Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD

Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often involves managing persistent and distressing thoughts, as well as engaging in ritualistic behaviors.

An effective therapeutic approach that has shown significant success is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a specific form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to systematically expose individuals to their anxiety-provoking thoughts and situations.

ERP isn’t limited to therapy sessions alone, it extends into real-life situations, enabling individuals to face their fears in everyday scenarios.

How ERP Works

ERP is considered the “gold standard” in treating OCD and falls under the umbrella of CBT.

• Exposure:The Exposure component of ERP refers to gradually confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that cause anxiety and provoke obsessions.

• Response Prevention: The Response Prevention part of ERP refers to learning and using coping skills to prevent compulsions and avoidant behavior.

• Retrain your brain: Over time, ERP will retrain your brain to no longer see the obsession as a threat, significantly reducing the anxiety and urge to perform compulsions.

Contact Julie at Reframe CBT to learn how ERP can help you or your loved one with their OCD.