October webinar: Translating Research to Clinical Insights: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Obsessive Thoughts in Turkish and Belgian Samples

Dear RP Friends,     

As future psychologists, it’s essential that we stay up-to-date on the latest research and clinical insights in our field. That’s why we’re excited to announce an upcoming webinar that promises to deliver just that. On October 25th at 18:00 CEST, we’ll be hosting a lecture led by Fulya Özcanlı, Ph.D. – a researcher, academic professional, clinical psychologist, and psychotherapist from Turkey. This seminar will delve into the realm of cultural variations within Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

In today’s diverse clinical landscape, mental health professionals must strive for cultural competence to provide effective care. The time has come for you to join our October webinar about Translating Research to Clinical Insights: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Obsessive Thoughts in Turkish and Belgian Samples. The study employed a cross-cultural approach to explore the potential cultural differences in the manifestation and interpretation of obsessive thoughts, with the goal of providing clinical insights for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in different cultural contexts. OCD is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions), coupled with repetitive, time-consuming ritualistic behaviours (compulsions). Recent research underscores the influence of culture on how individuals experience their OCD symptoms. Throughout this seminar, we will explore the significant role that culturally significant domains, such as religion, self-identity, and moral concerns, play in shaping the interpretations, frequencies, and distress levels associated with obsessions. These cultural differences can profoundly impact emotions and behaviours. The webinar will take approximately 90 minutes and will include a Q&A session with our guest. Again, we will meet on Zoom (participants will receive the link via email once they register through the platform given below).

Our speaker, Fulya Özcanlı, Ph.D., holds a B.A. degree in Guidance & Psychological Counselling from Boğaziçi University. She received her M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from Doğuş University and completed her Ph.D. in the Department of Psychology at the University of Leuven in Belgium. Following her Ph.D., she furthered her academic journey by serving as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Leuven. Dr. Özcanlı’s research is situated at the intersection of clinical and cultural psychology. She focuses on exploring the cross-cultural dimensions of obsessions, a fundamental component of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Her work delves into how cultural perceptions of Self and Morality influence obsessions and contribute to our understanding of the development of OCD. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Özcanlı has also been working as a psychotherapist since 2009.

If you are interested in joining us and expanding your research experience, do not hesitate and sign up now here.

Hope to see you all again soon!

Best regards,

RP Team