Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety conditions. This evidence-based approach helps clients gradually face feared thoughts, images, or situations—without resorting to rituals or avoidance. At Five Seasons Therapy, our ERP-trained therapists guide clients through exposure exercises at a manageable pace, helping them break the cycle of fear and compulsion in a supportive, structured environment.

The heart of ERP is learning that distressing thoughts don’t have to be dangerous or acted upon. By resisting the urge to engage in compulsions, clients discover that anxiety naturally decreases over time—a process known as habituation. ERP empowers clients to reclaim their autonomy, build tolerance for uncertainty, and live more freely without being controlled by obsessive patterns. It’s a challenging process, but one that opens the door to deep and lasting change.