Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy: What to Expect
A comprehensive guide to ERP, the leading specialised therapy for OCD and specific phobias.
Treatment begins with
Assessment
Hierarchy Building
Guided Exposure
Skill Consolidation
ERP is recommended for OCD and specific phobias where compulsions or avoidance maintain the anxiety cycle.
You may need this if...
These signs may indicate that this treatment is the recommended course of care:
- Repetitive compulsions performed to reduce anxiety
- Avoidance of a specific feared object or situation
- Obsessions or fears that interfere with daily functioning
- A preference for a structured, evidence-based approach
A psychiatrist's confidential evaluation confirms whether this treatment is the right option for you.
What is ERP Therapy?
ERP gradually and safely exposes you to feared thoughts or situations while helping you resist the urge to perform compulsions or avoidance, breaking the anxiety cycle over time.
Exposure is carefully paced and always done collaboratively, never forced beyond what you're ready for.
When This Treatment is Considered
ERP is recommended for OCD and specific phobias where compulsions or avoidance maintain the anxiety cycle.
- Repetitive compulsions performed to reduce anxiety
- Avoidance of a specific feared object or situation
- Obsessions or fears that interfere with daily functioning
- A preference for a structured, evidence-based approach
The Care Pathway
1. Assessment
Your therapist maps out specific obsessions, compulsions or feared triggers.
2. Hierarchy Building
A structured list ranks situations from least to most anxiety-provoking.
3. Guided Exposure
You gradually face feared situations while resisting compulsions or avoidance, with support.
4. Skill Consolidation
Progress is reviewed and skills are consolidated for lasting change.
“Your care team supports you through every stage, with complete confidentiality from evaluation to ongoing follow-up.”
Expected Benefits and Possible Considerations
ERP is highly effective, with most people experiencing significant, lasting symptom reduction. Sessions may involve short-term discomfort as part of the structured process.
Every treatment has individual considerations. Your care team will discuss what to expect based on your specific situation.
What to Expect Over Time
Many people notice meaningful improvement within several weeks, with continued progress over the full course of therapy.
Your care plan includes structured sessions and between-session practice to build lasting change.
Regular follow-up and open communication with your care team play an important role in achieving the best possible outcome.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
- 1.What will exposure sessions actually involve?
- 2.How will we decide the pace of treatment?
- 3.How long does a typical course of ERP take?
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right psychiatrist, confidentially.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your concern to the right psychiatrist, confidentially.
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