Our Approach
Our Philosophy
We believe that treatment for OCD should be accessible to everyone. By training more clinicians in how to effectively treat obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, we can reach more people and support widespread recovery. Through a lens of inclusion, we have designed a wraparound treatment model that promotes confidence in providers. You will learn how to treat even the most acute OCD cases and will walk away feeling adept at addressing a wide range of clinical issues. The R.E.A.L. program also reduces the amount of stigma clients experience when seeking out treatment and minimizes the chances they will get tossed back and forth in the psychiatric system. The R.E.A.L. Recovery program provides a roadmap and authentic solutions for both clients and their providers.
Our Story
Our Story
We are therapists. So, of course, our story starts with our passionate work with our clients. Hearing their stories, struggles, and witnessing client transformation as they engaged in effective, evidence-based treatment interventions, led us to create a multi-dimensional training that is accessible and specifically focused on the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs). Jayme and Lori collaborated from afar and identified gaps in treatment philosophies as well as a lack of training for clinicians. Noting that these voids in treatment were preventing clients with OCD from accessing long-term and integrated recovery, Lori and Jayme then created the R.E.A.L. Recovery program to train more clinicians in OCD recovery.
Meet the R.E.A.L. Team
The women who spent hours passionately creating R.E.A.L. are actual clinicians engaged in direct client recovery. They are presenters at the International OCD Foundation's Annual Conference, lecturers and trainers at local clinics and hospitals, private practice owners, and board members of the IOCDF's local affiliates. Armed with knowledge and experience, we aim to bring more attention and necessary training to a complex disorder.
Jayme M. Valdez, LMHC
Founder & OCD Specialist
Jayme M. Valdez is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Worcester, MA. Jayme serves on the Boards of Directors for OCD Rhode Island and OCD Massachusetts. She obtained her Masters degree in expressive arts therapies/mental health counseling from Lesley University and completed a graduate internship at McLean Hospital. Jayme provides supervision, training, and consultation to treatment facilities, doctors, and other clinicians. She often calls on her background in expressive arts therapies when supporting clinicians in designing creative OCD treatment plans and problem-solving tough clinical cases using ingenuity and imagination. Jayme is particularly interested in providing inclusive treatment for all persons living with OCD, including those with substance use disorders, self-harming behaviors, suicidality, as well as those in the LGBTQ+ and POC communities.
Lori A. Johnson, LAC, LPC
Founder & OCD Specialist
Lori A. Johnson is a Licensed Addiction and Professional Counselor with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health from The University of Colorado. Working with ERP in a variety of different treatment facilities, Lori serves as a consultant for treatment teams to help them address dual diagnosis with OCD. Lori is passionate about advocating for OCD populations within the addiction treatment realm and filling gaps in treatment. Lori's practice, In Focus Counseling LLC, specializes in individual and group therapy for those struggling with OCD and/or substance use disorders (including process addictions such as eating disorders, internet, and video gaming) and utilizes ACT, ERP, and DBT. Lori provides supervision, training, and consultation to psychiatrists and treatment facilities to provide wraparound care to patients with OCD.
Emily Joy, A.A.
Executive Assistant
Emily is the gal behind the scenes. As a Junior at University of Colorado, Boulder, Emily functions as a student researcher in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She is a scientist in training and has a passion for the outdoors and adventure. Emily has a heart of gold and a love for animals. She loves to spend time with her two furry dogs.
Begin Here...
Send us a an email to see if a R.E.A.L. Recovery training is a fit for you or your clinical team. We will help you assess the level of clinical training needed.