9:45am - 9:55am
Conference Introduction
Presented by Zoë from OCD-UK

9:55am - 11:10am
Presentation 1 - When OCD Affects the Whole Family: Involving Parents and Carers in Treatment
Presented by Dr Gazal Jones

Talk description: OCD doesn't exist in isolation. That’s why involving family members and carers in CBT for OCD can make a big difference, whether the person affected is a child, teenager, or adult. When families are involved, it can help reduce accommodation of OCD behaviours, support the wellbeing of parents and carers, and ease the sense of shame that often comes with OCD. In this talk, we’ll explore different types of family-focused support, including parent sessions, the SPACE program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), multi-family groups, and family therapy. We’ll discuss when these approaches are most useful alongside CBT and offer practical tips on how families and carers can get involved in ways that support therapy and benefit their own wellbeing too.

11:10am - 11:30am
Break
An opportunity to enjoy our complimentary refreshments and chat to other guests

11:30am - 12:20pm
Presentation 2 - Referrals to specialist OCD services: Navigating the challenges 
Presented by Dr Sasha Walters

Talk description: For many young people, OCD affects school attendance, social life and family functioning demonstrating the significant and broad reaching impact of OCD. It is therefore imperative that good quality, evidence based treatment is accessed in a timely manner. However, it can be confusing and distressing trying to navigate the many systems that are involved with accessing care. This presentation will provide an overview of the NICE model of stepped care for OCD reviewing the pathways and processes to accessing care, briefly highlighting what counts as good quality, evidence based care and offering guidance on responding to rejections to applications for specialist services.

12:20pm - 12:30pm
Break
Comfort break opportunity

12:30pm - 1:20pm
Presentation 3 - Supporting neurodivergent children and young people to recover from OCD
Presented by Dr Alice Farrington

Talk description: In this session, Alice will talk about what are neurodivergent conditions (like autism and ADHD), how to distinguish between OCD and neurodivergence, why neurodivergent children might be particularly vulnerable to developing OCD, and strategies to help reduce overall stress and anxiety in neurodivergent children to reduce OCD.

2:10pm - 3:15pm
Presentation 4 - Navigating the barriers to OCD treatment: an interactive session to find a way forward together.
Presented by Dr Zoë Kindynis

Talk description: This session will provide a supportive and interactive space for parents navigating the challenges of seeking treatment for children with OCD. Together, we will explore common barriers that can make accessing OCD treatment difficult, and discuss practical strategies and ideas to overcome them. The session will also consider what steps can be taken when it feels like every option has already been tried. Through sharing experiences and ideas with other parents, we hope that participants will have the chance to feel heard, gain encouragement, and connect with others who understand the journey. The goal is to leave with a renewed sense of hope, concrete ideas for moving forward, and the comfort that you are not alone.

3:15pm - 3:35pm
Break
An opportunity to enjoy our complimentary refreshments and chat to other guests