What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, and How Does It Help OCD?
Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is no walk in the park. As a clinical psychologist based in Arlington, Virginia, I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for OCD that helps people reclaim their lives from endless cycles of obsessions and compulsions. Over the past two decades, I’ve guided countless clients through ERP and witnessed how this structured approach can bring lasting relief from the grip of OCD. Today, I’d like to share how it works.
Understanding Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
At its core, Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD helps people face their fears instead of avoiding them. In ERP, “exposure” means gradually confronting triggering thoughts, images, or situations. “Response prevention” means learning to resist the compulsive behaviors that reinforce the OCD cycle, like:
Checking
Washing
Counting
Seeking reassurance
These steps retrain the brain to recognize that the feared outcomes aren’t as threatening as they seem. Over time, anxiety naturally decreases, and daily functioning improves.
Here’s Why ERP Should Be the Gold Standard for OCD Treatment
Research consistently shows that ERP is one of the most effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ERP directly targets the mechanisms that maintain OCD symptoms. At my practice, Virginia Lindahl, Ph.D. Therapy and Psych Testing, I help clients create a personalized exposure plan tailored to their goals. Every step is paced and collaborative—you’re never pushed beyond what feels manageable.
Don’t Let Your Mind Hold You Back
If OCD has made your world smaller, exposure therapy for OCD with Virginia Lindahl, Ph.D. Therapy and Psych Testing can help you expand it again. I offer ERP sessions in person in Arlington and online for clients across all PSYPACT states. Reach out today to learn how ERP can help you find lasting relief and peace of mind!