What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for OCD?

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros specializes in providing evidence-based care for individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One of the most effective treatments Dr. Landeros offers is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a gold-standard approach for managing OCD symptoms.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ERP helps individuals confront their obsessive fears and resist the compulsive behaviors they use to relieve the anxiety those fears cause. The therapy works by gradually exposing the person to situations, thoughts, or images that trigger their obsessions—starting with less anxiety-provoking triggers and progressively increasing the intensity. The key aspect of ERP is “response prevention,” which involves teaching the individual to resist performing the compulsive actions they typically use to alleviate anxiety. Over time, this process helps individuals learn that their anxiety decreases naturally without relying on compulsions.

The goal of ERP therapy is to break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions that define OCD. When individuals with OCD engage in compulsive behaviors, they temporarily relieve their anxiety, but this relief is short-lived, leading to a repetitive cycle of obsession and compulsion. By exposing clients to their triggers and preventing compulsive responses, ERP helps weaken the link between obsessions and the need to engage in compulsive rituals. Through repeated exposures, clients become desensitized to their fears, and their anxiety decreases naturally without relying on avoidance or ritualistic behaviors.

In ERP, each client’s treatment is personalized to address their unique fears, obsessions, and compulsions. Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros tailors ERP to the individual, ensuring that each exposure and response prevention task is relevant and manageable for their specific situation. The therapy may take place over several weeks or months, with progress being made gradually. Through this gradual, structured approach, ERP helps individuals with OCD regain control over their lives, reduce distressing symptoms, and build resilience in the face of anxiety-provoking situations.

With Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros, ERP therapy is delivered in a compassionate and supportive environment, where each step is carefully guided to ensure comfort and progress. Dr. Katie works closely with clients, adapting the therapy to their specific needs and providing the encouragement necessary to face their fears without resorting to compulsions. The goal is not only to reduce the symptoms of OCD but to empower individuals to live a life that is no longer controlled by their obsessions. With dedication, patience, and personalized treatment, Dr. Katie helps clients take meaningful steps toward lasting change and reclaiming control over their lives.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros specializes in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy—the gold standard and most evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ERP (exposure and response prevention) therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals with OCD confront their fears in a structured and systematic way. The core of ERP involves exposing the person to situations or thoughts that trigger their obsessive anxiety, starting with less distressing triggers and gradually working up to more challenging ones. During these exposures, individuals are taught not to perform their usual compulsive behaviors (the “response” in ERP) that are meant to reduce anxiety. By resisting the urge to engage in compulsions, the person learns that their anxiety naturally decreases over time, even without the safety behaviors they rely on.

The goal of ERP is to break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions that fuel OCD. Over time, repeated exposures help desensitize the individual to their feared thoughts or situations, allowing them to experience less anxiety in response to these triggers. Additionally, by preventing compulsions, the brain learns that the feared outcomes do not occur, which reduces the power of the obsession over time. Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros tailors ERP treatment to each client’s unique fears and compulsions, helping them build resilience and reduce OCD symptoms in a way that is gradual and manageable, but ultimately transformative in gaining control over their life.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros is committed to providing high-quality, individualized care so you can reclaim your life from OCD. Consistency, patience, and expert support are at the heart of our ERP treatment approach, helping you achieve lasting improvements in daily functioning and overall quality of life.

ERP therapy follows a structured approach, but it is not the same for everyone with OCD. While the foundational principles of ERP—gradual exposure to feared situations and preventing the compulsive responses that typically follow—remain consistent, the specific interventions are tailored to each individual. Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros recognizes that OCD manifests uniquely in each person, with different triggers, obsessions, and compulsions. As such, the therapy is personalized to target the specific fears and behaviors of the individual. This individualized approach ensures that each person is receiving the most effective treatment for their particular OCD symptoms.

Furthermore, the pace and intensity of ERP can be adjusted based on the client’s level of distress and readiness for exposure. Dr. Katie works closely with clients to determine the most appropriate starting point for their therapy. Some may begin with less distressing exposures, gradually building up to more challenging situations, while others may feel prepared to address their most difficult fears earlier in the process. The flexibility of ERP allows for adjustments along the way, ensuring that the therapy progresses at a pace that is both manageable and effective for each client. This personalized approach maximizes the chances of success, helping individuals reduce OCD symptoms and regain control over their lives.

At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, you can expect ERP therapy that is not only evidence-based but also truly individualized. This personalized approach helps our clients achieve lasting progress and a better quality of life, no matter how OCD affects them.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a highly effective treatment for OCD and can be done both in person and online. At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, ERP is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, offering the flexibility of either in-person or online sessions. The approach remains consistent in both formats, focusing on helping individuals gradually confront their fears while learning to resist compulsive behaviors, ultimately working toward long-term relief from OCD symptoms.

Online ERP therapy offers an added level of convenience, especially for clients who face challenges such as geographic distance, scheduling conflicts, or mobility issues. Through secure video platforms, clients can access the therapy from the comfort of their own homes, ensuring privacy and creating a safe space for the treatment process. This flexibility allows clients to engage in the same high-quality care they would receive in person, but with the added benefit of convenience and accessibility.

Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros, a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), uses exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a proven, evidence-based approach. ERP therapy involves gradually exposing patients to their OCD triggers in a controlled environment while preventing them from engaging in the compulsive behaviors that typically follow. This method helps individuals confront their fears and reduce anxiety without resorting to compulsions, leading to a significant decrease in OCD symptoms.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of her patients. She provides a compassionate and supportive space for individuals to work through their OCD challenges, empowering them with the skills and tools to manage their symptoms effectively. With years of experience in treating OCD, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros is dedicated to helping patients regain control of their lives and achieve lasting mental well-being.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.