What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence‑based treatment most commonly used for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is considered the gold‑standard approach for OCD and has a strong research base demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing distress and improving quality of life.

ERP helps individuals gradually face the thoughts, images, situations, or sensations that trigger anxiety or intrusive experiences. These exposures are done in a planned, collaborative, and supportive way and at a pace that you set. The aim is to learn, through experience, that anxiety naturally rises and falls on its own, and that feared outcomes are far less likely or impactful than they may feel.

The “response prevention” part of ERP involves reducing or pausing the compulsive behaviours, mental rituals, or avoidance strategies that temporarily relieve anxiety but keep the cycle going in the long term. By resisting these responses, individuals gather powerful new evidence that they can tolerate discomfort, that anxiety is not dangerous, and that they can choose actions that let them live a calm and happy life rather than fear. ERP teaches you that you can stand up to the bully that is OCD!