Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counselling in Maidstone

Photo of undefined - Your Journey, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Your Journey
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME17  (Online Only)
I am a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist accredited with the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies). I can help you overcome; Low mood, Depression, Worry and Anxiety, Low self Esteem, Trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Health and Social Anxiety and Phobia. I offer digital therapy for Adults and Young People.
I am a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist accredited with the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies). I can help you overcome; Low mood, Depression, Worry and Anxiety, Low self Esteem, Trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Health and Social Anxiety and Phobia. I offer digital therapy for Adults and Young People.
01622 237190 View 01622 237190
Photo of undefined - The Positive Mind Psychotherapy & Counselling , MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
The Positive Mind Psychotherapy & Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME17
I am a highly professional Integrative Psychotherapist with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology & Counselling (First Class). I have over 10 years of psychotherapy experience working in the NHS, the private sector at The Priory, and now in Private Practice. I use a combination of highly influential psychological theories to guide my approach to working with clients. This means I have a comprehensive 'toolkit' that I can draw upon, to support your long-term recovery and to help you to feel truly great, not just OK. I am committed to creating positive mental health and wellbeing, so that my clients can overcome life’s challenges and thrive.
I am a highly professional Integrative Psychotherapist with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology & Counselling (First Class). I have over 10 years of psychotherapy experience working in the NHS, the private sector at The Priory, and now in Private Practice. I use a combination of highly influential psychological theories to guide my approach to working with clients. This means I have a comprehensive 'toolkit' that I can draw upon, to support your long-term recovery and to help you to feel truly great, not just OK. I am committed to creating positive mental health and wellbeing, so that my clients can overcome life’s challenges and thrive.
01622 831341 View 01622 831341
Photo of Jess Bezance, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Jess Bezance
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME14
I can imagine deciding whether you want to have therapy or need therapy is a big question. Perhaps you have suffered a loss, a trauma or are going through a transition of some kind and you want the space and time to work through it. Perhaps this emotional distress whether it be anxiety, low mood, is impacting on your relationships, work and your home life. It could be that you’ve tried many things and for some reason those old ways of coping that have done you well in the past just aren’t working anymore and you feel like you’re struggling. I provide evidence based psychological treatment that might help.
I can imagine deciding whether you want to have therapy or need therapy is a big question. Perhaps you have suffered a loss, a trauma or are going through a transition of some kind and you want the space and time to work through it. Perhaps this emotional distress whether it be anxiety, low mood, is impacting on your relationships, work and your home life. It could be that you’ve tried many things and for some reason those old ways of coping that have done you well in the past just aren’t working anymore and you feel like you’re struggling. I provide evidence based psychological treatment that might help.
01454 809569 View 01454 809569
Photo of Joanna Taylor, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Joanna Taylor
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME14
I am a highly experienced counselling psychologist who really enjoys helping people. I have a great deal of empathy and compassion for the struggles we face as human beings. If you are finding life tough or feeling like you want to make changes, I would love to try and help. I like to draw on a range of approaches to help you and I highly value a good therapeutic relationship together. Within this I use interventions so that you can understand yourself better and identify ways forward. It’s important for me to discover what YOU want to be different and my ideal client is only someone who works hard in allowing me to help you.
I am a highly experienced counselling psychologist who really enjoys helping people. I have a great deal of empathy and compassion for the struggles we face as human beings. If you are finding life tough or feeling like you want to make changes, I would love to try and help. I like to draw on a range of approaches to help you and I highly value a good therapeutic relationship together. Within this I use interventions so that you can understand yourself better and identify ways forward. It’s important for me to discover what YOU want to be different and my ideal client is only someone who works hard in allowing me to help you.
01634 959282 View 01634 959282
Photo of Giorgia Cagnoli, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Giorgia Cagnoli
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME14  (Online Only)
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in a variety of NHS and private settings. I predominantly work with adults and adolescents and I treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma and personality disorders. I support people who struggle with mental health difficulties and feel stuck in dysfunctional patterns, and I help them to achieve their best potential. My special interests are relational difficulties, neurodiversity, traumas and emotion regulation.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in a variety of NHS and private settings. I predominantly work with adults and adolescents and I treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma and personality disorders. I support people who struggle with mental health difficulties and feel stuck in dysfunctional patterns, and I help them to achieve their best potential. My special interests are relational difficulties, neurodiversity, traumas and emotion regulation.
01227 532725 View 01227 532725
Photo of undefined - TherapywithChrisy, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
TherapywithChrisy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME17  (Online Only)
I became a therapist because I am passionate about people and improving as well as enhancing mental wellbeing. I understand that life can be a challenge and at times it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I want to assure you that you do not have to go through life’s struggles by yourself. I am here for you and I am here with you. With your permission, I would like to come besides you and help you explore and discover events, thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour and together support you to make changes.
I became a therapist because I am passionate about people and improving as well as enhancing mental wellbeing. I understand that life can be a challenge and at times it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I want to assure you that you do not have to go through life’s struggles by yourself. I am here for you and I am here with you. With your permission, I would like to come besides you and help you explore and discover events, thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour and together support you to make changes.
01797 330750 View 01797 330750

