Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
Some things don't go away just because time pA structured, evidence-based approach to breaking the cycle of OCD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
all services are currently virtual
all services are currently virtual
What is ERP?
Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, is widely considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD and is highly effective for anxiety, phobias, and related conditions. It works by gradually and safely exposing you to the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger distress, while supporting you in resisting the urge to respond with compulsions or avoidance.
Over time, this process teaches your nervous system that the feared outcome is unlikely, tolerable, or both. The result is not the absence of uncomfortable thoughts, but a meaningful reduction in the power those thoughts hold over your daily life.
ERP is not about pushing yourself to the breaking point. It is a collaborative, carefully paced process built around your comfort level and goals.
Who is ERP for?
ERP can be a strong fit if you are living with:
✓ OCD & intrusive thoughts
✓ Anxiety & phobias
✓ Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Meet Your Providers
Robyn DePena, LPC is trained in ERP and offers it as a primary treatment modality, working with clients navigating OCD, anxiety, phobias, and BDD. Her formal training in this approach means she can guide you through the full ERP process with structure, precision, and care.
Kristen Patterson, LPC Associate also works with clients experiencing OCD and intrusive thoughts, bringing focused research and genuine clinical interest to this area of care.
Both providers bring a warm, non-judgmental approach to this work. You will never be pushed faster than you are ready to go.
What to Expect
ERP typically begins with a thorough assessment of your specific triggers, fears, and patterns. From there, you and your therapist will build a personalized exposure hierarchy, a roadmap that moves at your pace from lower-distress situations toward more challenging ones.
Sessions are collaborative and transparent. Your therapist will explain the reasoning behind each step, answer your questions, and adjust the approach as needed. Many clients begin to notice meaningful relief within a few months of consistent work.
Getting started doesn't have to be complicated.
1. Call or submit an inquiry and tell us what your anxiety looks like day-to-day. We'll match you with a clinician whose specialty fits what's driving it.
2. Book your first session. Early sessions develop a clear picture of your anxiety's roots, triggers, and patterns.
3. Do the work and feel it. Consistent sessions build tools, process underlying contributors, and track real progress with honesty.