Exposure with response prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard evidence-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders (like panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, or phobias). Exposure therapy is a special type of CBT. Individuals who struggle with OCD or anxiety typically avoid things that increase their fear, anxiety, or discomfort, or engage in behaviors (“compulsions” or “rituals”) to lessen their distress when it occurs. While avoidance and rituals might bring relief in the short term, they can also lead to problems (e.g. school avoidance, social difficulties) and strengthen OCD and anxiety over time. ERP treats OCD and anxiety by helping individuals gradually approach the situations and triggers that they are avoiding while resisting rituals and increasing their ability to tolerate distress and discomfort in the process.