“I’m So OCD”: Implicit Bias and Stigma

DE20261028: Understanding OCD, Challenging Misconceptions, and Reducing Stigma in Social Work Practice

“I’m So OCD”: Implicit Bias and Stigma
Date: Wednesday October 28th 2026
Time: 12:00-1:30 PM ET 
Presenter: Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW
Executive Director: Maryland, Metro DC, Delaware Chapters 

Workshop Description: The phrase “I’m so OCD” has become common in everyday conversation, often used to describe being neat, organized, perfectionistic, or particular about routines. Although frequently used casually, this language can contribute to misunderstanding and stigma surrounding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the individuals who experience it. 

This interactive continuing education workshop examines the intersection of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, implicit bias, stereotypes, stigma, and social work practice. Participants will explore common misconceptions about OCD and distinguish clinical symptoms from everyday preferences or personality characteristics. The training will examine how implicit bias and stigmatizing language can influence the ways social workers and other professionals understand, assess, communicate about, and respond to individuals experiencing OCD. Participants will consider how assumptions about cleanliness, organization, perfectionism, irrationality, or control may affect professional interactions and potentially contribute to barriers to appropriate support and treatment. 

Through presentation, discussion, case examples, reflection, and practical application, participants will develop strategies for recognizing implicit bias, challenging stereotypes, reducing stigma, and using person-centered and clinically accurate language when working with individuals experiencing OCD. The workshop is designed to help social workers move beyond the casual use of “OCD” as a personality descriptor and toward a more accurate, compassionate, and informed understanding of the disorder. 

Learning Objectives:

• Define Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and distinguish clinical OCD symptoms from common experiences such as perfectionism, organization, cleanliness, or preference for routine. 
• Identify at least three common stereotypes, misconceptions, or forms of stigma associated with OCD. 
• Explain how implicit bias and everyday language, including phrases such as “I’m so OCD,” can contribute to misconceptions and stigma surrounding OCD. 
• Recognize how implicit bias and stigma may influence social workers’ assessment, communication, treatment planning, referrals, and interactions with individuals experiencing OCD. 
• Examine how stereotypes related to OCD may affect clients' willingness to disclose symptoms, seek services, or engage in treatment. 
• Apply at least three strategies for using person-centered, non-stigmatizing, and clinically accurate language when discussing OCD with clients, families, colleagues, and other professionals. 
• Develop practical strategies for recognizing and interrupting implicit bias and reducing stigma related to OCD in social work practice. 

CEUs: 1.5 Social Work CEUs

• Maryland: 1.5 Category I – Anti-Oppressive Practice* 
• Delaware: 1.5 Social Work CEUs* 
• Washington, DC: 1.5 Social Work CEUs* 
• *CE approval/designation is jurisdiction-specific and subject to applicable approval requirements. 

Price: FREE for Members | $40 for Non-Members

Members register for FREE