Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a common mental health challenge where unhelpful fears (obsessions) are developed within the brain, resulting in behaviors that attempt to allay these fears (compulsions). Over time, engagement in obsessions and compulsions causes fears to grow and negative habits to form, leading to oftentimes unmanageable and debilitating symptoms.
ERP works to re-train the brain and create new learning experiences about OCD’s fears. By purposely activating fears in therapy without engaging in compulsions, clients begin to weaken unhelpful habits, build confidence, disconfirm their fears, lower anxiety levels, learn to tolerate uncertainty, learn how to “boss back” OCD, and begin to feel more in control.
In ERP, you and your therapist will begin by ensuring a thorough understanding of your OCD and the ERP process. You and your therapist will work to rate the severity of your obsessions so you can begin to gradually face your fears within a safe and supportive relationship.
Benefits of ERP:
Decreased OCD symptoms
Brain rewiring
Improved quality of life
Increased ability to tolerate difficult emotions
Increased flexibility
Increased confidence
Ability to use skills independently in the future
Resources:
Center for Anxiety Behavior Therapy
NOCD
International OCD Foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNCGkSzUKqE
Written by Katie Tankersley MSW, LCSW
