Photo of Dodini Behavioral Health, Psychologist in Washington, DC
Dodini Behavioral Health
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
Dodini Behavioral Health is a multidisciplinary private group practice for personal growth, healing, and development currently open to virtual and in person. We help individuals, couples, and families get beyond symptoms and into living the fullest version of their life and self. Our clinical providers are among the top in their fields and have a variety of areas of interest and expertise, and all are devoted to exceptionally good psychotherapy, therapeutic alliance, and continual education. We often work as a team and as co-therapists to give the absolute best in personalized and expert care for you and those you love.
Dodini Behavioral Health is a multidisciplinary private group practice for personal growth, healing, and development currently open to virtual and in person. We help individuals, couples, and families get beyond symptoms and into living the fullest version of their life and self. Our clinical providers are among the top in their fields and have a variety of areas of interest and expertise, and all are devoted to exceptionally good psychotherapy, therapeutic alliance, and continual education. We often work as a team and as co-therapists to give the absolute best in personalized and expert care for you and those you love.
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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.