Beyond Control: The Soul of OCD Plus–From Fear to Connection

Presented by:

Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D., FAPA, FAED, EDCS

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for treating OCD symptoms. Despite this, many individuals who utilize this treatment approach
prematurely drop out of treatment and struggle to experience long-term relief as a result. This presentation by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D., of Within Health and Galen Hope, explores the history and evolution of OCD treatment and delves into an integrative treatment approach that evolves treatment “from control to connection” to additionally target the underlying psychological meanings. Drawing on psychodynamic principles, humanistic perspectives, and neuroscience, we’ll explore the limits of a purely behavioral lens and reframe treatment from a model of control to one of connection. Discover how attachment styles, core conflict themes and relational foundations impact OCD, and learn a framework for integrating ERP within a robust psychotherapy model to transform the person, not just reduce the symptoms.

Learning objectives:
1. Participants will be able to trace the transformation of OCD from its pre-psychiatric interpretations (such as scrupulosity and religious melancholy) to its formal recognition in the DSM and current classification as an Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder.
2. Participants will be able to differentiate between the behavioral “gold standard” of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and alternative frameworks, including Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) and psychodynamic perspectives like Malan’s Model.
3. Participants will be able to identify the epidemiological links and shared traits (such as perfectionism and serotonin dysregulation) between OCD and other disorders, specifically focusing on its integration with various eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and orthorexia.

This NWAP is from 12 pm to 1 pm EST

REGISTER HERE

About the Speaker:

Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D., FAPA, FAED, EDCS, is the Co-Founder, CEO and CMO of Within Health and Founder and CEO of Galen Hope. A world-renowned expert in eating disorder treatment, Dr. Oliver-Pyatt brings over 25 years of clinical experience to her leadership. She has developed four comprehensive treatment programs rooted in a bio-psycho-social approach, integrating intensive psychotherapy, behavioral science, and high medical standards.

Her unique treatment philosophy addresses the underlying drivers of mental health conditions and eating disorders, guiding individuals toward lasting healing and inner peace. Board-certified in both Adult and Addiction Psychiatry, she received her training at NYU-Bellevue Hospital and has held academic appointments at NYU, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Dr. Oliver-Pyatt was recently named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA)—one of the highest honors in the field. She is also a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She is the author of two books, including Questions and Answers on Binge Eating Disorder: A Guide for Clinicians, and has received Senatorial Recognition for her contributions to the mental health field.