Positive SpaceExposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the ‘gold standard’ in treatment for OCD and other anxiety disorders. The name implies the treatment – a skilled clinician supports a client in exposing themselves to the stimuli they fear and then preventing their normal (typically, avoidant) response. Research shows that ~70% of persons diagnosed with OCD benefit from this form of treatment, demonstrating that it can be widely beneficial.
In example, if a client has contamination fears and will not cook raw chicken, the therapist will work with the client to gradually approach handling raw meat. For some clients, this work moves slowly and we begin by simply discussing the idea of cooking raw meat. We might then look at images of raw chicken, imagine what it would be like to touch it, write a script about cooking raw chicken, and then progress to holding a package of it without actually touching the raw meat. For some, just reading this post will serve as exposure.
At Clearview, we use exposure techniques to treat a variety of symptoms and disorders including OCD, panic, phobias, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD. Your clinician may use variations on ERP to treat your symptoms such as incorporating Prolonged Exposure (PE) or CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Treatment always goes at the client’s pace and they are an active voice in their treatment plan and trajectory.
While approaching the thing they fear, clients are coached to be aware of any avoidance tactics (“safety behaviors”) they might be employing such as telling themselves that everything will be ok or not fully immersing themselves in the experience.
One of the most important parts of this work is that the client is in the driver’s seat and is determining how fast we progress through exposures. If we’re dictating a client’s treatment, then we’re no better than the OCD or anxiety. That said, it is our job to gently push our clients to consider if they are capable of handling slightly more stress than they think they can. The answer, 9 times out of 10, is yes.
ERP work with us is client-driven, respectful, and often incorporates humor and compassion.
CONTACT CLEARVIEW COUNSELING
If you would like to contact Clearview Counseling, please feel free to email Jayme Valdez at info@ocd-therapy.com. You can also click on the Contact Us button as well to fill out our form and we’ll get back to you in a timely manner.