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rebecca Hampson, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Rebecca Hampson
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
West Malling ME19
Hello! I am Rebecca, I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), Person-centred Psychotherapist & Counsellor. I have a private CBT & Counselling practice in West Malling, near Maidstone, Kent. I work with a wide variety of issues including Anxiety, OCD, Depression, PTSD, Low self esteem, Panic attacks Health anxiety and Phobias.
Hello! I am Rebecca, I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), Person-centred Psychotherapist & Counsellor. I have a private CBT & Counselling practice in West Malling, near Maidstone, Kent. I work with a wide variety of issues including Anxiety, OCD, Depression, PTSD, Low self esteem, Panic attacks Health anxiety and Phobias.
01732 443448 View 01732 443448
Photo of undefined - Solve and Evolve Therapies, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Solve and Evolve Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Rochester ME1
I'm an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Counsellor with almost 20yrs experience in mental health. I support Adults and Adolescents (12-17yrs). I have additional training in EMDR Therapy and Supervision, with over 10 years experience Supervising within the NHS and private practice. I have a special interest in PTSD and trauma. I also specialise in anxiety disorders (ie. PTSD, Panic, Health, GAD, Social Anxiety and Phobias) depression and low self-esteem. I Supervise Trainees on the level 7 Masters in CBT as well as other qualified clinicians. F2F and Remote.
I'm an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Counsellor with almost 20yrs experience in mental health. I support Adults and Adolescents (12-17yrs). I have additional training in EMDR Therapy and Supervision, with over 10 years experience Supervising within the NHS and private practice. I have a special interest in PTSD and trauma. I also specialise in anxiety disorders (ie. PTSD, Panic, Health, GAD, Social Anxiety and Phobias) depression and low self-esteem. I Supervise Trainees on the level 7 Masters in CBT as well as other qualified clinicians. F2F and Remote.
01634 968295 View 01634 968295
Photo of Albert jones, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Albert jones
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Ashford TN27
My name is Ali Jones and I am a psychotherapist and supervisor. I hold multiple accreditations with different professional bodies, as both a supervisor and psychotherapist, including BABCP, BACP and UKCP. I work with adults and young people (teenagers onwards) and I provide supervision and consultative support to Psychological Therapists and other professionals. I offer appointments in my office in Egerton (TN27) and offer on-line sessions.I have over thirty years experience as a psychotherapist and have worked for over 20 years within the NHS in a Secondary Care Psychology team as the Principal Psychotherapist and Operational lead.
My name is Ali Jones and I am a psychotherapist and supervisor. I hold multiple accreditations with different professional bodies, as both a supervisor and psychotherapist, including BABCP, BACP and UKCP. I work with adults and young people (teenagers onwards) and I provide supervision and consultative support to Psychological Therapists and other professionals. I offer appointments in my office in Egerton (TN27) and offer on-line sessions.I have over thirty years experience as a psychotherapist and have worked for over 20 years within the NHS in a Secondary Care Psychology team as the Principal Psychotherapist and Operational lead.
01233 225176 View 01233 225176

