Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in Calgary
Gold-standard OCD treatment to help adults reduce anxiety, break compulsions, and regain confidence in daily life
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)
- Anxiety disorders
- Hoarding disorder
- Phobias
Considering ERP therapy?
A brief consultation can help you understand how these approaches apply to your specific situation.
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.
ERP can be effectively delivered in both in-person and online therapy sessions. If you prefer virtual appointments, you can learn more about how online therapy works here.
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. The benefits of ERP 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.
For more information, read my blog “Understanding ERP for OCD Calgary: How Exposure and Response Prevention Can Help”. I explain what ERP is, how it works, and what to expect in OCD treatment.
Who I Work With
I work primarily with:
- Adults (18+)
- Seniors
- Individuals experiencing specific fears or phobias
- Individuals across Calgary and Alberta
My practice focuses on individual therapy. If you are seeking couples or family therapy, I can help direct you to appropriate resources.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re welcome to reach out to explore whether ERP therapy may be helpful.
Professional Credentials
- Registered Psychologist, Province of Alberta (College of Alberta Psychologists)
- Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
- Advanced training in EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Member of Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) and IS-ART
- Contributor, Alberta Senior Living Magazine — Spring Mental Health Check-In: Managing Anxiety, SAD Transitions & Light Exposure
Book a Free Consultation
If you are considering ERP, a brief consultation can help you determine whether this approach feels like the right fit.
Clear Minds Psychology offers ERP therapy in Calgary and online across Alberta, offering structured, evidence-based support tailored to your needs.
You can book a free consultation to discuss your concerns and next steps.