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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Treatment Program
Family involvement
OCD family workshop: working within the transition zone
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurobiological disorder whose symptoms play themselves out in the interpersonal realm of peoples’ lives. For family members of loved ones struggling with the intense anxiety of this disorder, families’ routine and culture frequently become dominated and entangled in OCD rules, thereby disrupting family functioning and causing extreme distress.
Families vary widely in their response to OCD symptoms. Either they find themselves accommodating the symptoms by changing the environment or they are antagonistic toward their loved one in response to their own frustration about the disorder. At times, family frustration can become so intense that conflict is the prevailing currency exchange in families. This happens when the symptoms may be life threatening and there is an intense sense of powerlessness.
 Value of family workshop
The goal for the family day at the OCD Treatment Program is to provide family members of current and former patients with an opportunity to discuss how OCD has affected their families’ lives. In addition, the workshop aims to provide support, psychoeducation and a forum that allows families to share information.
The OCD Treatment Program staff also coaches family members on how to work with their loved one to fight his/her illness and help that family member boost his/her recovery from the OCD symptoms.
During the one-day workshop, family members will:
- Learn about OCD treatments through psychoeducational groups
- Participate in a multifamily support group
- Take part in an active behavior-contracting group with the person suffering from OCD using the transition zone model.
Family day schedule
| 8:30-9 am |
Continental breakfast & introduction |
| 9-11 am |
Individual family meetings with behavior therapists |
| 11 am-12:30 pm |
Family issues and OCD (for family members only)
Presenter: Constantina Boudouvas, LSCSW, behavior therapist
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| 12:30-1:30 pm |
Lunch at Menninger Dining Room |
| 1:30-2:30 pm |
Psychopharmacological and medical issues in treating OCD
Presenter: Joyce Davidson, MD, medical director
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| 3-4:30 pm |
Behavior contracting: Working within the transition zone (for patients and families)
Co-facilitators: Boudouvas and John Hart, LCPC, behavior therapists
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Registration
All families of current and former patients in the Menninger OCD Treatment Program are invited to participate in the family day free of charge. To register, please contact the Center’s unit coordinator.
- 713-275-5450 or 800-351-9058, ext. 5450
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