Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment for OCD. ERP therapy is a specialised form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ERP was specifically designed to break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, and it’s been clinically proven to significantly reduce symptoms in 80% of people with OCD.

The exposure component of ERP refers to practicing confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that make you anxious and/or provoke your obsessions. The response prevention part of ERP refers to making a choice not to do a compulsive behavior once the anxiety or obsessions have been “triggered.” All of this is done under the guidance of an ERP psychologist at the beginning — though you will eventually learn to do your own ERP exercises to help manage your symptoms. Over time, the treatment will “retrain your brain” to no longer see the object of the obsession as a threat.

This strategy of purposefully exposing yourself to things that make you anxious may not sound quite right to you. Maybe it sounds difficult. If you have OCD, you have probably tried to confront your obsessions and anxiety only to see that you become very anxious and fearful. With ERP, the difference is that our ERP trained therapists are working with you to develop a plan for exposure. Then, that therapist coaches you through confronting the situation, leaning into the feelings it provokes, sticking with it, and resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behavior.

What Happen in ERP:

  1. You will feel an initial increase in anxiety, uncertainty, and obsessional thoughts.
  2. You will find that these feelings and thoughts are distressing, but also that they can’t hurt you — they are safe and manageable.
  3. When you stop fighting the obsessions and anxiety, these feelings will eventually begin to subside.
  4. This natural drop in anxiety that happens when you stay “exposed” and “prevent” the compulsive “response” is called habituation.
  5. You will find that your fears are less likely to come true than you thought.
  6. You will get better at managing “everyday” levels of risk and uncertainty.

Treatment of OCD with Ex/RP generally consists of 15-20 individual therapy sessions that are about 60 to 90 minutes each.

Many clients find that once they have learned Ex/RP and have experienced positive results, they are able to use Ex/RP strategies to manage OCD symptoms long-term.

Online Psychologists & Therapists Australia | Online OCD Therapy & Counselling

We are trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP). We are also at Sehat Psychology,  Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinicians that demonstrate our expertise in the most evidence-based psychotherapy treatment. You can contact us on (08) 7079 9529 or email admin@sehatpsychology.com.au to book an appointment  (telehealth or face to face) with our  exposure and response prevention therapist.

Adelaide Psychology Clinic | OCD Psychologists & Therapists

Our treatment team of therapists stands out as being expert in the field of exposure and response prevention, a proven and effective approach for treating OCD. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of psychological issues, our clinic is committed to guiding you through your journey to emotional well-being.