
Exposure and Response Prevention
(ERP)
Exposure and response prevention is an intervention designed to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other phobias. In a nutshell, when it comes to OCD, our behaviors reinforce our reality.
For instance, if I’m afraid my hands are contaminated, and therefore I wash them every 3 minutes, my brain will come to believe that this amount of frequent hand washing is necessary to keep myself safe from contamination.
The way that ERP works is through two main components.
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The Exposure: In the handwashing analogy, “Client X” might put a small bit of dirt on his hands and leave it there for 10 seconds. This exposure helps the individual manage the discomfort and tolerate it for longer periods of time.
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The Response Prevention: “Client X” must now refrain from washing his hands for a set amount of time (based on clinical judgment by the therapist) and slowly increase it. This “response prevention” sends a message to the brain that not washing hands every 3 minutes is considered safe.