CBT/ERP for Treatment of OCD
The most effective treatments for OCD are a type of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and/or medication. I can work with you in my office once or a few times a week, and if medication is appropriate, we would work together with a physician or psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan.
ERP treatment involves gradually exposing individuals to their feared thoughts, situations, or triggers. Sometimes, this is done in office or off-site. Often, the exposures are done at home and school/work, too. These exposures help clients confront and understand their fears without resorting to compulsive behaviors as a means of relief. Learning to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty without performing compulsions breaks the cycle and eventually reduces the anxiety and distress, eliminating the need for compulsions. Throughout the process, I work collaboratively with you and your family to develop coping strategies that support managing anxiety and resisting the urge to engage in compulsions. Over time, ERP empowers individuals to reduce their anxiety levels, change their responses to triggers, and ultimately enhance their daily functioning and overall quality of life.
If you’re interested in learning more about how ERP treatment might help you, call or text me at 407-821-5923 for a free phone consultation and how I can help.
Illustration of the OCD cycle.