Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP)
What is Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP)?
EX/RP is a highly effective form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that focuses on reducing the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It involves gradually exposing individuals to the situations or thoughts that trigger their obsessions while preventing the compulsive behaviors that typically follow.
How EX/RP Works
EX/RP works by breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Over time, repeated exposure to feared situations without performing compulsions helps individuals desensitize to their fears and learn that their anxiety will decrease without the need for rituals. Key steps include:
Exposure: Gradually confronting the object, situation, or thought that causes anxiety (e.g., touching doorknobs for someone with contamination fears).
Response Prevention: Learning to resist or delay compulsive behaviors, such as washing hands excessively or checking locks. This is perhaps the most important component of this treatment
Who Can Benefit from EX/RP?
EX/RP is the gold standard treatment for OCD, helping individuals reduce the frequency and intensity of their compulsions and improve their quality of life. It is also useful for other anxiety-related disorders, such as social anxiety or phobias, where avoidance behaviors reinforce the anxiety.
EX/RP at the Mindfulness & Change Group
Our therapists are trained in EX/RP and work collaboratively with clients to create a treatment plan that tackles their specific obsessions and compulsions. We use a gradual, supportive approach to ensure that clients feel comfortable throughout the process, allowing them to gain confidence as they reduce their reliance on compulsions.