What exactly is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and what does treatment look like?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related anxiety conditions. While the name can sound intimidating at first, ERP is not about forcing people into distress or taking away coping tools. Instead, it is a collaborative, structured approach that helps individuals gradually reclaim their lives from anxiety, fear, and ultimately learn to tolerate uncertainty.