Inference-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Symposium at the European Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, Antalya, Turkey
October 4-7, 2023
Chair: Frederick Aardema, PhD
Presenters: Frederick Aardema, PhD, Catherine Ouellet-Courtois, PhD, Henny Visser, PhD and Kelvin Wong, PhD

 

The presentations in the current symposium will present the latest research on an inference-based approach to the treatment of OCD. Dr. Frederick Aardema from Canada will present the initial results of a large scale registered non-inferiority trial (Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01794156) directly comparing I-CBT with ERP. The trial is the first to investigate the non-inferiority of a cognitive therapy with ERP. Dr. Henny Visser from the Netherlands will present randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness and neurobiological working mechanism of I-CBT vs CBT performed in the Netherlands (Dutch Trial Register NTR1801). Dr. Catherine Ouellet-Courtois from Canada will present on cognitive mechanisms of change over the course of treatments with findings from a randomized controlled trial comparing I-CBT to appraisal-based CBT and a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01794156). Finally, Dr. Shiu Fung Wong from Australia will present experimental findings on the role of feared possible selves in the manifestation of OCD symptomatology.

PAST CONFERENCE EVENTS

An Overview of Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT): An Evidence-Based Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Online Workshop
Friday, September 28, 2023, 12pm-2pm (EST)
Presenters: Stephanie Woodrow, LCPC, NCC , Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, LPC, LIMHP, Theresa Chiu, MSSW, LICSW

Registration Link

Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is providing a treatment option to clients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. With over 80 peer reviewed scientific publications, 3 randomized controlled and a current open trial, I-CBT is a lesser known evidence based treatment for OCD that targets the initial doubt and how it was created. Treatment is based on the central idea that obsessions are abnormal doubts or inferences about what could be.

According to this approach, obsessional inferences of doubt arise as the result of inferential confusion which involves an over-reliance on the imagination and a distrust of the senses. I-CBT aims to bring resolution to obsessional doubts by showing the sufferer that obsessional doubts arise as the result of a distorted obsessional narrative.

Imagination or Perception: Real Experiences with Inference Based CBT

Workshop at the International OCD Foundation’s Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA, USA
Saturday, July 8, 2023, 12:30pm (PST)
Presenters: Amanda Petrik-Gardner, Mike Heady, Angela Heady and Catherine Goldhouse

 

As more research indicates the effectiveness of Inference Based CBT (I-CBT) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, more clinicians are receiving training to expand their skill set. Whether incorporating I-CBT alone, with Exposure & Response Prevention or with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, this panel will share their experiences learning and providing I-CBT to improve their client’s OCD symptoms or even their own. This workshop is for all individuals with OCD, loved ones, and clinicians, to learn more about I-CBT and this additional treatment option.

Kids Have Imaginations Too: Inference-based CBT and its application for youths and parents

Workshop at the Annual Conference of Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Washington, DC, USA
April 13-16, 2023
Presenter: Dr. Karan Lamb

 

Karan Lamb presented a workshop at ADAA Spring conference (2023 in D.C.). In this workshop, the main concepts of Inference-based CBT (ICBT) were reviewed as it is an evidence-based treatment for adults with OCD. As a cognitive therapy that targets the obsessional inferences of doubt, which lead to compulsions, can ICBT be applied to youths? The presentation focused on the application of ICBT with youths by reviewing the current research, provide a framework for this model for the treatment of children with OCD, discuss ethical considerations, and demonstrate some interactive exercises to use in sessions.

Conceptualizing and treating OCD with Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT): An Evidence-based, non-exposure model

State-of-the-Art Clinician session at the Annual Conference of Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Washington, DC, USA
April 13-16, 2023
Presenters: Mike Heady and Carl Robbins

 

There is growing interest among clinicians in finding evidence-based approaches for OCD that can complement or provide alternatives to ERP. In this session, two colleagues with over 50-years combined experience will provide a practical, case-based conversation about the theory and application of I-CBT. We will discuss how obsessional doubting differs from tolerating uncertainty and how this impacts treatment. Specific process-based cognitive interventions that go beyond standard ERP and ACT will be demonstrated.

Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Exposure in Vivo: Preliminary Results from A Non-inferiority Trial

Symposium Presentation at the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, New York, USA
November 17-20, 2022
Presenter: Dr.Frederick Aardema

 

This presentation will reported on preliminary results from a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing ERP and ICBT among those with OCD (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03677947). Hypotheses were that I-CBT is non-inferior to ERP and more acceptable with lower rates of treatment refusal and drop-out. Initial findings on the impact of COVID-19 on both ERP and I-CBT were presented as well. The talk concluded with future avenues of research focused on improving treatment outcomes for those with OCD .