Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is for people diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD is when a person uses compulsive behaviors to try and control repetitive, distressing, and intrusive thoughts. For example, a person may wash their hands excessively because they have extreme fear and anxiety of germs.
ERP’s goal is to promote distress tolerance skills that replace rituals or compulsions.
Your therapist will introduce the concept of “habituation,” which involves slowly exposing you to the feared experience. Through distress tolerance techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises, your nervous system learns to calm down when exposed to the stimuli. Eventually, after repeated exposure, your body learns to respond differently.
Another idea behind Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is that you learn that your previous associations are likely wrong by being exposed to the feared stimuli multiple times. For example, someone who fears germs learns, through repeated exposure, that they will not become deathly ill after exposing themself to germs.
ERP also can help you manage distressing emotions surrounding the fear itself. You can ease some of these obsessions and compulsions by learning to tolerate uncertainty.
Your ERP therapist will work with you to develop skills of distress tolerance, mindfulness, and staying present in the moment, which can help you manage your symptoms.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
“You aren’t good enough” or, at least, that is what you’ve convinced yourself. This pain is only temporary, freedom is around the corner.
You are an expert on your situation. You understand it better than anyone because you are always in it, but when is the last time you stepped away to look at it from a new perspective. It may seem impossible, but it’s not. My approach is focused on helping yo...
Are you feeling overwhelmed by obsessive, unwanted thoughts and anxiety? Maybe you're experiencing concerns about harm, a past event, contamination, or being with the wrong partner. Do you feel trapped in a cycle of repetitive mental rehearsing, checking, cleaning, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance behaviors in an attempt to get relief? OCD is a frequently misunderstood disorder that can presen...
I help clients who are suffering from anxiety, OCD, hair pulling, social anxiety, phobias, PTSD, and traumatic events. I also provide CBT focused treatment for depression and generalized anxiety. If you are struggling with uncertainty, fear, or coping with a major life event- I'm here to help! I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety and am...
You are making one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself. Many people with anxiety attempt to control their thoughts, avoid, or perform behaviors to prevent unease or a negative outcome, only for worry to return. This feels intuitive, but actually prolongs distress long-term by reinforcing the ideas of intolerance and that there is something to fear. It's human nature to...
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I offer therapy to children, adolescents, and families. While I have experience with a variety of presenting concerns, I have a special interest in helping children and adolescents cope with anxiety, executive functioning challenges, OCD, and family conflict. I am also passionate about coaching parents to develop more cohesive parenting styles to strengthen their relationships with their childr...
( English | español ) Uncertainty is one of the most uncomfortable experiences. It's easy to get stuck in unhelpful thinking patterns such as "I should do more" and "I shouldn't worry about that." Oftentimes, as a result, we experience anxiety or distress. You may find yourself juggling work or school demands, relationship stress and even self-doubt. Creating balance in your life may not seem...
You are not alone. I help women navigate the stress of family, relationships, and work (inside the home or outside the home). Depression and anxiety are very common among women. My role as a licensed psychologist is to help you identify how your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and the situations in your life are contributing to your emotional health. By supporting you as you make changes in...
"A person’s willingness to test their reality and make changes is what ignites the therapeutic journey. I consider it a privilege to be on that journey with a person. When a person realizes their true strength and capabilities, they open themselves up to a life that no longer has restrictions, are no longer consumed with fear and anxiety, to a life that is full of possibilities, opportunities, ...
Do you feel you’ve lost a sense of meaning, direction or purpose in your life? Are you held back by addiction, anxiety, past traumas, or fears of rejection and abandonment? I can help you gain awareness into your patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving and communicating that create obstacles to a fulfilling life. Whether you are struggling with substance use, obsessive thoughts, compulsive...
I believe that everyone has unique tools that can be discovered and strengthened through therapy. Whether you're feeling stuck or need someone to help walk you through your challenges, I am committed to making sure you receive the guidance you need. I provide compassionate and evidence-based treatment that includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and...
I am a psychologist with over 30 years experience in the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) within a CBT approach to anxiety disorders. My clinical work focuses panic attacks; phobias of public speaking, social situations and flying; and OCD. I serve on the faculties of the Harvard Medical School and William James College, and am a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at...
Want to manage stress and anxiety better, improve your relationships and lead a more impactful life? Great news – I can help. I help people grow their courage, deepen their relationships, and lead more meaningful lives. I work with those who want to overcome their fears, have a more powerful voice, and take bold steps toward real change. I am a goal-oriented therapist who believes that honest...
Is Anxiety, OCD, or panic limiting your life? Do you or a loved one have daily struggles with fears, unwanted thoughts, social anxiety, perfectionism or panic attacks? Is it becoming difficult to go to school, work or certain places? Are emotions or physical symptoms difficult to control, or keeping you from enjoying and fully participating in life? Anxiety, OCD, panic & depression can be...
Are you feeling stuck and struggling to experience happiness and joy? Perhaps pain from the past or worries about the future are getting in the way of living the life you want. Seeking help is a courageous first step. Therapy is an opportunity to receive tools and support to help live your life to its fullest potential. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and by working together we can...