Online Therapists

Photo of Jessica Drake, MSc, Psychotherapist
Jessica Drake
Psychotherapist, MSc
Verified Verified
Buntingford SG9
I work with anxiety (in particular OCD), addiction, trauma and codependency, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD, CBT, Transactional Analysis (TA), eastern and Jungian psychology and the 12 step model. Over a decade working as a therapist and recovering from addiction, anxiety and OCD/ADHD, I know first hand how hard it can be to deal with these mental health conditions. I also know the strategies that have helped me come through some of the darkest times in my life, which I apply in the therapy room.
I work with anxiety (in particular OCD), addiction, trauma and codependency, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD, CBT, Transactional Analysis (TA), eastern and Jungian psychology and the 12 step model. Over a decade working as a therapist and recovering from addiction, anxiety and OCD/ADHD, I know first hand how hard it can be to deal with these mental health conditions. I also know the strategies that have helped me come through some of the darkest times in my life, which I apply in the therapy room.
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Photo of undefined - The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farnham GU9
Each of our therapists come with a wealth of training in different therapies, however the foundation of what we do is exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Our therapists work online across the UK, we also work face to face with children and young people in Farnham (Surrey) & Herne Hill (London), and with adults in Manchester. Hello, we are the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. The founders BACP accredited therapists Jonny Say and Stuart Ralph founded the centre in 2023 to address the need for more affordable and effective therapy options in the UK. Having both suffered from OCD for long periods of time, they created the clinic to help others sooner. Our therapists cover a range of ages from 6 years old up.
Each of our therapists come with a wealth of training in different therapies, however the foundation of what we do is exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Our therapists work online across the UK, we also work face to face with children and young people in Farnham (Surrey) & Herne Hill (London), and with adults in Manchester. Hello, we are the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. The founders BACP accredited therapists Jonny Say and Stuart Ralph founded the centre in 2023 to address the need for more affordable and effective therapy options in the UK. Having both suffered from OCD for long periods of time, they created the clinic to help others sooner. Our therapists cover a range of ages from 6 years old up.
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Photo of Dr Khodayar Shahriyarmolki, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Khodayar Shahriyarmolki
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1X  (Online Only)
I have worked with the full range of types of OCD and BDD, and have extensive experience in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response-Prevention (ERP) for these problems.
I am a specialist in the assessment and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and related anxiety problems. I have worked since 2016 as a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is an NHS national specialist treatment centre for these problems.
I have worked with the full range of types of OCD and BDD, and have extensive experience in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response-Prevention (ERP) for these problems.
I am a specialist in the assessment and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and related anxiety problems. I have worked since 2016 as a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is an NHS national specialist treatment centre for these problems.
020 3872 4867 View 020 3872 4867
Photo of Amanda Morgan, MBACP, Counsellor
Amanda Morgan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1  (Online Only)
I specialise in supporting adults (18+) to recover from anxiety disorders predominantly using CBT with ERP for OCD (e.g. panic disorder/panic attacks, agoraphobia, emetophobia and other phobias, social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, OCD, etc.), and low self-esteem and low mood/depression using recovery focused psychotherapy.
I specialise in supporting adults (18+) to recover from anxiety disorders predominantly using CBT with ERP for OCD (e.g. panic disorder/panic attacks, agoraphobia, emetophobia and other phobias, social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, OCD, etc.), and low self-esteem and low mood/depression using recovery focused psychotherapy.
01223 734681 View 01223 734681
Photo of Dr Constantina Markides, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Constantina Markides
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
Dr Markides specialises in integrating therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Systemic, Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
Dr Markides specialises in integrating therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Systemic, Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
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Photo of undefined - The Specialist OCD Clinic, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
The Specialist OCD Clinic
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Haywards Heath RH16
We work collaboratively with you to deliver the evidence-based treatment for OCD (CBT with ERP) with support and empathy.
We are a team of friendly and professional Clinical Psychologists, committed to offering the highest quality, evidence-based treatment for OCD. Having all worked within the NHS at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Clinic, we are experienced working across the full range of OCD severity and presentations. We work with individuals of any age who are suffering with symptoms of OCD. Whether you're struggling with pOCD, sexual/aggressive obsessions, avoidance, mental rituals, checking, scrutinizing, or any other symptoms, we appreciate the significant and debilitating impact OCD can have on your life.
We work collaboratively with you to deliver the evidence-based treatment for OCD (CBT with ERP) with support and empathy.
We are a team of friendly and professional Clinical Psychologists, committed to offering the highest quality, evidence-based treatment for OCD. Having all worked within the NHS at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Clinic, we are experienced working across the full range of OCD severity and presentations. We work with individuals of any age who are suffering with symptoms of OCD. Whether you're struggling with pOCD, sexual/aggressive obsessions, avoidance, mental rituals, checking, scrutinizing, or any other symptoms, we appreciate the significant and debilitating impact OCD can have on your life.
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Photo of Jonny Say, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Jonny Say
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE1  (Online Only)
I am a specialist therapist on ACT/ERP for OCD.
