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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors? Maybe you find yourself repeatedly checking, cleaning, or seeking reassurance to manage overwhelming anxiety. These patterns might bring temporary relief, but over time, they can make life feel smaller and harder to navigate.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for managing and reducing the impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related challenges. ERP helps you confront your fears gradually, without relying on compulsive behaviors to feel safe. By breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, ERP empowers you to reclaim your life and reduce the control anxiety has over your daily experiences.


What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP focuses on reducing the avoidance and compulsive behaviors that reinforce anxiety. It’s especially effective for individuals who feel trapped by intrusive thoughts or overwhelming fear.



At Harlowe Counseling, we use ERP to support clients struggling with:
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
  • Postpartum OCD, such as repetitive checking, fears of harm, or intrusive thoughts about the baby.
  • Anxiety and phobias, offering tools to confront fears in a safe and structured way.
  • Perfectionism, reducing the need to seek reassurance or perform rituals.
  • Health or contamination fears, addressing compulsions like excessive cleaning or avoidance.

How Does ERP Work, and Who Can It Help?

How ERP Can Help

ERP is a structured process that gently guides you toward facing your fears without engaging in compulsive behaviors. Sessions may include:
  1. Identifying triggers, such as situations, thoughts, or fears that lead to compulsive behaviors.
  2. Creating a hierarchy of fears, starting with manageable challenges and gradually working up to more difficult ones.
  3. Practicing exposure exercises, where you confront triggers in a safe and supportive environment.
  4. Learning to resist compulsive behaviors, breaking the cycle that reinforces anxiety.

What Happens in an ERP Session?

For example, if you feel compelled to repeatedly check that your baby is breathing at night, ERP might involve practicing sitting with the discomfort of not checking while learning to trust that your baby is safe. Over time, this helps reduce anxiety and reliance on compulsive behaviors.

Why Choose ERP?

ERP is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD because it directly addresses the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. It’s an empowering approach that helps you build confidence, resilience, and the ability to face fears with greater ease.

At Harlowe Counseling, we’ve seen the transformative power of ERP for clients navigating OCD and anxiety. Our therapists are trained in ERP and integrate it into therapy sessions to help clients break free from patterns that feel overwhelming or limiting.

We specialize in using ERP to support postpartum clients struggling with OCD or anxiety, as well as individuals navigating perfectionism or other anxiety-related challenges. Many clients appreciate how ERP provides clear, actionable steps to reduce anxiety and regain a sense of control.

Our approach often combines ERP with other evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to create a tailored experience that meets your unique needs.



















Why We Use ERP at Harlowe Counseling

Ready to Break Free from Anxiety and Compulsions?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help you confront your fears, reduce anxiety, and reclaim your life.

Schedule a free consultation with Harlowe Counseling to explore how ERP can support your journey. There’s no obligation—just a chance to see if we’re the right fit for your needs.