In-Person & Online Therapy  |  1780 S Bellaire St #485, Denver, CO 80222  |  303.809.3341

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) THERAPY IN
DENVER, CO

Although anxiety gets a bad rap, it’s our built-in alarm system that goes hand-in-hand with our survival instinct. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to sense potential danger and threats to our safety. However, sometimes our danger response becomes overly sensitive, responding to non-threatening situations with the same level of anxiety as something truly life-threatening.

 When we suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), our danger response no longer operates as it should. Instead, our brain tells us, “We are in danger, this is life or death,” and the only way to get out of it is to engage in mental or physical compulsions. Most distressing of all, the more we engage in compulsions to ward off anxiety, the more likely we are to get stuck in a loop we can’t escape.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely regarded as the “gold standard” treatment for OCD. At its core, ERP is a type of therapy that helps you gradually face the situations, thoughts, or feelings that trigger anxiety without turning to the rituals or behaviors (compulsions) you typically rely on for temporary relief. Over time and with consistent effort, ERP works by interrupting the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, thereby helping you regain control over your thoughts, behaviors, and ultimately, your life.

What Is Exposure And Response Prevention (ERP)?

With ERP treatment, you can:

  • Expand your window of tolerance for discomfort and uncertainty without having to avoid, change, or suppress unwanted thoughts.
  • Feel more in control of your thoughts, behaviors, and daily choices by realizing the unfavorable outcomes you imagine won’t likely happen.
  • Reduce external compulsions—such as checking or cleaning—as well as internal obsessive thoughts, referred to as Pure-O, such as mental reviewing, avoidance, or trying to stop distressing thoughts.
  • Have more time and energy to focus on other, more enjoyable things.

Online ERP therapy can be just as, if not more, effective as in-person therapy. Not only does telehealth offer increased flexibility and accessibility to consistent sessions, but it also allows you to interact in your home environment, where it’s more likely that you’re triggered by your surroundings. After engaging in consistent Exposure and Response Prevention, many clients experience lasting relief from OCD symptoms, reporting a reduction in overall anxiety, self-doubt, depression, and panic.

How Exposure And Response Prevention Can Help With OCD

Exposure and Response Prevention is most helpful in treating all forms of OCD, including checking OCD, harm OCD, contamination OCD, symmetry/ordering OCD, sexual or religious OCD, postpartum OCD, pedophilic OCD, and obsessional OCD that doesn’t manifest as compulsive behavior (Pure-O). ERP therapy can also be extremely successful in treating social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.

ERP therapy aids in lasting relief and is backed by decades of research highlighting its effectiveness. Incorporating Exposure and Response Prevention into OCD treatment often leads to longer-lasting improvement than many other approaches—including medication for some individuals—providing hope for those who have yet to find relief.

According to the International OCD Foundation, "Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the proven, most effective, first-line therapy for OCD in adults, children, and adolescents." Not only does ERP therapy for OCD have a success rate of 65-80 percent, but it's also been shown to outperform other treatments like relaxation therapy, CBT without ERP, and even medication-based therapies in many individuals.

Who Can Benefit From Exposure And Response Prevention?

We were initially drawn to ERP because the science behind it is both clear and fascinating. Our interest was reinforced each time a therapist got to witness their client experience long-term healing and growth. It’s been an honor to walk alongside the individuals we work with and watch them find relief and reclaim their lives.

At Denver Metro Counseling, we have therapists on staff with extensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD, including Pure-O mental compulsions. We are passionate about offering evidence-based OCD treatment and committed to helping you feel like yourself again.

What we know about OCD is that obsessions and compulsions tend to become more reinforced and ingrained over time, but it’s never too late to start therapy. If you think you or a loved one may be struggling with OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention is widely considered the most effective path toward healing.

Why We Incorporate Exposure And Response Prevention Into OCD Treatment

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EMDR THERAPy IN DENVER

At the end of the first meeting, you and your therapist will know your therapy goals and establish a method to achieve them.

Ongoing sessions are variable and the cost is based on the clinician and certifications. During these sessions, you will share more of your story and learn tools along the way to help manage your trauma symptoms and learn to thrive again.

Create therapy goals

4.

At DMC our initial appointments are 90 minutes for individual EMDR therapy. 

During this first session, we want to get to know more about you and how your trauma is affecting your journey.

We are careful not to make this too overwhelming and won’t get into anything too deep this first meeting.

Schedule your intake appointment

3.

Once you've scheduled a consultation with one or more of our EMDR therapists, you make a decision whether you feel they may be a good fit. 

This is your opportunity to learn about the therapist's approach and their opportunity to learn more about you. 

If the two of you decide to move forward, you will schedule your first and possible ongoing appointments at that time. 


Schedule a consultation

2.

Each clinician at DMC is trained in EMDR therapy, so you have several options to choose from. If you have questions, our intake coordinator can provide some assistance in helping you choose an EMDR therapist that most aligns with your needs, wants, and availability. 

When you reach out to our intake coordinator, she will walk you through the process of getting onboarded with therapy and scheduling your free consultation.

Reach out to our Intake Coordinator

1.

1780 S Bellaire St #485, Denver, CO 80222

ERP Therapy in Denver ,CO

Please type your name below to acknowledge that Denver Metro Counseling is a private paid practice so we do not directly bill health insurance and are not a Medicaid provider.

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Thank you!

We want you to feel confident in your decision to work with Denver Metro Counseling. That is why we offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation with one of our therapists so that you can have all your questions answered and experience what it is like to work with us first hand. 

To book your complimentary consultation, call our office using the call button below and take the first step towards better mental health today. 

Contact us today to book a 20-minute consult

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