Definition:
Exposure and response prevention is one of the most popular and effective forms of behavior therapy for OCD. ERP involves exposing you to the anxiety that is provoked by your obsessions and then preventing the use of rituals to reduce your anxiety.
This cycle of exposure and response prevention is repeated until you are less distressed by your obsessions and less inhibited by your compulsions.
ERP sessions may take place in a therapist’s office or other setting, although you are usually asked to practice ERP on your own.
