Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. ERP helps individuals gradually face situations, thoughts, images, or sensations that trigger anxiety while learning to continue to live a values based life without relying on compulsions, avoidance, or reassurance-seeking behaviors.
Many people experiencing OCD or anxiety become caught in a cycle where uncomfortable thoughts or feelings lead to ritualized behaviors, checking routines, avoidance, reassurance-seeking, or other behaviors intended to reduce distress. While these responses may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce anxiety over time and make symptoms more persistent.
In ERP therapy, the counselor works collaboratively with the client to identify their triggers, anxious thought patterns, images, or doubts, and how the client has worked towards neutralizing them. Together, an exposure ladder is created, which guides therapy moving forward. An exposure ladder helps the progress move at a steady, achievable pace, with reasonable therapy steps to help achieve healthy progress. These therapy steps, most often referred to as exposure exercises, help the client face these anxieties, while allowing for a natural progression through anxiety as opposed to utilizing unhealthy neutralizing behaviors that only usually provide temporary relief.
Effective for Working With
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Intrusive thoughts
- Checking routines
- Contamination fears
- Health anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Generalized anxiety
At Gleason Counseling Services, we have seen a substantial amount of progress, growth, and freedom achieved through a collaborative use of ERP. We have been honored to help clients through some of their most challenging experiences and topics, and would love the opportunity to continue helping others.
Practitioners
- Dave Swanston
- Dan Gleason
Further Information:
Let’s walk this path together.
Reach out when you’re ready. We’d be honored to walk alongside you.
