Effective exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By gradually confronting fears and resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors, ERP helps individuals break the cycle of anxiety and regain control over their lives.
What to expect
During exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment, you can expect a structured, supportive process that helps you gradually face your fears and anxieties in a safe environment. I will work with you to create a hierarchy of feared situations or thoughts, starting with less challenging exposures and slowly progressing to more difficult ones. Together, we will practice resisting performing your usual compulsions in response to anxiety, allowing you to learn that your fears do not come true and that your anxiety will lessen over time.
Sessions are collaborative, and progress is made at a manageable pace, fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment throughout the journey. While ERP can sound daunting at first when we are attached to our compulsions, it can be incredibly empowering once we learn that we do not need to rely on these compulsions to keep us safe.
Goals and Outcomes
The goals of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy focus on reducing OCD symptoms and improving daily functioning. By engaging in structured exposures and resisting compulsions, clients can experience lasting relief and develop healthier ways to manage anxiety.
Reduce anxiety by gradually facing feared situations or thoughts without engaging in compulsive behaviors.
Break the cycle of OCD by challenging the need for compulsions to reduce distress.
Increase tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort, helping clients manage anxiety more effectively.
Build confidence in handling obsessive thoughts without resorting to rituals or avoidance.
Empower clients to take control of their OCD and regain independence in daily life.
Long-term symptom relief through the development of healthier coping mechanisms.
Improve overall quality of life by reducing the time and energy spent on obsessions and compulsions.
How we get there
ERP therapy typically begins with an assessment where we’ll discuss your specific fears, compulsions, and how OCD affects your life. Based on this, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan, including a list of situations or thoughts that trigger your anxiety. This "fear hierarchy" will help guide our sessions, starting with less distressing exposures and gradually working up to more challenging ones.
During each session, we’ll work through exposures together in a structured and supportive way. I’ll guide you as you face these anxiety-provoking situations without engaging in compulsive behaviors. You’ll learn to sit with the discomfort until the anxiety naturally decreases. Over time, you’ll discover that your fears don't come true, and your ability to tolerate anxiety strengthens with each step.
Outside of our sessions, you’ll practice exposures on your own, using the tools and strategies we’ve worked on. This homework is an important part of the process, helping to reinforce the progress you make during therapy. As we move through the hierarchy, you’ll gain more confidence in your ability to manage OCD and experience greater relief from symptoms.
My role in your ERP therapy
As your therapist, my role is to provide guidance, support, and expertise throughout the ERP process. Together, we’ll identify your specific fears and compulsions, create a personalized exposure plan, and ensure that the process feels both safe and effective for you. I’ll help you challenge your anxiety step by step, offering encouragement and reassurance as you face your fears. I’ll also teach you strategies to manage distress and monitor your progress, adjusting the pace and intensity of the exposures as needed. My goal is to empower you to take control of your OCD and help you feel a sense of mastery over your symptoms.
To get started, schedule a free consultation so that we can talk about what you’d like to work on and what you’re looking for.
I can share more background on my approach and therapy style, and we can chat about logistics and scheduling.