Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based treatment developed by Victor Meyer, which is particularly effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and phobias. The “exposure” component of ERP involves purposely confronting thoughts, images, or situations that make a person anxious. The “response prevention” component involves refraining from the compulsive behavior. Clients learn how to systematically confront their fears and discontinue their compulsive behavior or escape response.