Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP Therapy)
A proven therapy that helps individuals face fears and resist compulsions until anxiety loses its power.
A proven therapy that helps individuals face fears and resist compulsions until anxiety loses its power.
A snapshot of who this therapy is for and how it works
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety
Weekly or twice weekly
Individual or group · In person or virtual
Often 12–20 sessions with continued support as needed
ACT, CBT, mindfulness, family therapy, medication support
Considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD with decades of research
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps individuals gradually face feared thoughts, images, or situations while resisting the urge to engage in compulsions
By learning to approach rather than avoid anxiety triggers, the brain discovers that the feared outcome does not occur or is much less dangerous than it feels. Over time:
Exposure and Response Prevention can be delivered in several format, allowing treatment to be tailored to individual needs, comfort levels, and clinical goals.
Facing real-life triggers or situations (such as touching objects without washing hands).
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Intentionally provoking physical sensations (like dizziness or rapid breathing) to reduce fear of bodily symptoms.
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Coaching loved ones to stop accommodating compulsions and support healthier responses.
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Using telehealth or digital tools when exposures cannot be done in person.
Explore MoreExposure and Response Prevention helps individuals gradually face fears, reduce avoidance behaviors, and develop healthier coping skills. Over time, this approach strengthens emotional resilience and supports lasting personal growth.
Breaks the loop between obsessions and compulsions.
Encourages approaching triggers with confidence.
Strengthens discomfort tolerance and emotional resilience.
Helps individuals regain control over daily life.
ERP is ideal for people who struggle with intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, avoidance patterns, or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning. It offers a structured, compassionate path toward long-term relief.
ERP helps individuals confront triggers and reduce compulsions, leading to lasting relief.
ERP gradually exposes clients to triggers in a safe, structured way.
Interoceptive exposures build resilience and reduce fear-driven avoidance.
ERP helps reduce reassurance seeking, rumination, and avoidance.
Family-involved ERP helps break accommodation patterns that unintentionally reinforce compulsions.
ERP is one of the most effective therapies available for anxiety and OCD-related conditions.
A step by step therapeutic process focused on lasting recovery:
Understanding symptoms, triggers, and avoidance patterns.
Ranking triggers from least to most distressing.
Gradually facing fears with therapist support.
Learning to resist compulsions or avoidance
Using exposures outside of sessions to reinforce progress.
TruPaths highlights Exposure and Response Prevention therapy because it is one of the most effective and well researched treatments for anxiety related conditions. This approach helps individuals gradually face fears, reduce avoidance behaviors, and build confidence through structured, guided practice. At TruPaths, Exposure and Response Prevention is often combined with mindfulness based therapies and medication support to create a compassionate, individualized path toward long term healing.
You are stronger than your fears. Exposure and Response Prevention therapy provides the structure and support needed to break free from obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
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