Same Behavior, Different Drivers: OCD vs. Addiction OCD vs. Addiction Webinar for Clinicians

Many behaviors—such as checking, reassurance-seeking, or repetitive actions—can look similar on the surface, but the underlying drivers can be fundamentally different. Misunderstanding whether a behavior is rooted in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or addiction can lead to ineffective treatment and poorer outcomes.

In this webinar, Same Behavior, Different Drivers: OCD vs. Addiction, clinicians will learn how to distinguish between compulsive and addictive behaviors based on their function, not just their presentation. The session will explore key differences in underlying mechanisms, including fear-based versus reward-based processes, and how these inform treatment approaches.

Participants will gain practical guidance on when to apply Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) versus addiction-based frameworks, along with common pitfalls that occur when these models are misapplied. Through case examples, this session will provide a clear, clinically relevant framework to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.

CE credit(s) available for clinical professionals, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers. See below for details.

Learning Objectives

Differentiate between OCD-driven compulsions and addiction-based behaviors based on underlying function rather than presentation.
Describe the key differences between fear-based (OCD) and reward-based (addiction) behavioral models.
Identify when to apply Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) versus addiction treatment frameworks.
Recognize common clinical pitfalls when OCD and addiction are misdiagnosed or treated using the wrong approach.

1.5 CE credits will be provided by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare.

Please note:
CE credits are only awarded to attendees who participate in the live session. Watching a recording of the previously recorded webinar does not qualify for credit.

Learn more

Presenters

Paul Lavella, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS

Founder and Director, NJ Recovery and Wellness

Paul Lavella Jr. is a clinician and clinical supervisor who approaches counseling through a wellness-focused, whole-person model of care. His work emphasizes collaboration with clients to identify key components of emotional wellness while addressing current challenges, functional impairments, and relational dynamics. Paul frequently incorporates family members and significant supports into treatment, recognizing the important role relationships and attachment play in long-term wellbeing and recovery.

His clinical approach integrates evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Systemic Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Harm Reduction techniques to support growth and lasting change. In addition to his clinical work, Paul provides supervision for Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs) and clinicians pursuing their Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) credential.

Stacy Santacroce, LCSW

Clinical Director, Anxiety Institute

BS, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey // MSW, Kean University

Stacy Santacroce brings over 20 years of executive management and clinical leadership to her work at Anxiety Institute. Prior to assuming her current Clinical Director role, Stacy served as Executive Director of a premier provider of outpatient treatment programs where she led administrative and clinical teams offering high-quality adult and adolescent mental health and substance use services. At Anxiety Institute, she provides expert clinical and administrative oversight, supervising all Madison, NJ clinical staff across our intensive outpatient, individual outpatient, group, and parent support programs.

Stacy and her clinical team use an individualized, strengths-based approach to create and deliver customized treatment plans—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)—for individuals and families facing anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related disorders.

In addition to executive management and clinical leadership, Stacy enjoys teaching, writing and training graduate-level clinicians. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, teaching courses in Clinical Practice with Children, Youth and Families and Integrated Field Education. Her recent Anxiety Institute articles include The Power of Predictability: Building Emotional Safety Through Routine and Flexibility; How Teens and Young Adults Manifest Perfectionism; and Identify When Gaming Becomes Avoidance.

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Co-Hosted By

Questions regarding this course?

Birgitta Johnson

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (612) 280-4503

Training Refund, Cancellation & Certification

Virtual Courses and Webinars

If you are unable to attend an online course or webinar, Anxiety Institute offers a 100% money-back guarantee, if you notify us at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled start date. For a multi-session course, cancellation must be received 24-hours prior to the first session.
If you are unable to attend a course session/webinar due to extenuating circumstances, a recording of the session will be available for viewing for two weeks after the live session date.
If Anxiety Institute cancels the availability of a course or webinar for any reason, participants will be notified via email. Though we would not do so without good reason, we reserve this right, as well as the right to reschedule courses and webinars and/or substitute presenters. In the case of a cancelled or rescheduled course, you may request a full refund of course/webinar fees paid.
If you wish to cancel your course registration, notification must be sent to [email protected] at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled start date.

Anxiety Institute, LLC disclaims any liability for any losses or damages, direct or indirect, arising from a training cancellation.

Certification
To receive CE credits, clinicians must attend the course sessions in real time, not via recorded sessions. All CE Certification fees are non-refundable.

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