At Anxiety Wellness Center of Chicagoland (AWCC), Dr. Bauer specializes in two of the most effective treatments for anxiety and OCD: Exposure Therapy and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP). These methods are supported by decades of research and are considered the gold standard for anxiety and OCD treatment.

What Is Exposure Therapy?

Exposure therapy helps you gradually face situations or triggers that cause anxiety – rather than avoiding them.

Avoidance may feel good in the moment (crossing the street to avoid a dog, asking a friend to kennel their pet, skipping a social event), but it keeps fears alive. Exposure therapy breaks that cycle by showing you – step by step – that anxiety can be tolerated and doesn’t last forever.

With repeated practice, you begin to notice real changes, such as:

• Anxious thoughts lose their power.
• You learn you can cope with uncomfortable feelings.
• Fear decreases over time.

You’ve probably done exposures without even realizing it: job interviews, first dates, or driving somewhere new all involving facing anxiety head-on. ERP builds on this natural process, applying it in a structured, supportive way as part of AWCC’s Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services.

What Is ERP?

ERP is a specialized form of exposure therapy designed specifically for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

With OCD, the cycle looks like this:

• A triggering thought, image or situation sparks anxiety.
• You feel compelled to do a ritual or compulsion (cleaning, checking, repeating, mentally reviewing, etc.) to relieve the distress.
• Relief comes briefly, but the obsession returns – and the cycle continues.

In ERP, you not only face the triggering situation (exposure) but also resist the urge to do the compulsion (response prevention). Over time, your brain learns that anxiety naturally fades – even without the ritual – and obsessions lose their grip. It’s natural to wonder: why resist something that brings relief? Because while compulsions bring short-term comfort, they actually make OCD stronger in the long run. ERP helps break this cycle.

ERP is recognized by organizations like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) as the most effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD.

What To Expect In ERP?

When exposures are carefully planned with your therapist, here’s what typically happens during an exposure in ERP:

• Anxiety or uncertainty rises at first.
• You recognize the thoughts and feelings are uncomfortable, but not dangerous.
• By resisting compulsions, distress naturally starts to decrease.
• With repetition, fears fade, and your brain learns new, healthier patterns.
• Over time, obsessions become less frequent and less distressing.

ERP is challenging, but with the right support, it’s also incredibly empowering. Learn more about designing treatment plans in our treatment process.

How ERP Differs From Traditional CBT?

While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often focuses on examining the content of thoughts, ERP takes a different approach for OCD. Obsessive thoughts often don’t reflect your values and can be misleading or even disturbing.

Trying to analyze or argue with them (“I would never do that” or mentally replaying interactions to find proof) can itself become compulsive. ERP avoids this trap by focusing instead on tolerating uncertainty and reducing compulsions. This shift makes ERP uniquely effective for OCD, where obsessions often feel intrusive and misaligned with personal values.

The American Psychological Association (APA) also highlights ERP as a highly effective, research-supported treatment for OCD.

Why Work With A Specialist?

Many people try therapy before finding ERP, but not all therapists are trained to deliver it effectively. At AWCC, Dr. Bauer specializes in OCD and anxiety disorders, using ERP as a cornerstone of treatment. She provides compassionate, structured care tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About ERP

How long does ERP treatment take?

The length of ERP varies for each person. Some people notice progress within a few weeks, while others may continue treatment for several months. Dr. Bauer will tailor the pace and length to your needs and goals.

Is ERP safe for kids and teens?

Yes. ERP is widely used with children and teens struggling with OCD. At AWCC, Dr. Bauer involves parents or caregivers in the process to make sure kids feel supported both in and out of sessions. For additional resources, visit the IOCDF’s resource center.

Will ERP make my anxiety worse?

It’s normal for anxiety to increase at the beginning of an exposure. With repeated practice, however, the anxiety fades and becomes more manageable. ERP is challenging – but it’s also safe and highly effective when guided by a trained therapist.

What if I’m not ready for ERP?

That’s okay. Dr. Bauer always starts with education, coping skills and a gradual approach. ERP is collaborative, and you’ll never be pushed into something you’re not ready for.

Can ERP be done virtually?

Yes. ERP can be done in-person, in the community, or through telehealth services. Dr. Bauer will work with you to decide what setting is most effective. She is licensed to provide telehealth services to anyone residing in a PSYPACT state.

Take The Next Step

ERP can feel intimidating – but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right support, you can learn to quiet OCD, regain your freedom and start living the life you want.

Contact AWCC today to schedule a consultation and see if ERP is the right fit for you.