Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Treatment at Layers Counseling Specialists

At Layers Counseling Specialists, we specialize in treating anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and related conditions using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is the gold standard treatment for OCD and other anxiety-driven conditions. It helps individuals confront their fears, reduce their compulsions, and break free from the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.

What Is Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is highly effective for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders. ERP involves exposing individuals to situations or thoughts that trigger their anxiety or fears (the “exposure”) and helping them resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors or mental rituals (the “response prevention”).

ERP works by helping clients gradually face their fears and tolerate the anxiety without resorting to avoidance or compulsions. Over time, this leads to a reduction in anxiety and compulsions, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives.

How Does ERP Work?

During ERP therapy, clients work with their therapist to identify situations, thoughts, or triggers that cause distress. These are often related to fears or obsessions, such as contamination, harm, or intrusive thoughts. The therapy follows these core steps:

  • Exposure: Clients are gradually and safely exposed to feared situations, thoughts, or stimuli. This can start with lower-level fears and build up to more challenging exposures as clients progress through treatment.

  • Response Prevention: While being exposed to their fear, clients are guided to resist the urge to perform compulsions or avoidance behaviors, allowing them to experience the anxiety without “neutralizing” it through rituals or avoidance.

Through repeated practice, clients learn that their anxiety naturally decreases over time, and they gain confidence in their ability to handle discomfort without relying on compulsions.

Who Can Benefit from ERP?

ERP is a highly effective treatment for a range of anxiety-related conditions, including:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): ERP is the first-line treatment for OCD, helping individuals manage intrusive thoughts and resist compulsions.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: ERP can help clients face feared social situations and reduce avoidance, improving confidence and social interactions.

  • Panic Disorder: Clients learn to tolerate physical sensations associated with panic attacks without avoiding situations or engaging in safety behaviors.

  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): ERP helps individuals with ARFID gradually face their fear of certain foods or eating situations, allowing them to expand their diet and reduce anxiety around food.

ERP for Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Our therapists are skilled in using ERP with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. We understand that each stage of life brings its own unique challenges, and we tailor ERP to meet the developmental and emotional needs of each individual:

  • Children: ERP for children is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, helping kids understand their anxiety and face their fears in a safe, supportive environment. Parents are often involved in the therapy process to ensure children feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment.

  • Adolescents: ERP for teens addresses the specific anxieties they face, such as social pressures, school-related stress, or family dynamics. We help adolescents build resilience and coping skills, empowering them to manage anxiety and develop confidence as they navigate this critical stage of life.

  • Adults: ERP for adults focuses on breaking long-standing patterns of anxiety and avoidance. Our adult clients often deal with anxiety in their personal, professional, or social lives, and ERP helps them regain control and build healthier, more fulfilling habits.

Our therapists are experienced in working with individuals at every life stage, ensuring that ERP is personalized and effective, regardless of age or life circumstances.

What to Expect from ERP Therapy at Layers Counseling Specialists

Our approach to ERP therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Here's what you can expect from the process:

  • Personalized Exposure Hierarchy: Clients work with their therapist to create a customized exposure hierarchy, which is a list of feared situations ranked by difficulty. Therapy begins with exposures that cause mild to moderate anxiety, and as clients become more comfortable, they work their way up to more challenging exposures.

  • Gradual and Supportive Exposure: Exposure is done in a gradual, supportive manner. Clients are never pushed to do something they’re not ready for. The pace of therapy is collaborative, ensuring clients feel empowered throughout the process.

  • Building Long-Term Resilience: ERP not only reduces symptoms but also builds long-term resilience. Clients learn to manage anxiety and uncertainty with greater confidence, leading to lifelong change.

Why Choose Layers Counseling Specialists for ERP?

  • Specialized Expertise: Our therapists are trained in ERP and have extensive experience treating OCD and anxiety disorders. We follow the latest evidence-based practices to ensure the most effective treatment for our clients.

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: We offer ERP in a way that honors each client’s individual needs, including neurodivergent clients. Our approach to ERP is inclusive, respectful, and adapted to each person’s unique experience.

  • Comprehensive, Holistic Support: ERP is just one part of our comprehensive approach to therapy. We also pull from different treatment modalities including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide additional tools, such as values clarification, mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness techniques, to support clients in managing anxiety across all areas of life.

Co-Occurring Conditions

Many individuals who benefit from ERP also experience co-occurring conditions such as:

Our therapists are skilled in addressing both the core OCD or anxiety symptoms and any co-occurring conditions, ensuring clients receive the comprehensive support they need.

Ready to Break Free from OCD and Anxiety?

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD or anxiety, ERP can help. At Layers Counseling Specialists, we are here to guide you on your journey to recovery with compassionate, evidence-based care. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and learn more about how ERP therapy can help you regain control of your life.