Exploring Experiences of Accessing Treatment within Black and Asian Communities, 2023 Conference

Exploring Experiences of Accessing Treatment within Black and Asian Communities

This session explores both lived experience and clinical research with the aim of sharing some of the realities of living with OCD as a Black or Asian individual, and how therapy can be adapted to take equality and diversity into account.

About the Panel

Adebiyi Desalu
Biyi, aged 38, has grappled with OCD for more than three decades. Now on the path to recovery, he uses his personal experience to help others, collaborating with charities such as OCD Action and Orchard OCD. Biyi is an active member of OCD Action’s DEI Co-production Panel and in his spare time he shares recovery tips and advice on YouTube.

Pavitt Thatcher
Pavitt Thatcher is a trainee integrative psychotherapist offering treatment for OCD, related disorders, and body-focused repetitive behaviours. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space to foster self-expression and advocates passionately for mental health. As a leading founder of BFRB UK and Ireland, Pavitt raises awareness and provides resources for those affected by BFRBs, serving as an ambassador and leader for both the UK and US BFRB communities. She facilitates peer support groups and has a decade-long collaboration with The TLC Foundation. Pavitt joined the OCD Action DEI Panel in 2023.

Dr Gazal Jones
Dr. Gazal Jones, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist CAMHS OCD, BDD, and Related Disorders Service, provides specialised assessment and evidence-based treatment to children and young people nationwide. She delivers specialist teaching and training on child and adolescent OCD, and leads diversity initiatives to improve the experience of families from ethnic minorities and the consideration of aspects of diversity in OCD assessment and treatment.

Shaun Flores
Shaun Flores, a powerful voice in OCD advocacy, was diagnosed with OCD at 27, igniting his mission to raise awareness of OCD and break barriers to treatment, particularly within black communities. Shaun’s journey from ‘survivor to thriver’ with OCD has been featured on BBC Sounds, Metro, and Channel 4, where he fearlessly discusses his mental health journey. Passionate about progressive change, he’s an inspiring advocate and a member of OCD Action’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-production Panel for People of Colour.