Evidence-Based Therapy for OCD, Phobias, Intrusive Thoughts & Anxiety

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. ERP helps reduce the power of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors by gently confronting fears — rather than avoiding or neutralizing them.

I know that might sound intense. But ERP is actually a deeply compassionate approach, because it invites you to stop living at the mercy of your fear.

What is ERP?

If you live with OCD or anxiety, you’re likely familiar with the loop:
An intrusive thought pops into your mind. It feels disturbing or “wrong.” In response, you try to push it away or do something to neutralize the discomfort — a compulsion, ritual, or mental reassurance — and the cycle continues.

ERP helps break this loop. Through a collaborative and step-by-step process, we expose you to the thoughts, situations, or sensations you fear, and support you in resisting the urge to respond with a compulsion or avoidance behavior.

Over time, your brain learns that the fear or discomfort doesn’t actually control you — and that you can tolerate uncertainty without performing rituals or seeking reassurance.

What ERP Therapy Looks Like

ERP therapy isn’t about flooding you with fear or throwing you into the deep end. Instead, we’ll build a personalized “exposure hierarchy” together — starting with manageable challenges and working our way up at a pace that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

During sessions, you’ll be guided with warmth and care as you:

  • Confront triggers in a safe, structured environment

  • Learn how to sit with uncertainty and discomfort

  • Practice resisting compulsive or avoidance behaviors

  • Build tolerance for distress without spiraling

  • Reclaim time, energy, and mental space from OCD

ERP doesn’t just help reduce symptoms — it helps you reconnect with the life you’ve been missing while managing OCD behind the scenes.

What ERP Can Help With:

ERP is most commonly used to treat:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Health anxiety / illness-related obsessions

  • Relationship OCD (ROCD)

  • Contamination fears / cleaning compulsions

  • Sexual, religious, or harm-related intrusive thoughts

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • Social anxiety or performance-related fears

You don’t have to keep living under the weight of “what if” thoughts. ERP can help you build confidence in your ability to face the unknown, tolerate discomfort, and trust yourself again.

Whether you’re just beginning your OCD treatment journey or looking for an ERP therapist in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, I’m here to support you with empathy, skill, and evidence-based care.