What is Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)?
In Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), an individual experiences involuntary intrusive thoughts, images, and urges that enter their mind that are unwanted. These thoughts, images, and urges are persistent and distressing, which lead to repetitive behaviors, also known as compulsions, in an effort to get rid of them. The experience of intrusive thoughts and compulsions can take up at least two hours per day. This is distressing for the individual and can affect major areas of their life, such as work, school, relationships, and basic self care needs. OCD is treatable with Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP).
What is ERP?
Triggers are natural occurrences that lead to the individual's intrusive thoughts and obsessions. An exposure is what the client will do purposely to activate these obsessions. By using exposures in ERP treatment, the individual confronts their intrusive thoughts, images, urges, and situations that trigger their obsessions. During the exposures, the therapist assists the client with response prevention. Response prevention is resisting the urge to engage in compulsions. This is a crucial component of ERP because it helps to break the OCD cycle. Through this, the client gets experience sitting with distress and discomfort. The therapist will have the individual start with low distress level exposures, and overtime, will work up to more challenging exposures.
The individual with OCD has been engaging in compulsions, or avoiding certain circumstances, in order to neutralize their fears. Unfortunately, this actually continues the cycle and feeds into OCD. However, through ERP, the individual can eventually take control of their life, rather than be ruled by their OCD.
Why do ERP?
● You will learn how to break the OCD cycle
● You will be able to experience distress without it dictating your behavior
● You will be more present with the people in your life
● You will be able to use ERP strategies when confronted with everyday challenges
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and use Exposure & Response Prevention with my clients. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I can provide in person and video therapy. My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I provide video therapy to individuals who live in California, including Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, at more. I work with OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.