What “exposure” and “response prevention” mean
Exposure means making contact with a relevant situation, thought, image or uncertainty in a planned way. Response prevention means changing the ritual or avoidance that usually aims to remove the distress. Both parts matter: confronting a trigger while silently neutralising it may leave the cycle intact.
ERP is planned collaboratively. It should not involve genuine danger, coercion or abandoning ordinary medical and safety guidance. The purpose is to challenge OCD’s extra rules, not to test how much distress you can endure.
How treatment begins
- Map obsessions, visible rituals, mental rituals, reassurance and avoidance.
- Agree goals connected to daily life, rather than a demand to never feel anxious.
- Identify a range of relevant practice tasks and choose a workable starting point.
- Practise changing responses, review what happened and adjust the plan together.
What online ERP can involve
Video sessions can allow discussion and practice in the setting where difficulties occur. For example, the focus might be leaving an ordinary task without unnecessary rechecking, or noticing uncertainty without carrying out a mental review. These are illustrations, not a personalised exposure prescription. Tasks depend on assessment, consent and your circumstances.
Between-session work is agreed together. It should be clear enough to practise without becoming another perfectionistic rule. The therapist helps identify subtle rituals, such as checking whether an exercise “worked” or repeatedly testing how calm you feel.
Does anxiety have to disappear during every exercise?
No. Immediate calm is not the sole measure of success. Learning may include discovering that you can choose your response while discomfort or uncertainty is present. Progress can be uneven, so the plan is reviewed over time rather than judged by one difficult session.
If ERP has not helped before
An assessment can explore whether the previous plan addressed mental rituals, avoidance and reassurance; whether the pace was workable; and whether other difficulties or support needs were overlooked. This does not mean that a person “failed” treatment. Medication or another level of care may also be considered with an appropriate medical professional.
Starting online ERP
Hattem Asadi offers 50-minute online sessions by advance booking. Suitability, location eligibility and a treatment plan are discussed before ongoing appointments are agreed. Read what happens when therapy begins.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be forced to do an exposure?
No. The treatment plan and practice tasks are discussed collaboratively. You can ask questions and explain concerns about any proposed task.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number that suits everyone. Frequency, duration and progress are reviewed according to symptoms, goals and support needs.
Does ERP replace medication?
Not necessarily. ERP and medication can be used separately or together. Medication decisions belong with your prescriber.
Further reading and clinical sources
Talk about your next step
Start with a brief enquiry. Include your country and time zone so we can confirm suitability and appointment arrangements.
Enquire about an assessment