Therapists in 94925
Michael Andrew Dickman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT , #130825
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse often means unhealthy thought patterns/actions are reinforcing cognitive distortions and destructive behaviors. Anxiety leads to avoidance of situations that potentiate more anxiety, yet fears of triggering stimuli remain active. Depression is constituted by biases towards negative thoughts, and without challenging unfounded beliefs about one's worth or abilities, depression persists. Those abusing alcohol or other drugs cannot participate in life unaided by the numbing effect substances generate. These individuals are stuck, not broken. If motivated, they may all recover.
Suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse often means unhealthy thought patterns/actions are reinforcing cognitive distortions and destructive behaviors. Anxiety leads to avoidance of situations that potentiate more anxiety, yet fears of triggering stimuli remain active. Depression is constituted by biases towards negative thoughts, and without challenging unfounded beliefs about one's worth or abilities, depression persists. Those abusing alcohol or other drugs cannot participate in life unaided by the numbing effect substances generate. These individuals are stuck, not broken. If motivated, they may all recover.
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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.