Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD often keeps you stuck in a cycle: an intrusive thought arrives, anxiety spikes, and a compulsion (e.g., checking, avoiding, reassuring, repeating) brings temporary relief. But the relief never lasts, and over time the rituals quietly take up more and more of your life.

How does ERP work?

ERP works by gradually and collaboratively approaching feared thoughts and situations, and practicing not engaging in the compulsion that usually follows, so your nervous system learns that it can tolerate uncertainty without needing rituals to survive it. Sessions begin with a thorough assessment and discussion of your OCD patterns, followed by building a personalized, graduated hierarchy of exposures at a pace that feels manageable.

Common types of OCD include:

• Contamination OCD - fears of germs, illness, or spreading harm; compulsive washing, cleaning, or avoiding contact with surfaces and people

• Checking OCD - fears of causing harm through negligence; repeated checking of locks, appliances, doors, or retracing routes

• Harm OCD - intrusive thoughts about hurting oneself or others, distressing precisely because they conflict with one's values

• Relationship OCD (ROCD) - endless doubts and monitoring of your feelings for "proof" that you truly love your partner

• Scrupulosity - obsessions around morality, religion, or being a good person; persistent fear of having sinned, offended, or acted unethically

• Pedophilia OCD (POCD) - deeply distressing intrusive thoughts about children, contrary to the person's values and desires

• Mental Compulsions (also known as Pure O) - intrusive thoughts without visible external rituals; mental reviewing, reassurance-seeking, neutralizing

If you’d like to explore whether ERP might be a good fit for you, reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.