Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD

ERP is the frontline therapy for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder. Children gradually face obsession triggers (exposures) while not doing the ritual (response prevention). Staying with the discomfort teaches the brain that anxiety fades on its own—and OCD’s grip loosens.

How ERP sessions work

• Build a “fear ladder” of situations or thoughts ranked from easier to hardest
  
• Practise coping tools (slow breathing, grounding) before exposures
  
• Tackle one step at a time—touch a “contaminated” toy, imagine a scary thought—without performing the compulsion
  
• Celebrate wins and problem-solve setbacks; parents join brief wrap-ups so coaching stays consistent at home
  

Why ERP succeeds

• Breaks the ritual = relief loop that keeps OCD alive
  
• Boosts confidence (“I did it without washing!”)
  
• Works across themes—germs, harm, symmetry, “just-right” feelings
  

Parent role

Caregivers learn supportive scripts and accommodation-reduction through parent coaching and SPACE training so family life stops revolving around rituals.

Accessing ERP at FFEW

• Individual therapy for children 8-10 and teens 11-19
  
• Peer practice in Coping with Anxiety Kids 9-12
  
• Parent programs: Parenting Children with Anxiety and Parenting Emotionally Intense Children
  
• Condition overview: OCD in Children
  

Clinicians expert in ERP

• Dr. Zia Lakdawalla – ERP, CBT, family coaching
  
• Dr. Lana Zinck – SPACE-certified, OCD & anxiety care
  
• Dr. Tamara Meixner – ERP plus DBT for emotion regulation
  
• Cassandra Harmsen – ERP blended with ACT
  
• Ola Obaro – Family-centred ERP for school refusal
  
• Charlotte Johnston – Neurodivergent-affirming ERP
  
• Jaydon Frid – ERP within family-systems work
  

FAQs — ERP for OCD

Will exposures traumatise my child?

Steps are chosen collaboratively, paced slowly, and paired with coping skills—challenge, not overwhelm.

How many sessions are needed?

Many families see noticeable ritual reduction in 12–20 weekly visits plus daily practice.

Do we stop all rituals at once?

No. ERP targets one behaviour at a time, building momentum and confidence.

What if my child refuses?

Begin with parent-only support through SPACE coaching to adjust accommodations and lower resistance.

Is medication required?

ERP is effective alone; SSRIs may be added for severe or stubborn symptoms in collaboration with your physician.