Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapists in 21742
Dr. Stephanie McGraw
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hagerstown, MD 21742 (Online Only)
Therapy is an incredibly vulnerable process that involves stripping down the emotional armor we have collected over years of struggle, insecurity, or fear. For some the idea of therapy feels like the sweetest release and for others this idea feels incredibly intimidating. Often times, individuals present for their first sessions after an acute stressor, a period of prolonged distress, or even a previously failed treatment. Regardless of the precipitating factor, people often enter therapy when they feel hurt and alone. Many come with bruised hearts and tired souls, uncertain of what their struggles mean about their ability to heal.
Therapy is an incredibly vulnerable process that involves stripping down the emotional armor we have collected over years of struggle, insecurity, or fear. For some the idea of therapy feels like the sweetest release and for others this idea feels incredibly intimidating. Often times, individuals present for their first sessions after an acute stressor, a period of prolonged distress, or even a previously failed treatment. Regardless of the precipitating factor, people often enter therapy when they feel hurt and alone. Many come with bruised hearts and tired souls, uncertain of what their struggles mean about their ability to heal.
Alison J. Bomba, Psy.D., LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Waitlist for new clients
A licensed psychologist, I provide grief therapy as well as exposure-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Ages served: 3-25. Services are provided both in-office and via telehealth.
A licensed psychologist, I provide grief therapy as well as exposure-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Ages served: 3-25. Services are provided both in-office and via telehealth.
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Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapists
Do I need exposure and response prevention therapy?
Many clients decide to seek help for obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors when these symptoms are distressing enough to disrupt everyday life. Any thoughts or behaviors 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 behavioral therapy?
Exposure and response prevention is one specific type of CBT that focuses on behavioral 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.