Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Calgary
Gold standard treatment delivered with compassion and evidence-based expertise
What Is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Calgary is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) designed to break the cycle of fear and compulsion.
It has two main parts:
Exposure – You face your feared situation, object, or thought in a gradual and controlled way.
Response Prevention – You resist the urge to perform the usual ritual or avoidance behaviour.
With repeated practice, your brain learns that the fear is not dangerous, and the urge to perform compulsions decreases.
ERP is a proven therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety-related conditions. It helps you face fears in a safe, structured way while resisting compulsions or avoidance. You will also learn coping strategies for handling anxiety without relying on compulsions. These skills can benefit you for life, preventing symptoms from returning.
At Clear Minds Psychology, ERP is delivered with compassion and evidence-based expertise. We work at your pace to ensure the process feels manageable.
Who can Benefit From ERP in Calgary
ERP is supported by decades of research and can be highly effective for:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Health anxiety
- Hoarding disorder
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
- Social anxiety
What to Expect in ERP Therapy Sessions
In your first session, we will discuss your history, symptoms, and goals. We create a fear hierarchy, ranking triggers from least to most anxiety-provoking.
You will start with mild exposures and work up to more challenging ones as your confidence grows.
Examples include:
- Touching a doorknob without washing hands immediately
- Leaving home without checking locks multiple times
- Reading words or phrases that trigger anxiety without performing a ritual
Between sessions, you will practise exposures in daily life. This helps the progress stick.
How Long Does ERP Therapy in Calgary Take?
Clients with OCD typically require between 12-20 sessions due to it often being complex. This can vary depending on the number of fears and compulsions being addressed and symptom severity. Other factors include the frequency of treatment sessions and how consistent you are with practicing exposure between sessions. Most people report feeling some relief in just a few sessions.
Why Choose ERP Therapy in Calgary?
ERP is one of the fastest and most effective treatments for OCD and related conditions. Benefits include:
- Rapid anxiety reduction with repeated exposure
- Improved daily functioning
- Long-term results that last beyond therapy
- Better emotional resilience in daily life
- Freedom from compulsive behaviours and avoidance pattern
This process teaches your brain that anxiety can fade naturally without rituals, checking, or avoidance.
Start Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy in Calgary
If OCD or anxiety is interfering with your life, ERP therapy may help. With professional guidance, you can break free from the OCD cycle, reclaim your peace of mind, and live more fully.
Contact Clear Minds Psychology today to book your free brief consultation. Let’s work together to reduce anxiety and restore your sense of control.
ERP Therapy at Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary
At Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary, I offer ERP therapy for adults and seniors. Alongside ERP, I also provide CBT, ACT, ART, and EMDR, ensuring you have access to the best tools for recovery.
Sessions can be held in person or online. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and paced at a level that feels safe for you.