Kia ora from New Zealand – we just completed 4 Bergen 4-Day OCD groups in Auckland

In January of 2026, we completed four Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) groups with 17 patients here in Auckland. It has been deeply moving to witness the meaningful strides each participant has made.

Importantly, severity was not a barrier to initial outcome. Several participants entered treatment with Y-BOCS scores above 36 (including two from the first group at 38 and 39—levels that are truly disabling), yet every individual made major therapeutic gains. Many described their experience as “mind-blowing” and “magical.” The nine therapists in training echoed the same sentiment and they stated it was an incredibly humbling experience to be part of.

This work was hosted in collaboration with Open Closed Doors, the University of Auckland, and with generous support from Kavlifondet, whose sponsorship has been central to the international dissemination of B4DT.

We were also joined by filmmaker Megan Jones and her film crew, who documented the journey of five courageous young adults (ages 18–25) through the B4DT process—before and after treatment. Bjarne Hansen ran the group and the participants courage and determination were extraordinary to witness. The documentary is scheduled for release in August, 2026 in New Zealand.
 

The team of therapists in New Zealand was (and is) amazing and included Drs. Emma Chapman, Marthinus Bekker, Keri Brown, Mihi Gilles, and Ben Sedley. The trip to New Zealand left those of us that participated from the OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California feeling grateful, inspired, and energized!