I am a therapist specialising in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for a broad range of psychological difficulties. I am co-director for the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy www.integrativecentreforocd.co.uk. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing primarily on ACT and CFT along with therapies that focus on relationships and social connection (FAP). I have NHS experience. I have worked with a range of clients from charities to Leaders in Business, Tech & Sports.
I am a specialist therapist on ACT/ERP for OCD.
I am a therapist specialising in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for a broad range of psychological difficulties. I am co-director for the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy www.integrativecentreforocd.co.uk. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing primarily on ACT and CFT along with therapies that focus on relationships and social connection (FAP). I have NHS experience. I have worked with a range of clients from charities to Leaders in Business, Tech & Sports.
020 3984 8847 View 020 3984 8847
Photo of undefined - Dr Pointer: OCD Specialist  (CBT/ERP, +), PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Pointer: OCD Specialist (CBT/ERP, +)
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Carterton OX18
My therapy approach focuses on effective, evidence-based psychological treatments, including CBT (ERP, RF-ERP, MCT, ACT, CFT, & I-CBT), & other therapeutic practices.
Both my own experiences of OCD from an early age & my clinical training have led me to deeply understand OCD, & how to recover from it. I have been where you are now, & has successfully recovered from OCD. I understand the nature of your intrusive thoughts, obsessions, compulsions, struggles, & distress, & how to guide you out of your OCD labyrinth. My service is for adults (18+). Please explore doctorpointer.com
My therapy approach focuses on effective, evidence-based psychological treatments, including CBT (ERP, RF-ERP, MCT, ACT, CFT, & I-CBT), & other therapeutic practices.
Both my own experiences of OCD from an early age & my clinical training have led me to deeply understand OCD, & how to recover from it. I have been where you are now, & has successfully recovered from OCD. I understand the nature of your intrusive thoughts, obsessions, compulsions, struggles, & distress, & how to guide you out of your OCD labyrinth. My service is for adults (18+). Please explore doctorpointer.com
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Photo of Dr Hannah Whitehead, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Hannah Whitehead
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Buckhurst Hill IG9
I work a lot with OCD, using CBT with ERP.
I specialise in working with children, young people and young adults experiencing anxiety and/or trauma. I support parents and carers alongside work with their child. I work creatively and playfully when appropriate and if welcomed. I feel it is important to get to know each person as a unique individual and build on their strengths in our work together. I work integratively, drawing upon several therapeutic models including CBT and EMDR, depending on what feels appropriate. My team can also offer support with needs including long-term health conditions (diabetes, CFS/ME, asthma), psychosis, self-esteem and anxiety (see my website).
I work a lot with OCD, using CBT with ERP.
I specialise in working with children, young people and young adults experiencing anxiety and/or trauma. I support parents and carers alongside work with their child. I work creatively and playfully when appropriate and if welcomed. I feel it is important to get to know each person as a unique individual and build on their strengths in our work together. I work integratively, drawing upon several therapeutic models including CBT and EMDR, depending on what feels appropriate. My team can also offer support with needs including long-term health conditions (diabetes, CFS/ME, asthma), psychosis, self-esteem and anxiety (see my website).
020 3835 4012 View 020 3835 4012
Photo of Bridget Barnes Cbt Therapy, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Bridget Barnes Cbt Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
London E17  (Online Only)
I help my clients LET GO of perfectionism, worry, social anxiety, panic attacks & OCD (using ERP).
Hello I’m Bridget, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Anxiety Disorder specialist. I have extensive experience helping my clients view their anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a more rational, less threatening way. Bringing in a new perspective enables a new way of relating to yourself, or others. - -> Recent client feedback - “Bridget was really wonderful. I have left my sessions feeling empowered and confident that I have everything I need to tackle my OCD and challenging situations that may arise in future. I really can not thank her enough and I'm excited that I have various exercises I can use to navigate my OCD."
I help my clients LET GO of perfectionism, worry, social anxiety, panic attacks & OCD (using ERP).
Hello I’m Bridget, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Anxiety Disorder specialist. I have extensive experience helping my clients view their anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a more rational, less threatening way. Bringing in a new perspective enables a new way of relating to yourself, or others. - -> Recent client feedback - “Bridget was really wonderful. I have left my sessions feeling empowered and confident that I have everything I need to tackle my OCD and challenging situations that may arise in future. I really can not thank her enough and I'm excited that I have various exercises I can use to navigate my OCD."
020 3835 5416 View 020 3835 5416
Photo of Tehani Benjamin, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Tehani Benjamin
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SE1  (Online Only)
I draw on a range of therapies to fit your needs, including CBT, ERP, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
At the heart of my work, I strive to create a warm and compassionate space for clients from all walks of life. I work with clients presenting with various challenges including relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, anxiety and low mood. I also have experience working with complex mental health and co-morbid difficulties, including trauma and childhood abuse. Whether your issue feels vague or specific, therapy can help you understand how the past informs current patterns, develop coping skills to process difficult feelings, and nurture the internal strengths and resources that we all hold.
I draw on a range of therapies to fit your needs, including CBT, ERP, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
At the heart of my work, I strive to create a warm and compassionate space for clients from all walks of life. I work with clients presenting with various challenges including relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, anxiety and low mood. I also have experience working with complex mental health and co-morbid difficulties, including trauma and childhood abuse. Whether your issue feels vague or specific, therapy can help you understand how the past informs current patterns, develop coping skills to process difficult feelings, and nurture the internal strengths and resources that we all hold.
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See more therapy options for Maidstone

