TREATMENT
APPROACHES

Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of OCD, and exposure-based approaches can also be applied to social anxiety and general anxiety. ERP is a specific type of CBT. It is much more focused on the “B”, meaning it encourages clients to change their behaviors, reducing avoidance and slowly moving toward the previously-avoided distressing situations and thoughts. Over time, clients learn (the “C” part) that not only are their fears often exaggerated, but that their anxiety decreases with time. They also learn that their compulsions, avoidance, and other safety behaviors are unnecessary, and that these behaviors they are actually the source of their anguish! As people move toward their fears and develop new learning, they generally feel stronger and more confident in their lives.

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