Course Description

This  2 hour continuing education course provides licensed mental health professionals with an integrative overview of contemporary theory, research, and treatment approaches for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This course bridges clinical understanding and neuroscience, offering a comprehensive perspective on the mechanisms underlying obsessions, compulsions, and maladaptive perfectionism. Clinically, emphasis is placed on evidence-based interventions including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), pharmacologic options, and augmentation strategies for treatment-resistant presentations. By integrating cognitive, neurobiological, and therapeutic dimensions, clinicians will gain practical tools to conceptualize complex cases, tailor interventions, and foster resilience in clients struggling with obsessive–compulsive and perfectionistic symptoms. This is a NBCC and Florida Board Approved Course.


Please review the course materials prior to purchasing the course. Often, individuals will print a copy of the course worksheet to complete while they view the course material. Once you are ready to complete the course, please enroll in the course and complete the course requirements, including the course post-test and course survey. You will receive your certificate automatically for printing or downloading after achieving an 85% or higher on the post-test and completing the course survey. 

Course Text: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder-Clinical Theory, Neurobiology, and Practice Implications Course Text.pdf

Course Worksheet: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinical Theory, Neurobiology, and Practice Implications Worksheet.pdf

Course Author:  Bryan Glazier, PhD, LMFT, LMHC,, FL Qualified MHC/MFT Supervisor 

Course Time/Location: 2 CE Hours, Location: www.directceu.com (web-based, asynchronous/home study) 

Course Text: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Clinical Theory, Neurobiology, and Practice Implications

Course Board Approval Statement(s): NBCC, Florida Board Approved

Directceu, llc has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7411. directceu, llc maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

directceu, llc (BAP # 50-17578) is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. directceu, llc maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

 Financial Disclosure Statement

directceu, llc is committed to providing our professional colleagues with unbiased information. directceu does not accept commercial support and our course authors have no significant financial interests or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.

Learning Objectives:

Through the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the core clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and common comorbidities of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  2. Differentiate between adaptive striving and maladaptive perfectionism as they relate to obsessive–compulsive symptom expression.
  3. Explain the role of the cortico–striato–thalamo–cortical (CSTC) circuit and related neurotransmitter systems in the neurobiology of OCD.
  4. Identify cognitive-behavioral mechanisms maintaining OCD, including intolerance of uncertainty, inflated responsibility, and thought–action fusion.
  5. Apply principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to the treatment of OCD.
  6. Integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy for perfectionism (CBT-P) and acceptance-based approaches to address residual perfectionistic rigidity.
  7. Evaluate emerging treatment modalities, including neuromodulation, pharmacologic augmentation, and digital CBT delivery systems.
  8. Develop individualized, mechanism-informed treatment plans that incorporate cognitive, biological, and behavioral perspectives.

 

Course Syllabus:

Overview and Clinical Presentation

  • Definition and diagnostic criteria for OCD
  • Epidemiology, course, and comorbid conditions
  • Distinguishing OCD from related disorders (e.g., OCPD, GAD, hoarding disorder)

 Cognitive-Behavioral Foundations

  • Obsessions, compulsions, and the cycle of reinforcement
  • Key cognitive distortions: thought–action fusion, intolerance of uncertainty
  • Learning theory and avoidance mechanisms

Neurobiology and Genetic Influences

  • The CSTC circuit and neurochemical pathways (serotonin, dopamine, glutamate)
  • Neural network models and error-related negativity (ERN)
  • Genetic, developmental, and environmental risk factors

Evidence-Based Interventions

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments
  • Pharmacologic treatments and augmentation strategies

Perfectionism and Advanced Cognitive Interventions

  • Differentiating adaptive striving from maladaptive perfectionism
  • CBT for perfectionism (CBT-P) modules and techniques
  • Integrating mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance-based interventions

Treatment Challenges and Innovations

  • Managing treatment resistance and relapse prevention
  • Family and systems approaches
  • Digital and telehealth-based CBT delivery
  • Ethical and cultural considerations in OCD treatment

Clinical Integration and Case Applications

  • Case formulation and individualized treatment planning
  • Monitoring dual change: OCD and perfectionism scales
  • Long-term outcome considerations and relapse prevention