What is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

While I’m usually one to argue that many forms of therapy can be helpful for treating the same mental health issues (for example- EMDR is not the only effective form of therapy for trauma), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is actually the ONLY form of therapy that will successfully treat OCD. All other forms of therapy will make OCD worse.

So, what is ERP?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It involves a structured and systematic approach that helps individuals confront their fears and reduce the compulsive behaviors associated with OCD. The therapy involves two key components: exposure and response prevention.