Exposure Therapy.

Exposure & Response Prevention

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based therapy used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. ERP helps people gradually face the thoughts, images, situations, or sensations that trigger anxiety (the exposure) while intentionally choosing not to engage in compulsive behaviors or rituals that usually reduce distress in the moment (the response prevention). Over time, this process helps the brain learn that anxiety naturally rises and falls on its own and that feared outcomes are often less dangerous or less likely than they feel.

ERP is collaborative and individualized. Therapists work with clients to develop an exposure hierarchy, starting with manageable challenges and gradually building toward more difficult situations. The goal is not to force distress but to approach fears in a structured, supportive way that promotes learning and resilience. Over time, clients develop greater flexibility, reduced fear, and increased freedom in their everyday lives.

Intensive ERP Programing Option  

Our Intensive OCD and Anxiety Program provides focused, structured treatment for individuals who need more support than traditional weekly therapy. Using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, along with other evidence-based interventions, the program helps clients reduce obsessive thinking, avoidance, and compulsive behaviors through personalized, therapist-guided treatment. Intensive care is especially helpful for clients whose symptoms are significantly interfering with daily life, work, school, or relationships and who want to make meaningful progress more quickly.

Treatment is individualized and designed around each client’s specific goals and needs rather than generalized group interventions. Clients work closely with a therapist to build an exposure plan, practice real-life skill application, and reduce anxiety-driven behaviors in a supportive, structured environment. Our intensive model allows for deeper therapeutic work, faster momentum, and stronger long-term outcomes so clients can return to daily life with greater confidence and improved functioning.

A treatment plan chart with four sections detailing different phases of therapy. Initial Intake involves a 45-minute phone call with targets on previous treatment and medication management. Phase 1, Orientation & Commitment, lasts 4-6 weeks with targets including avoiding interfering behaviors and homework, with interventions like psychoeducation. Phase 2, Intensive Week, focuses on exposure to obsessive thoughts, with interventions reviewing homework and exposure protocols. Phase 3, Follow-ups, includes weekly sessions targeting relapse prevention, monitoring symptoms, and continued exposures, with additional services as needed.

What can be treated with exposure & intensive programing?

  • Our anxiety and intensive program addresses anxiety, social anxiety, and phobias, among other anxiety-based disorders. More broadly this category includes:

    • Separation Anxiety

    • Selective Mutism

    • Specific Phobias

    • Social Anxiety Disorder

    • Panic Disorder

    • Agoraphobia

    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  • Our program treats obsessive-compulsive and related disorders which may involve obsessions (intrusive thoughts or urges), compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts), and/or recurrent body-focused repetitive behaviors. This category includes: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Hoarding Disorder, Trichotillomania (Hair-pulling) and Excoriation (Skin-Picking).

    Common treatment targets include:

    Compulsions related to:

    • Washing

    • Checking

    • Reassurance seeking

    • Repeating

    • Apologizing

    • Confessing

    • Straightening

    • Counting

    • Perfectionism

    • Prayer

    • Mental checking

    Obsessions/intrusive thoughts related to:

    • Doubt

    • Sex/Sexuality

    • Violence

    • Immortality/blasphemy

    • Contamination

    • Asymmetry

    • Abuse/pedophilia

    • Flaws in appearance

    • Physical symptoms/somatic obsession

    • Figuring it out (eg, "Am I a good person?", "Am I gay?")

    Other Targets:

    • Fear of flying, animals, or other specific phobias

    • Social Anxiety

    • School Avoidance