What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP is a first-line treatment for OCD, meaning that research suggests this treatment has a strong likelihood of helping folks with OCD. The process begins by first learning more about OCD and its cyclical nature. Once you learn more about how your compulsions are keeping you stuck in a loop, you can be better prepared to break free of that loop. 

You will then work with a therapist to develop a fear hierarchy. This will serve as a plan throughout treatment during which you are gradually exposing yourself to situations that trigger your obsessions. Then, you will work with your therapist to not engage in your compulsions and implement non-engagement responses as necessary. Your therapist will also assign these challenges for homework to keep treatment progressing. While these exercises are geared at eliciting some anxiety, the goal is that your body and mind habituate (or “get used to”) the feeling of anxiety until it naturally decreases. You will also teach your brain that your OCD thoughts were not accurate by finding another way through your stress. Throughout the process, you will repeat these homework assignments until one day they become boring and you feel more and more confident as you break the cycle of OCD.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Herbst at Jherbst@richmondfamilypsychology.com; 804-214-6416

Dr. Herbst is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of OCD.