Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counselling in RH17
Joanna Kate Roberts
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Haywards Heath RH17
Based in mid Sussex I have over twenty five years of clinical experience working in the N.H.S. and educational settings, and more recently in the private sector, with a wide range of psychological difficulties. These include mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal difficulties, work and stress, childhood trauma, grief, relationship issues, insomnia and eating distress. I have also worked extensively with chronic illness and pain. Having completed full postgraduate training in several therapeutic models, including EMDR, I am fully accredited with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
Based in mid Sussex I have over twenty five years of clinical experience working in the N.H.S. and educational settings, and more recently in the private sector, with a wide range of psychological difficulties. These include mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal difficulties, work and stress, childhood trauma, grief, relationship issues, insomnia and eating distress. I have also worked extensively with chronic illness and pain. Having completed full postgraduate training in several therapeutic models, including EMDR, I am fully accredited with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
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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.