What Happens During an ERP Therapy Session?
Exposure therapy can seem mysterious, but the approach is straightforward and does not have to be scary, extreme, or complicated. Learn what to expect in an ERP therapy session…
Treatment Approaches
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in Ojai, CA
ERP Therapy for OCD
In-Person Sessions in Ventura, CA
Face-to-face connection in a relaxed office setting. A good fit for clients who live locally.
Online Sessions in California
Virtual therapy from anywhere in California. Flexible and hybrid options available for busy schedules.
Serving Ojai, CA
ERP therapy for Ojai, CA clients
Exposure and Response Prevention for Ojai clients ready to reduce avoidance and compulsions with structured, collaborative treatment.
ERP can be tailored to OCD, phobias, health anxiety, and related fears that affect people in Ojai. Exposures are planned collaboratively and practiced with support so new learning can carry into everyday life.
Care is provided through secure telehealth for Ojai residents, with in-person sessions available at the Ventura office.
Exposure-based therapy
Highly Effective Therapy for Obsessions, Rituals, and Avoidance
The International OCD Foundation recommends Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as the first-line treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The primary goal of ERP is to stop compulsions and avoidance while learning more adaptive ways to manage obsessions and anxiety.
ERP is an exposure-based cognitive-behavioral protocol that helps OCD sufferers develop the courage to face triggers without engaging in any type of compulsion. Over time and with consistent practice, a healthier relationship with thoughts and feelings is developed and sufferers can break free from compulsive rituals and avoidance.
ERP is an experiential therapy with in-session exercises in exposure and response prevention, followed by post-exposure processing to reinforce new learning and explore feelings that are typically avoided. ERP is an active therapy that can produce concrete change in ways simply talking about a problem can fall short.
Similar to learning a new language, it's not enough to read about the language or talk about learning the language, one has to actually practice speaking, repeatedly. It is the same with OCD recovery. To learn new ways of managing anxiety without compulsions, we practice exposures and response prevention repeatedly. In ERP treatment we practice in session and clients practice between sessions.
Exposure encourages you to purposefully face situations, thoughts, or objects that trigger you, beginning with less challenging scenarios and gradually progressing with therapeutic support. Exposures are collaboratively planned and consent-based; you are never forced into an exposure you have not agreed to or that goes against your values.
Response prevention means refraining from compulsive behaviors, including avoidance, rumination, and other rituals, when exposed to triggers. By preventing rituals (aka "responses"), you learn to change behavior patterns that worsen anxiety. Request a consultation to discuss whether ERP is a fit.
Common OCD struggles
When OCD takes over, it can feel impossible to break the cycle.
Thoughts that feel upsetting and intrusive replay on a loop convincing you of the story that if you just keep thinking you will finally find peace.
Evidence-based ERP
Learn to manage anxiety without compulsions or avoidance.
With continued practice in not running away from triggers, you can learn to feel whatever comes up and to act with courage. In time, you gain mastery over your feelings and behavior.
ERP for OCD, Anxiety, and Specific Phobias
Tailored to your individual needs, therapy sessions are offered in-person in Ventura or via telehealth across California.
We will work on healthy strategies to change the role anxiety plays in your life and daily choices. Our style is clear and encouraging as you practice making necessary changes to support your values and goals.
“The first step of healing is not a step away from the pain, but a step toward it.”
Amplify Exposure Practice in the Real World
Practicing ERP outside of the therapy office or away from the comfort of your home may amplify success for lasting change. Engaging in exposures with response prevention in diverse settings helps the brain integrate new learning better than practicing in only one or two settings.
Ventura County offers numerous opportunities for community-based exposures relevant to your obsessional themes. Locations are chosen based on your clinical needs, privacy, and appropriateness of setting.
What is Rumination-Focused ERP?
Rumination-Focused ERP (RF-ERP) is a type of Exposure and Response Prevention treatment for OCD. RF-ERP emphasizes learning to stop compulsive behavior including mental rumination (eg. overthinking), while developing insight into emotional and relational dynamics that may contribute to distress.
Rumination-Focused ERP combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic principles that recognize how developmental tasks, family dynamics, trauma, and psychological conflicts may contribute to the anxious distress felt in people with OCD. As in traditional ERP, in RF-ERP compulsions and avoidance are conceptualized as maladaptive coping strategies to escape emotional distress.
RF-ERP emphasizes teaching OCD sufferers how to stop ruminating as an intervention to lower anxiety and stop all compulsions: mental, physical, and avoidance, within the context of a secure therapeutic relationship.
The Advantage of Rumination-Focused ERP
With both an emotional and behavioral focus, RF-ERP helps with intense feelings triggered by obsessive thoughts, while at the same time teaching you to stop compulsive behavior and avoidance of triggers. OCD sufferers commonly feel they are stuck on a mental loop of obsessions, as if they are on a roller coaster and can't get off. RF-ERP works by helping you get off the roller coaster with a restored sense of agency. Rumination-Focused ERP is a gentle integrative approach to OCD recovery.
Licensed Therapist
Hi, I'm Teva Johnstone, LCSW
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist specializing in obsessive-compulsive conditions. I provide individual therapy for OCD, anxiety, and related concerns. In-person therapy in Ventura County and online throughout California.
- Individual therapy for OCD, anxiety, and related issues
- In-person in Ventura or online across California
- Collaborative, values-aligned treatment planning
Exposure Therapy FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About ERP
Rumination-Focused ERP FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Rumination-Focused ERP
Articles and News
Recent Blog Posts
View All Posts
How Does Rumination-Focused ERP Work for Pure O?
Pure O OCD can feel like being trapped in a mental loop. Rumination-Focused ERP helps you stop invisible mental compulsions and regain your freedom…
When to Get Intensive ERP Treatment
Many people with OCD experience meaningful relief with weekly ERP, while others benefit from more frequent treatment. Learn when intensive ERP treatment may be appropriate…