Question 1

What is the difference between our OCD Online Group Program and OCD STOP?

Accepted Answer

OCD STOP is the free self-help treatment course offered through mental health online.   Our OCD Online group program provides you with the therapist and group support to help you complete OCD STOP.

Question 2

12-sessions seems like quite the commitment! Are there other options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The full 12-module program is broken into 3 courses, with each course consisting of 4 modules.  Course 1 - Introduction to OCD, Anxiety, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and CBT for OCD.  Course 2 - Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how the belief systems of Responsibility and Threat relate to OCD.  Course 3 - Other belief systems of OCD (perfectionism, uncertainty, control) and Problem Solving.  There is research to show that clients who completed 12-modules of OCD STOP made significant improvement in their OCD symptoms (similar to what is seen for in-person groups). We also know that non-completion is associated with less improvement. For this reason, our program is based on the full 12 modules. We know it is a lot and this is why we have developed our OCD Online Group Program - to help you through to completion!   While we recommend doing all 3 courses in order, this is not compulsory as we recognise that different people may be coming with different needs: - Some people may feel confident to do Course 1 on their own, and want to join in for Course 2 and 3. - Other people may just want to more help with their ERP and so just join in for Course  2.  - Some people may have missed out on enrollment for Course 1 and start at Course 2 (with the possibility of doing Course 1 at a later date).  You can join in the way that best suits your own clinical needs.   The Online Group "Booster Sessions" has no planned content but is a place where you can come and ask specific questions about OCD and treatment for OCD. There is no planned material covered (unless previously arranged). It it is best suited to those that have already completed OCD STOP, or other OCD treatment, and would like an ERP refresher.

Question 3

How does OCD STOP differ from other OCD Online Treatment?

Accepted Answer

There are other online treatment programs for OCD offered through MindSpot and This Way Up. These programs are also offered from reputable institutions and provide excellent evidence-based treatment for OCD.   One of the reasons that Dr Claire Ahern selected OCD STOP for our OCD Online Group Program is because she has familiarity and direct involvement with the course content.    The other reason is that the OCD STOP content is so comprehensive. It includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as an essential component to OCD treatment, but importantly also the core belief processes that underpin OCD (responsibility, threat, uncertainty, perfectionism, importance and control of thoughts).

Question 4

Why would I do your OCD Online Group Program when I can do OCD STOP on my own?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you are wanting from your treatment.   As part of her post-doctoral position, Dr Claire Ahern was involved in research that examined how effectiveness of OCD STOP. In this role, Claire also supervised the therapists who assisted clients throughout the OCD STOP program. She heard about the difficulties, and the successes, that people had in using the program:   Some people were able to complete OCD STOP without any support and made significant changes to their OCD symptoms(if you think this may be you, then OCD STOP may be enough to meet your needs!) Other people really benefitted from having the support of a therapist. Partly this was about motivation and accountability, and for having a therapist to answer questions and tailor the information to their situation. While OCD STOP has the option for therapist email support, clients and therapists reported that they would have preferred to have real-time support via phone or video. So this is where our Online Group Program comes in – we will be having a online group to support you to do the OCD STOP program.

Question 5

Can I see Dr. Claire Ahern for individual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. One of the other reasons for creating our OCD Online Group Program is because the waitlist for Dr Claire Ahern is closed, and yet demand continues to grow. This isn't surprising as we know that there is not enough skilled therapists meet the demand of clients who would like help with their OCD symptoms. Our OCD Online Group Program helps to increase the access to good quality treatment, to more people.   That said, the co-facilitator psychologists for the group may have availability for individual psychology sessions. There are also other psychologists who may be able to help you with OCD symptoms by searching the Australian Psychological Society search engine to find a psychologist who works with OCD closer to you.   When it comes to finding a psychologist for OCD, find out about fees and waiting lists, but most importantly, you want to find out if the psychologist has experience in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERp) as this is the recommended treatment for OCD.

Question 6

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost per course is $200 ($150 for eligible concession card holders).   The cost for a single booster session is $100 ($80 concession).

Question 7

Can I get a medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

No. Currently medicare does not offer medicare rebates for online group therapy. This program is being offered as a private group program. You can check with your private health insurer to see if they would cover online group therapy.   Because there is no rebate, we have set the fees low - similar to the out-of-pocket fee you would pay if you were seeing Dr Claire Ahern for individual sessions.

Question 8

Can I use my phone instead of a computer?

Accepted Answer

This is not recommended.   OCD STOP is best formatted for viewing with a computer. Some of the videos do not format well with a phone.

Question 9

Do I need to have a diagnosis of OCD? What about OCD subtypes?

Accepted Answer

No. Anyone who wants to learn more about their OCD symptoms is welcome.   Many people may experience symptoms of OCD without actually having their OCD diagnosed (partly because it is often misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, difficult for individuals to talk to professionals about, or because they have some but not all symptoms to meet the criteria for diagnosis).   All OCD subtypes are suitable for our OCD Online Group Program and OCD STOP. While the symptoms may vary a lot between two people with OCD, the underlying processes are very similar. Plus, this is where having an experienced therapist is helpful to tailor the content to your specific symptom subtype.

Question 10

Do I need a referral to do the OCD Online Group Program?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a referral to be eligible.

Question 11

I would prefer to attend an OCD group in person - is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Swinburne Psychology Clinic (Hawthorn) and Melbourne Clinic (Richmond) also offer fantastic group therapy (in-person) for OCD and hoarding.

Question 12

Do I have to share my real name with the group?

Accepted Answer

No. You can use a pseudonym if you prefer. You will however will be required to share your correct identifying information (as per your medicare card) on the consent form, and let Dr Claire Ahern know what your pseudonym will be. This information will be kept private and confidential.

Question 13

Do I have to have my video on in the group?

Accepted Answer

No. You can keep your video off if you prefer. There are many advantages to having your video on, and it is easier for Dr Claire Ahern to connect to people she can see. Also, showing real life examples of ERP in the home environment is one of the major advantages of doing ERP over the internet.   That said, we recognise that not everyone is comfortable with sharing their video, as we can respect this.

Policies

About Us

OCD Online Group Program

OCD Online Group Program

1hr weekly sessions

Support from other group members

Low Cost

Support from an experienced Clinical Psychologist

Accessible anywhere within Australia

Booster Sessions

OCD STOP

Understanding OCD & Anxiety

Understanding CBT & preparing for ERP

Getting into ERP

Responsibility in OCD

Other Central Beliefs to OCD

Making gains & preventing relapse

COURSE 1

COURSE 2

COURSE 3

12
modules

4 modules

4 modules

4 modules

Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for registering your interest.
We will be in contact soon :)

Policies

About Us

OCD Online Group Program

OCD Online Group Program

1hr weekly sessions

Support from other group members

Low Cost

Support from an experienced Clinical Psychologist

Accessible anywhere within Australia

Booster Sessions

OCD STOP

Understanding OCD & Anxiety

Understanding CBT & preparing for ERP

Getting into ERP

Responsibility in OCD

Other Central Beliefs to OCD

Making gains & preventing relapse

COURSE 1

COURSE 2

COURSE 3

12 modules

4 modules

4 modules

4 modules

Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for registering your interest. We will be in contact soon :)

12
modules

Thanks for registering your interest.
We will be in contact soon :)