How Does Exposure And Response Prevention (ERP) Help With OCD Symptoms?

OCD is one of the most misunderstood mental health concerns in the world. And for those who experience symptoms, compulsions can be extremely scary. But we want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. You can move towards recovery along with a psychologist experienced in therapy for OCD. 

Also read: When Should OCD Symptoms Not Be Ignored?

Seeking professional support can help you feel better and manage your symptoms. 

To understand this better, this blog will take you through one of the most effective therapy approaches for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP). In ERP, a trained psychologist helps you cope with your symptoms over 15-20 sessions using the following steps.

Step 1: Selecting a trigger for elimination

At this stage, you would be encouraged to have an open conversation with your therapist about your triggers. Triggers refer to intrusive thoughts that make you anxious, resulting in ritualistic mental or physical compulsions. Over the next few therapy sessions, you and your psychologist will work to break this obsessive-compulsive cycle step-by-step.

Since it can be difficult to speak about such experiences, it is important to ensure that you trust your psychologist. It is your choice to stop the process at any stage, if you are not entirely comfortable.

Also read: What Are The Four Types Of OCD?

Step 2: Simulating exposure to the trigger

After developing a trusting relationship with your psychologist, you would work together to process the obsessive thought as it occurs. This means bringing the obsession to reality in your imagination.

Please note: This is done only after seeking your consent and ensuring you feel safe to practise ERP in the moment. 

Also read: All That You Need to Know About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Step 3: Addressing fear-blocking behaviours

Once you have envisioned the thought, you would be encouraged to distance yourself from it. Your psychologist would guide you through mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, or other relaxing activities that may help.

Also read: How Do I Know if My OCD Is Severe?

It may be extremely difficult since the thoughts are intense in nature, and will definitely need practice, but doing this over time will help you break the cycle between obsessions and compulsions.

Step 4: Practising acceptance of this cycle

Soon, therapy will help you accept this cycle. So you will be able to fully experience the triggered thoughts, images, impulses, emotions, and physical sensations they set off.

As a result, you will gradually learn how to process your obsessive thoughts before they turn into compulsive behaviours and break the link between the obsessions, thoughts,  compulsions, and actions.

Also read: What Is the Difference Between OCD and GAD?

Usually, after 15-20 sessions of ERP, the intensity of thoughts reduces and the urge to follow through with compulsions gradually weakens. Your therapist will also guide you to become more resilient against symptoms over time to make your day-to-day life easier.

OCD Symptoms can be scary to experience, and the nature of these symptoms can make you feel guilty for your actions or behaviours. But remember, you are different from your thoughts. Finding social support can be a great catalyst in your journey to recovery.

Also read: How to Support Someone With OCD

Opening up about this difficult experience can be challenging, but once you do, it can make you feel much better and help you get better too. To book a therapy session with one of our experts with OCD, please click here.