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counsellors

Do I need exposure and response prevention therapy?

Many clients decide to seek help for obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours when these symptoms are distressing enough to disrupt everyday life. Any thoughts or behaviours that cause friction in close relationships are also worth addressing. In addition, the client’s symptoms don’t have to be severe for them to benefit from ERP therapy.

Is exposure and response prevention therapy part of cognitive behavioural therapy?

Exposure and response prevention is one specific type of CBT that focuses on behavioural change in response to triggering stimuli. It is related to exposure therapy but adds an additional component of preventing compulsive and harmful responses.

How long does exposure and response prevention therapy take?

While every patient is different, exposure and response prevention therapy typically lasts around 12 sessions, although some treatments can take longer. A therapist will determine if the treatment is complete based on how the client faces their fears, particularly the strongest ones. When a client feels less anxiety about stimuli that once evoked terror or distress, that is generally an indication that they are nearing the end of ERP therapy.

What are the limitations of exposure and response prevention therapy?

The most common pitfalls of exposure and response prevention therapy include not addressing a client’s core fears, allowing the client to avoid their most distressing stimuli, and using imaginary exposure when the client requires real-life exposure (and vice versa). ERP therapy is most effective when the client commits to the full course of treatment; if the client stops early or doesn’t practice what they have learned outside of therapy sessions, they are less likely to have successful outcomes.