The Misconceptions of OCD and Anxiety - Paul Peterson
In this Stronger Marriage webinar, Dr. Paul Peterson, Director of the Office of Families at Utah DHHS, discusses the state's upstream approach to family well-being. He explains how prevention-focused policies, collaborative partnerships, and support for all family types are shaping healthier communities in Utah. Learn how investing in early support, parenting education, and data-driven strategies helps families thrive before crises occur.
Time Markers
00:00 – Welcome by Nyah Phelps and intro of Dr. Paul Peterson
00:24 – Paul’s background in social work and child welfare
01:09 – Utah’s upstream vision: Strengthening families before crisis
02:12 – Office of Families: Purpose and goals
03:05 – Collaboration with Office of Child and Family Services
03:48 – Avoiding duplicating efforts by working together
04:41 – Prevention focus: Helping families early
06:17 – Looking at outcomes across systems (mental health, education, housing, etc.)
07:25 – How prevention reduces future system strain
08:55 – Role of families in building community
10:26 – Including diverse family types in policy efforts
11:40 – Supporting families through education and resources
13:18 – Launch of the Family Impact Partnership
15:04 – Supporting parenting across ages and stages
16:16 – Using storytelling and data to shape programs
17:49 – Importance of letting families lead
19:00 – Utah Family Story project: Elevating real voices
20:45 – Sharing tools and best practices across sectors
22:07 – Measuring impact and listening to feedback
23:55 – Paul’s vision: All families feel supported and valued
25:30 – Call to action: Working together for stronger families
26:42 – Final thoughts and Q&A
About Paul Peterson:
Paul Peterson started his education at BYU, where he received a bachelor's in Psychology and then Graduated from the University of Utah with a Master's In social work. Through various work experiences, he stumbled upon the treatment of OCD and Anxiety. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to specialize in the treatment. He became super focused and specialized after participating in over 40,000 therapy sessions. In 2015, he officially launched OCD Anxiety Centers with several brilliant people. Paul is the CEO of eight treatment centers across the country and is actively leading their expansion, with a goal to have 22 centers open by the end of 2025. It has been exciting to journey as his company is achieving the highest reductions of symptoms in the Nation. Paul’s dream of providing the best treatment in the Nation has become a reality!
Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:
Facebook: StrongerMarriage.org
Instagram: @strongermarriagelife
TikTok: @strongermarriagelife