Treatment Approach
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship issues, and trauma. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications. CBT is a type of therapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties. Together we will collaborate to gain an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.
Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that focuses on behavior modification. ERP is an empirically supported therapeutic approach in the treatment of OCD and anxiety related disorders. ERP involves two components. The first is a gradual exposure to the feared “what if” situtation (the exposure part of treatment). The second is the simultaneous prevention of the compulsion (the response prevention part of treatment). The more a client confronts their triggers, the sooner they habituate to it, resulting a reduction of anxiety and compulsive urges.
“What if” thinking is not unique to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is a feature to a greater or lesser extent in several other conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobia (example: emetophobia - fear of throwing up), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Depression.
Follow the link below to see how ERP can be used to treat various conditions: