Exposure Response Prevention
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a treatment for OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is a type of therapy utilizing structure and goal setting to guide the treatment allowing one to face fears in a safe, step-by-step way. In this behavioral therapy, you practice being around things that make you anxious, like certain thoughts, images or situations. At the same time, you work on not avoiding the fear or turning to rituals. The progression is that this teaches your brain to build stamina and manage anxiety. Benefits of ERP are improved sleep and stress, fewer symptoms, less time spent on obsessions and compulsions, improved nervous system regulation and self concept. Two main exercises are imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure. Imaginal exposure is imagining a situation that triggers obsessions and write them down. In vivo exposure is real life exposure such as keeping objects out of order.