3-Hour Treating Childhood OCD

Credit

Speaker

Ashley Smith, PhD Related seminars and products

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Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist and recognized expert in anxiety and related disorders. She has worked in children’s hospitals, an anxiety specialty clinic, and private practice, providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety and OCD.

An adjunct faculty member at Kansas City University, Dr. Ashley has extensive experience training and supervising mental health professionals. She has authored peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and two books, including Childhood Anxiety Disorders. A long-time member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, she was honored with their Special Recognition Award in 2023.

She regularly presents workshops and trainings at local and national levels, focusing on the practical application of cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and applied neuroscience to improve clinical outcomes. She is also the co-founder of Peak Mind. The Center for Psychological Strength, an organization dedicated to making psychological tools more widely accessible.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Ashley Smith is the co-founder of Peak Mind, has an employment relationship with Kansas City University, and maintains a private practice. She receives royalties as a published author. Ashley Smith receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Ashley Smith is a member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

Additional Info

Program Information

For live CE credit, you must watch the live webcast in its entirety at its scheduled time and complete the CE quiz and evaluation within one week. You will have access for 90 days after the program for review.

Please note: There will be one 15-minute break mid-afternoon. Actual break start times are at the discretion of the speaker. A more detailed schedule is available upon request.

Visit our FAQ page at https://www.pesicanada.ca/faq or contact us at https://www.pesicanada.ca/contact-us.

Objectives

1. Differentiate pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder from anxiety and related conditions to improve accuracy in screening and assessment.
2. Choose developmentally appropriate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) interventions that support regulation, participation, and functional performance in children and adolescents.
3. Utilize family-centered strategies that reduce accommodation and strengthen treatment adherence across home, school, and community settings.

Outline

Spot It When Others Miss It

• Lesser-known OCD subtypes, including taboo intrusive thoughts
• The obsession-compulsion loop and the role of uncertainty
• Diagnostic pitfalls and how to avoid them

Assessment Tools That Work

• CY-BOCs tips, demos, and clinical applications
• Free self-report tools for efficient screening
• Suicidal thoughts vs. OCD obsessions – key differences

Master ERP – The Gold Standard, Done Right

• Exposure protocol design for different ages and stages
• Fear ladders vs. all-in approaches – how to choose
• In-session exposure tips and troubleshooting guidance

ACT, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Boosters

• Values, defusion, and scripting for obsessive thoughts
• Cognitive work without reinforcing compulsions
• Kid-friendly mindfulness techniques that work

Motivation and Adherence Solutions

• Buy-in and follow-through strategies that stick
• Parental involvement through SPACE and strategic pressure
• Behavior plans that support – not sabotage - treatment

Referral and Medication Guidance

• Indicators for higher levels of care
• Framing the referral conversation with families
• Medication basics, consult timing, and collaboration tips

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Occupational Therapists