Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD & Anxiety
Evidence-based ERP therapy to help you face fears gradually, reduce compulsions, and reclaim your life from intrusive thoughts—offered via secure online sessions across New York and Florida.
What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach not only for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but also for effectively managing phobias and other anxiety disorders. If you find yourself trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts, exhausting rituals, or intense fear responses, ERP therapy can help you break free and reclaim your life.
How Does ERP Work in Therapy?
We take a step-by-step approach, at your pace, to gently guide you through exposure exercises. Rather than immediately engaging in the usual rituals or coping behaviors, you’ll learn and practice specific techniques to resist these compulsions. Over time, your mind discovers that the distress will decrease naturally, building resilience and confidence.
Real-Life Examples of ERP for OCD
- Relationship OCD:You might sit with the discomfort of not seeking reassurance from your partner about your relationship, allowing yourself to learn that uncertainty does not mean something is wrong—while consistently resisting the urge to ask for reassurance.
- Harm OCD: You could practice handling sharp objects like knives while preparing a meal, without avoiding or over-checking, learning how to prevent automatic “safety” responses.
- Somatic OCD: You may focus on bodily sensations (e.g., heartbeat, breathing) without engaging in efforts to control or monitor them, challenging yourself to resist the urge to hyper-focus or seek constant reassurance.
Why Choose ERP Therapy with EK Mental Health Counseling?
- Compassionate, Personalized Care: We understand how isolating and overwhelming anxiety and OCD can feel. Our goal is to make you feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout your journey.
- Proven Results: ERP is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment not only for OCD but also for a range of anxiety disorders and phobias. Many of our clients have experienced significant improvements in their quality of life by mastering both the exposure and the response prevention aspects of treatment.
- Supportive Environment: We provide a non-judgmental space where you can safely explore your fears, learn effective strategies to prevent unhelpful responses, and build lasting resilience.
Is ERP Right for Me?
ERP may be a good fit if you:
- Spend significant time each day on rituals, mental checking, or reassurance seeking
- Avoid people, places, or activities because of intrusive thoughts or fears
- Have tried talk therapy before but found it didn’t change your symptoms in daily life
- Feel ready to try a structured, skills-based approach with homework between sessions
During an initial consultation, we’ll help you determine whether ERP is appropriate for your symptoms and answer any questions you have about the process.
We’re here to talk through your symptoms, answer questions, and help you decide on next steps.