Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

It involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or thoughts while preventing the typical compulsive response. This process helps individuals reduce anxiety over time and learn healthier ways to cope with distressing thoughts and situations.

Although the thought of exposure might provoke a lot of anticipatory anxiety for you, we will approach your fears in a way that does not feel as threatening to you by creating a hierarchy of your fears from least anxiety provoking to most anxiety provoking. You will receive an extensive amount of psycho-education about OCD to help you better understand how compulsive behaviors have fueled your anxiety rather than lessened it.

Response prevention is just as important, if not more so, in helping you learn how to stop engaging in compulsions and rituals. An example would be learning specific skills to help you stop ruminating (e.g. engaging with all of the “what if” thoughts).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

By recognizing the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and reacting to life’s challenges, improving overall emotional well-being.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment while committing to actions that align with their values.

By fostering mindfulness and psychological flexibility, ACT helps individuals navigate difficult emotions, reduce avoidance behaviors, and create a more meaningful, values-driven life.