Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
What is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)?
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used primarily to treat anxiety disorders, particularly Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). ERP focuses on exposing individuals to their fears and teaching them to resist the compulsive behaviors they normally use to reduce anxiety.
How ERP Works
ERP involves confronting fears in a controlled and gradual way. The therapist helps you face your triggers—whether it’s contamination fears, intrusive thoughts, or social anxieties—without engaging in the compulsive behavior that typically follows. By repeatedly exposing yourself to the feared situation and resisting the urge to neutralize the anxiety through compulsions, you learn that the anxiety will naturally diminish over time.
What ERP Helps With
ERP is highly effective for conditions like:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder
Phobias
What to Expect from ERP
ERP is usually conducted over several months. It can be an intense process, but it is highly effective. Your therapist will work closely with you to ensure that exposures are gradual and manageable. Through this process, you’ll learn to handle anxiety without relying on avoidance or compulsions.
ERP offers long-lasting relief from the compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts that dominate life with OCD. It’s evidence-based and proven to help individuals break free from the debilitating cycle of anxiety and avoidance.