What Is ERP Therapy? A Proven Method to Treat OCD and Anxiety
When anxiety takes hold, especially in the form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it can feel like your brain is caught in an endless loop of fear and avoidance. But there’s hope—and a proven method to break that cycle. It’s called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, and it’s one of the most effective treatments for OCD and related anxiety disorders.
What Is ERP Therapy?
ERP stands for Exposure and Response Prevention. It’s a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps people confront their fears in a safe, structured way.
Exposure involves gradually and intentionally facing the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger anxiety.
Response Prevention means choosing not to engage in the compulsions or rituals that typically follow the anxiety—like washing hands, seeking reassurance, or checking things repeatedly.
The idea isn’t to eliminate fear immediately but to learn that anxiety can rise and fall without needing to “do something” to get rid of it.
How Does ERP Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how ERP might look in practice:
Assessment and Planning: With the help of a trained therapist, you'll identify your specific fears and compulsions. These are ranked by intensity on what’s called a "fear hierarchy."
Exposure Exercises: Starting with lower-level fears, you’ll begin facing them head-on. For example, someone with contamination OCD might touch a doorknob without washing their hands right after.
Response Prevention: Instead of performing the usual ritual (like handwashing), the person sits with the anxiety until it decreases naturally. Over time, the brain learns: "I can handle this feeling."
Repetition and Gradual Progression: As confidence builds, exposures become more challenging. But with every success, avoidance loses its grip.
Who Can Benefit from ERP?
ERP is considered the gold standard treatment for:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Health anxiety (hypochondria)
Phobias
Social anxiety
Panic disorder (in some cases)
It’s especially effective for people with OCD who feel trapped in repetitive thoughts and behaviors that disrupt daily life.
Common Misconceptions
"I have to face my worst fear immediately." Not true. ERP is gradual and designed to move at a pace that feels manageable.
"ERP will make my anxiety worse." Initially, it might feel uncomfortable, but in the long run, it reduces anxiety and helps people reclaim control over their lives.
"Ignoring my rituals will harm me." Part of ERP is learning that these rituals, while they feel necessary, are not actually protecting you.
Why ERP Is Empowering
ERP is more than a treatment—it’s a way of reshaping your relationship with fear. Instead of trying to control anxiety (which often backfires), you learn to tolerate and move through it. This shift builds resilience, confidence, and a deep sense of freedom.
Final Thoughts
ERP therapy requires courage and commitment, but the rewards are life-changing. If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD or anxiety, ERP might be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. Talk to a licensed therapist trained in ERP to explore the next steps.
Find Support through ERP with Lakeside Counseling Center
At Lakeside Counseling Center, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care—wherever they are. We offer virtual therapy in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida, and internationally, and we also welcome clients to our in-person offices in Madison, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking more peace in your life, therapy can help you reconnect with your strength—and find your community. You don’t have to go it alone.
👉 Schedule a session today with one of our experienced therapists. Let’s take the next step together.