Presenter: Menije Boduryan-Turner, Ph.D. On the surface, OCD is often associated with the fear of contamination, causing individuals to hand-wash or check endlessly. It may be known as a disorder characterized by a desire for things to be orderly or perfect. In actuality, it has many subtypes, and symptoms of OCD can show up in relationships, in one's religious practices, and any of their daily routines or activities. Due to its complexity, OCD ultimately hijacks one's sense of happiness and joy. Research has shown that traditional "talk therapy" is ineffective. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. The first step is to thoroughly understand what OCD is, assess it accurately, and identify all the ways it may be manifesting in one's life. Through exposure, one can learn to make value-based decisions, face their fears, sit with discomfort, and ultimately feel unstuck and empowered. Learning how to address treatment-resistant behaviors as well as assessing differences between Harm OCD and danger to self are also necessary parts of an effective treatment model. By the end of the presentation, participants should have a well-rounded understanding of OCD, the value of ERP, and practical tools to support individuals suffering from this order toward a path of empowerment and healing.