Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy and OCD
By Antoinette Peterson
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is estimated to impact approximately 2.3% of US adults at some point in their lives. This chronic psychiatric condition is defined by the presence of recurring, unwanted thoughts and/or the performance of repeated rituals or behaviors (compulsions). Compulsions are usually acted out as a way to ease the anxiety that comes from obsessive thoughts. Ultimately, OCD is highly distressing and disruptive to one’s daily life. , and is associated with diminished quality of life and functional impairment.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used widely to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is designed to gradually decrease the anxiety that feeds obsessions and compulsions by employing a process called “habituation” in which people become less triggered by stimuli/obsessions after being exposed to them repeatedly. In this blog post, we will discuss what happens during an ERP therapy session, as well as predictors of ERP treatment outcome .
What happens in an ERP Session?
ERP therapy could take place over a dozen sessions or longer. After a thorough assessment in which the therapist learns about a client’s particular triggers and compulsions, the client will begin systemic exposure to stimuli that trigger their obsessive thoughts. The goal — and challenge– of these sessions is for clients to not respond to such obsessions with their usual compulsions. By exposing clients to increasingly uncomfortable stimuli, they will acquire the ability to tolerate such distress, eventually leading them to not have to act out their obsessive-compulsive patterns.
What makes someone a good candidate for ERP Therapy?
Research has consistently shown that ERP can significantly rescue OCD symptoms over the long term. ERP has been demonstrated as effective in children as young as six, all the way to older adulthood. Patient compliance – such as early, between session “homework” – has been shown to predict better long term treatment outcomes; as well as ERP administration and therapist factors. It is often said that with ERP, a client gets out of it what they put in. While it can be challenging for clients to face their fears, with practice, they will find it is worth the effort.
Components that could interfere with ERP include, substance abuse, extreme family or partner accommodation, severe depression, and bipolar disorder.
How New Perspective Counseling Can Help?
You don’t have to live in the grip of OCD. With the right treatment, you can experience:
- Significant reduction in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
- Increased freedom in your daily routines and relationships
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- A renewed sense of control over your life
Most importantly, you’ll rediscover joy—joy in the ordinary moments, joy in connection with others, and joy in simply being present.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to take that first step toward therapy. But the courage you show by seeking help is the first step toward lasting freedom. If you’re ready to begin OCD treatment or want to learn more about our services, New Perspective Counseling is here for you. Schedule an appointment with one of our licensed therapists today.
