Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
Traditional talk therapy helps patients gain insight into challenges and can be very beneficial. However, it’s usually not helpful in treating OCD.
ERP is a specialized form of therapy, with a proven track record, used to treat those struggling with OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment is the most well-researched therapy for OCD.
About 70% of individuals with OCD who participate in ERP will experience significant and durable reductions in their OCD symptoms and around 60% of individuals with OCD will achieve remission. Of the approximately 30% who don’t benefit from ERP, a significant portion of these individuals were unable or unwilling to adhere to ERP treatment (such as unwillingness to complete at-home ERP practice in-between therapy sessions).
Within my practice, it’s very rare for me to support a client who adheres to ERP treatment who doesn’t have a substantial reduction in their OCD symptoms and related improvement in their quality of life.
So, what is ERP treatment?
Well, that’s a very large subject (and one that I explore in much more detail here). So, let’s review just the bare-bones essentials of what ERP is and how it works.
Almost everyone with OCD realizes that their life has become burdened by the presence of obsessions (usually called intrusive thoughts), anxious feelings, and compulsive behaviors (sometimes called rituals). Although compulsive behaviors can help those of us with OCD neutralize intrusive thoughts and reduce our anxiety in the short-term, the intrusive thoughts and anxious feelings always come back. And so the cycle of OCD continues.
ERP short-circuits the OCD cycle. During ERP, we practice responding to our obsessional thoughts and anxious feelings in new ways. These new ways of responding allow us to build new skills and learn from new experiences. With practice and time, this results in less intrusive thoughts, less anxious feelings, and more confidence that even if unwanted thoughts and feelings come up, they’re safe and manageable.
That’s the bare-bones. But there’s a lot more to learn. I encourage you to visit part 1 of my ERP series to keep reading!
Your roadmap to recovery starts here.
With the right guidance and support, living a life free from OCD’s chains is possible.
01
Request a Consultation
During your free consultation, we’ll discuss why you’re reaching out and determine if I’m the right provider for you.
02
Develop Your Plan
Together, we’ll create an individualized therapy approach that may include individual or group sessions.
03
Experience Freedom
When you’re no longer held prisoner by your thoughts, you’re able to live the life you want.
Fees and payment
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The rate for a 55-minute counseling session with Brett is $275.
The rate for a 55-minute counseling session with Jessie is $275.
The rate for a 55-minute counseling session with William is $475.
William Schultz Counseling is fee-for-service. We don't accept direct health insurance payments. You may be eligible for reimbursement under your insurance provider’s out-of-network benefits.
Payment is expected at the time of our session. We accept cash, credit card, debit card, and HSA & FSA cards.
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Some insurers partially reimburse for out-of-network mental health services. If yours does, they may reimburse a portion of your session fee after you submit a receipt (which I provide you).
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To inquire about your specific coverage, call the 1-800 number on your insurance card and ask:
Does my insurance reimburse me for psychotherapy services?
Do I have an out-of-network deductible?
How much will I be reimbursed?