What Is Erp in Therapy

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment for OCD. Under the guidance of mental health professionals, people who receive ERP therapy can gradually reduce their anxieties and stop the problematic cycle of OCD.

How does ERP therapy work?

A type of cognitive behavior therapy (or CBT), ERP is the process of gradually and repeatedly exposing someone to uncomfortable thoughts, images, situations, or feelings, while keeping them from engaging in the compulsive and avoidant behaviors they’d normally turn to in order to cope.

Is ERP the same as CBT?

However, while these terms are related, ERP and CBT aren’t the same thing. Think of CBT like an umbrella term that houses several different therapy types. There are various specific forms of CBT that work best from patient to patient, and ERP is just one type of cognitive behavioral therapy.