The short-term, evidence-based therapy known as ERP treats anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other associated illnesses. It is the most effective treatment for OCD and anxiety and has the most research in favor of it. This therapy is our area of expertise at Connected Care Behavioral Health LLC. ERP is a subset of cognitive behavioral therapy, a more comprehensive therapeutic model in which a person first modifies their behavior or thoughts before changing how they feel. Particularly in ERP, a person faces their concerns objectively, safely, and gradually rather than giving in to the inclination to avoid things, people, or circumstances that might make them feel uneasy. ERP sessions are organized around these exposure exercises, in contrast to other types of therapy, to assist patients in becoming “their therapists,” capable of carrying out their exposures and managing anxiety even after treatment has concluded. People who experience anxiety tend to think that anything feared should be avoided. However, studies show that the longer something is ignored, the more intense the anxiety surrounding it. As anxiety worsens, it may affect every part of a person’s life, including job, education, social interactions, and leisure time. Many of our clients appreciate the active, empowering character of ERP because it helps individuals face their fears and recover their lives. In a typical ERP session, any of the following exercises, alone or in combination: