Melissa Mose, president of OCD Southern California, is organizing Building a Compassionate OCD Community, a day of talks for people with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and those who support them, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at Santa Barbara City College BC Forum.
The event is open to individuals with OCD, their family members and loved ones, mental health providers, students, and the general public.
Attendees will hear from seven different therapists who specialize in supporting those with OCD, with opportunities for Q&A and panel discussion.
A catered lunch and culminating networking session offer opportunities to meet and connect with others in the local OCD community.
The morning lineup focuses on ways to enhance evidence-based treatment for OCD, offering up to three continuing education (CE) units for therapists (specialists and non-specialists). The afternoon emphasizes approaches to living with OCD.
The event is being held at SBCC in hopes that it encourages more college-aged students who have OCD to attend and connect with the resources available to them.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $45 for admission with CEs. Lunch and snacks are included. The sign-up cost will aid the OCD SoCal nonprofit in covering venue, food, and parking costs.
More information and registration for the Santa Barbara event are available at: eventbrite.com/e/ocd-socal-speakers-series-santa-barbara-tickets-843028118797.
For Mose, a Calabasas resident with family in Santa Barbara, the work to build a more robust and supportive OCD community in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas is personal.
Her focus on treating those with OCD began in 2010. Mose had already been licensed and practicing as a family therapist for 15 years when her daughter first evidenced signs of OCD at the age of 8.
Mose began to seek resources in her area, She found there were more questions than answers when it came to treating OCD, and not enough resources to meet her daughter’s needs, or to support her as a mother.
“When you or someone you love is grappling with OCD, it has a huge impact on your life,” Mose said. “The most important thing is to surround yourself with a supportive and informed community.
“My intent with this event is to build up practical skills and also compassionate attitudes for people living with OCD and the family and clinicians who want to support them.”
Mose became certified in various techniques to support those with OCD. Today, as president of OCD Southern California, she seeks to build knowledge and skills for therapists.