OCD loves to latch onto the things most significant to sufferers to get them to pay attention. For many, this relates to their religious or spiritual beliefs. Despite how convincing OCD might seem, OCD is not a faith issue. Whether OCD is manifesting in ways that relate to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and beyond…or your worldview of atheism, agnosticism, or humanism…treatment remains the same. This presentation will focus on the ways that religious scrupulosity manifests in different faith communities, as well as those not involved in communities of faith while reminding us that the evidence-based treatments remain the same regardless of your belief system. It will also share the personal experiences of a faith leader navigating OCD while seeking to share the message that faith and mental health do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Katie will also be involved in co-hosting a support group Thursday 1st December at 7pm. Click here to register for the support group.

Rev. Katie O'Dunne is the founder of Faith & Mental Health Integrative Services, an organisation helping individuals with OCD and related disorders live into their faith traditions as they navigate evidence-based treatment. Prior to this, she spent 7 years serving as the Academy Chaplain and the Pauline and R.L. Brand Jr. '35 Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. While serving in this role, she also served as a consultant on interfaith programming for schools around the country. Katie is proud to be an IOCDF lead advocate, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and an endurance athlete tackling 50 ultra-marathons for OCD. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Vanderbilt to continue with her focus on faith & mental health. She graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory with her Master of Divinity and Certificate of Religion & Health in May 2015.