Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is the gold standard for treating OCD and other related anxiety disorders. It is a proven treatment for breaking the cycle of fear and compulsions that interfere with your daily life and negatively affect your well-being. ERP helps you face fears in a safe, step by step method. In treatment, you practice being present with thoughts, images or situations that make you anxious. By facing the fear and not turning to rituals to neutralize the fear you will learn how to tolerate anxiety and break the cycle of OCD.

ERP treatment can vary depending on your specific challenges but generally follow these steps:

1. Assessment and planning: Identifying your specific triggers, obsessions and compulsions and then developing a plan that fits your needs.
2. Practicing exposure: Starting with small triggers that cause less anxiety you will begin facing fears without engaging in avoidance or rituals. You will also practice exposures between sessions.
3. Processing exposure: We will explore the thoughts, feelings and behavior you experience during the exposures.

If you feel ERP might be the right treatment for you or if you would like to explore treatment options please schedule an appointment or call (415) 290-3186 for a consultation.