
Ljubljana 2026 Conference | Grand Hotel Union | Wednesday, 17 May 2026
The 2 Behavioural Therapy workshops are a part of the main conference programme, but are made available as separate events as well, especially for our local colleagues, and for all interested parties that will not be attending the ESSTS meeting.

1. Workshop for beginner participants, 09:00-12:00
Basic principles and behavioural techniques for treating tic disorders
Join our engaging Beginners Workshop on Tic Disorders, a practical and hands-on training designed for clinicians and professionals.
In this interactive half-day session, you’ll explore the foundations of effective diagnostics, psychoeducation, and evidence-based behavioural treatments. Learn how to apply Habit Reversal Training, Exposure and Response Prevention, and function-based interventions through videos, role play, and real-life examples.
Gain practical tools you can immediately use in your daily practice. We conclude with discussion and guidance on handling real-world challenges with confidence.
Programme:
- 09:00 The cornerstone of treatment: diagnostics, assessment and psychoeducation
- 09:25 Habit reversal training
- 10:15 Coffee break ☕
- 10:30 Exposure and response prevention
- 11:15 Function based interventions
- 11.45 Questions and closing - challenges in real life
2. Workshop for advanced participants, 14:00-17:00
"OCD and tic-related OCD"
Join our Advanced Workshop: Tic-Related OCD, focused on deepening clinical understanding and treatment planning for complex presentations of tic-related OCD.
The session covers assessment and differential diagnostics of tics, OCD, and tic-related OCD, followed by a structured overview of treatment options and sequencing of interventions.
We address systemic approaches in school and work contexts, and provide an update on neurobiological insights and medication. The afternoon concludes with case discussions in smaller groups, allowing participants to apply concepts to clinical scenarios and exchange practical experiences with colleagues. A dynamic, practice-focused afternoon to refine your clinical decision-making in this complex and clinically intriguing overlap between tics and OCD.
Programme:
- 14:00 Quiz
- 14:10 Introduction, background & assessment of tics, OCD and tic-related OCD
- 14:30 Treatment overview including sequencing of treatment
- 14:55 Systemic approach (school, work)
- 15:10 Neurobiology & update on medication
- 15:25 Break ☕
- 15:45 Case discussions in smaller groups
Register for the Behavioural Therapy workshops (IF you are NOT attending the main conference:):
The Frontiers editorial office will be able to provide more information/answer any questions.
Discover the spectacular destination where we shall meet again next summer!



Invited speakers
- Le relazioni si terranno in lingua inglese con traduzione simultanea in italiano
- Accreditamento ECM per medici, psicologi, infermieri
"A brilliant and empathetic comedy narrating the daily life of a boy with Tourette."
(See detailed programme below)
- Prof Andreas Hartmann, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, FR - Dr Christelle Nilles, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, FR
- Michele Dunlap, Germany
President & Acting Treasurer - Marla Shea, UK/USA
Secretary
- Christina Papakaliatis, Founder
-Healthcare professionals: a round table for discussion with the speakers will be held in the afternoon.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
- This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
- The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided onsite.
- Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.
- Tourette Greece
- TTAG
- ESSTS
- Assessment (including differential diagnosis)
- Natural course and prognosis
- Epidemiology
- Causes & mechanisms
- Q&A
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Mood (anxiety & depression)
- Sleep
- Q&A
- Available treatments
- Clinical cases
- Comprehensive Q&A with the audience
- Tuesday, 27 May 2025: 18:00-20:00 BST. Led by: Virginie Czernecki & Katrin Woitecki
- Tuesday, 30 September 2025: 18:00-20:00 BST. Led by Tara Murphy & Jolande van de Griendt
- Tuesday, 25 November 2025: 18:00-20:00 GMT. Led by: Cara Verdellen & Katrin Woitecki
Registration rate per online consultation (2 hours): €35.
(See detailed programme below)
- Dr Christos Androutsos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Head Consultant at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, SGHA - Dr Anastasia Dougali
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, SGHA
- Dr Marinos Kyriakopoulos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Athanasia Makri
Psychologist
MSc in Clinical Psychology
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
- This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
- The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided on site.
- Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.
- Behavioural approaches being adapted for acceptance – developmental factors
- Working with school, work & family
- Using Schema Therapy techniques to deal with negative childhood experiences that need addressing
- Parents Living Well with Tics; engaging the system to enhance acceptance and well being
Case discussion led by Noa Ben-Aroya, Dana Feldman and John Piacentini
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