Exposure and Response Prevention is an extremely specialized therapy method for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It was created by Edna Foa and her associates after their research revealed that fear is a component of pathological avoidance and that facing things, events, or people that have been avoided in the past could lead to a significant reduction in symptoms (Foa & Kodak, 1986).
The study is available for reading here.

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold-standard therapy for OCD. It works by helping you face the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger anxiety (the exposure) while resisting the urge to do compulsions or rituals (the response prevention). Over time, your brain learns that the fear passes on its own and that the compulsions aren’t actually necessary. ERP is not easy, but it’s effective; it teaches your brain to stop treating false alarms like real emergencies.

Current research suggests that an average of 16-22 sessions of ERP are typically required, often completed via once-weekly sessions and daily homework (Law et al., 2019; Twohig et al., 2018). However, treatment length and success is highly dependent on the readiness and determination of the client. While the ERP process often takes a period of 4-6 months, clients must commit to at least one hour per day of home exposures, in addition to weekly in-person sessions.

ERP is best suited for people with OCD or related anxiety disorders who are ready to face their fears head-on. If you’re willing to tolerate discomfort, resist compulsions, and do the work outside of sessions, you’re a candidate.

ERP starts with a 3-hour intake session to get to know one another and to build a treatment plan. Subsequent appointments are billed at $185 per session.

ERP with me is structured, honest, and evidence-based. I’ll ask hard questions, challenge patterns that keep you stuck, and avoid reassurance that only helps in the moment. The goal is meaningful, lasting change, even when the work feels uncomfortable or scary.