Co-Sponsored by the Connecticut Psychological Association:
Comprehensive Training in the Assessment and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Virtual Workshop Series
Wednesdays from February through May 2026
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OCD Therapist Training
Comprehensive Training in the Assessment and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Presented by Behavioral Wellness Clinic
Continuing education co-sponsored by the Connecticut Psychological Association
Program Details
Program Dates: Weekly beginning February 4, 2026, for 16 weeks
Time: Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Eastern
Location: Live online via Zoom
Registration Fee: $750
Continuing Education: Eligible for up to 13 CE credits
Registration Status:
Develop Greater Confidence in Treating OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is complex, frequently misunderstood, and sometimes misdiagnosed. Effective treatment requires more than general clinical knowledge. Clinicians must be able to recognize nuanced symptom presentations, conduct a thorough differential diagnosis, use appropriate assessment measures, and develop individualized exposure-based interventions.
This comprehensive 16-week training series was designed to help clinicians strengthen their ability to assess and treat OCD using evidence-based approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention—or ERP. The program combined structured instruction, clinical examples, case-based discussion, and practical treatment-planning tools that participants could apply in their own practices.
About the Training
Throughout the series, participants examined the assessment and treatment of OCD from initial diagnosis through advanced treatment implementation and troubleshooting. Sessions addressed common and less frequently recognized symptom presentations, validated assessment tools, hierarchy development, in vivo and imaginal exposure, cultural and religious considerations, complex comorbidities, and adaptations for children and adolescents.
The program was intended for clinicians who already possessed foundational knowledge of psychopathology, psychological assessment, and the treatment of mental health disorders.
Training Topics
The series addressed topics including:
- An overview of OCD, its diagnostic features, symptom dimensions, and common comorbidities
- Common and less recognized presentations, including contamination concerns, taboo thoughts, sexual obsessions, and mental compulsions
- Differential diagnosis of OCD and related disorders
- Evidence-based psychological, pharmacological, and advanced treatment options
- Clinical interviewing and the use of validated self-report measures
- Administration and scoring of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale–Second Edition
- Exposure and Response Prevention principles and treatment planning
- Development of exposure hierarchies and Subjective Units of Distress—or SUDS—scales
- Conducting and processing in vivo exposures
- Constructing and implementing imaginal exposures
- Identifying ineffective exposures and addressing mental compulsions
- Treatment considerations involving PTSD, depression, personality disorders, and other comorbidities
- Developmentally appropriate assessment and treatment of pediatric OCD
- Cultural, religious, ethical, and family considerations in treatment
For a full list of workshops, titles, and topics, please visit this document.
Virtual Workshop Series Details
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Learning Outcomes
Through participation in the series, clinicians developed greater capacity to:
- Recognize diagnostic features, symptom dimensions, and common differential diagnoses associated with OCD.
- Select, administer, score, and interpret commonly used OCD assessment measures.
- Develop individualized ERP treatment plans and graded exposure hierarchies.
- Design and conduct in vivo and imaginal exposure exercises.
- Identify treatment barriers and modify interventions when exposures are ineffective.
- Incorporate cultural, developmental, family, and comorbidity-related considerations into assessment and treatment planning.
For Learning Outcomes for each specific workshop, please view this document.
Virtual Workshop Series Details
Presenter
Simone Leavell-Bruce, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Simone Leavell-Bruce provides highly specialized psychotherapy for individuals seeking exceptional care for OCD, anxiety, trauma, and racial trauma. Her treatment philosophy blends the latest advances in psychological science with culturally responsive, individualized care, creating a therapeutic experience that is both deeply compassionate and grounded in proven clinical methods.
Dr. Leavell-Bruce earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University after completing her master’s degree and her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychology, respectively. Her extensive clinical training spans university counseling centers, community mental health, private practice, inpatient psychiatric settings, and specialized anxiety treatment programs, providing a broad foundation for treating complex psychological concerns.
Throughout her career, Dr. Leavell-Bruce has developed specialized expertise in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, trauma, race-based stress, and culturally responsive care. She combines evidence-based interventions with a collaborative, individualized approach that helps clients move beyond symptom management toward lasting psychological wellness.
Education, Training & Professional Leadership
Dr. Leavell-Bruce’s work reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing the science and practice of psychology. In addition to maintaining an active clinical practice, she provides consultation, professional training, and supervision for clinicians seeking advanced competency in OCD treatment and culturally responsive care. She serves as faculty for the International OCD Foundation’s prestigious Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), where she helps train therapists serving historically underserved communities. She also leads clinician seminars and consultation groups focused on evidence-based OCD treatment and racial trauma assessment.
Research & Scholarship
Dr. Leavell-Bruce’s scholarship focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder, race-based traumatic stress, multicultural mental health, and evidence-based treatment. Her doctoral dissertation examined the psychological impact of race-based trauma among Black Lives Matter activists, and her research has contributed to a growing understanding of racial trauma and culturally responsive interventions.
Technology and Participation Requirements
Participants were expected to attend from a quiet, private location with reliable internet access. A computer or laptop equipped with a webcam and headphones was recommended. Mobile devices were not recommended for participation because of the interactive and instructional nature of the program.
Recordings were made available to registered participants for review when permitted. Viewing a recording did not substitute for attendance at a live CE-eligible session.
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Continuing Education
This program was co-sponsored by the Connecticut Psychological Association and Behavioral Wellness Clinic.
The Connecticut Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Connecticut Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Participants seeking continuing education credit were required to attend each eligible session in full and complete the corresponding program evaluation. Continuing education credit was not available for viewing session recordings.
The Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuing education for psychologists. CPA maintains responsibility for the program and its content. CPA will issue certificates of completion. APA CE rules require that we only issue credits to those who attend the entire workshop. Those logging into the Zoom webinar more than 15 minutes late or logging off before the entire workshop is completed will not receive CE credits (i.e., partial CE credit will not be issued).
