Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
ERP is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that has been widely validated for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD often develop rigid routines or habits, called compulsions, in order to calm themselves in response to distressing thoughts or images. Although compulsions do decrease anxiety in the short term, unfortunately, they can become very rigid and substantially interfere with people's lives. Another unfortunate effect of compulsions is that they reinforce anxiety in the long term, thus creating a vicious cycle of anxiety.
In Exposure and Response Prevention, therapists help clients practice tolerating the anxiety-provoking thoughts or images gradually, while resisting the urge to do compulsive behaviors. Over time, the thoughts and images become less distressing and people are able to enjoy their days substantially more when they do not feel compelled to perform rigid routines throughout their days. Although ERP can initially sound intimidating to clients, many people experience significant reductions in OCD symptoms and it is considered a gold standard for OCD treatment.
ERP is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that has been widely validated for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD often develop rigid routines or habits, called compulsions, in order to calm themselves in response to distressing thoughts or images. Although compulsions do decrease anxiety in the short term, unfortunately, they can become very rigid and substantially interfere with people's lives. Another unfortunate effect of compulsions is that they reinforce anxiety in the long term, thus creating a vicious cycle of anxiety.
In Exposure and Response Prevention, therapists help clients practice tolerating the anxiety-provoking thoughts or images gradually, while resisting the urge to do compulsive behaviors. Over time, the thoughts and images become less distressing and people are able to enjoy their days substantially more when they do not feel compelled to perform rigid routines throughout their days. Although ERP can initially sound intimidating to clients, many people experience significant reductions in OCD symptoms and it is considered a gold standard for OCD treatment.
