brother too. > > Hi all, I haven't been posting much but have been reading. > > My sons and I attended the conference in Chicago. J(19) has OCD, dx at 14 (inpt psych unit for a week and since has seen a CBT psychologist, is on meds but still struggles). My other son (22) attended as support for J and we turned it into a family vacation. > > The conference was so informative but I find myself overwhelmed with information. I'm still processing it all. I think the best workshops were those with OCD survivors talking about their struggles and treatment. The keynote speaker gave was inspiring. I hope that these Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 thank you for such a great and informative post about the conference! I am dying to go, but son has NO interest. Instead we go to lacrosse tournaments all summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 thank you for such a great and informative post about the conference! I am dying to go, but son has NO interest. Instead we go to lacrosse tournaments all summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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