At Magenta Therapy, we use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the most effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD. ERP is a structured, skills-based approach that helps you gradually face feared thoughts, images, or situations while reducing compulsive responses. Therapy is collaborative, paced to your readiness, and focused on long-term change rather than short-term reassurance.

Assessment and Understanding Your OCD

We start by developing a clear understanding of how OCD shows up for you. This includes identifying obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors (both visible and mental), avoidance patterns, and how OCD has been affecting your daily life. Together, we clarify treatment goals and make sure ERP feels understandable and manageable before moving forward.

Creating an ERP Hierarchy

Next, we build an ERP hierarchy. This is a personalized list of feared situations or triggers, ranked from less distressing to more challenging. The hierarchy helps guide therapy in a gradual, intentional way, so exposures feel purposeful rather than overwhelming.

Exposure and Response Prevention Practice

ERP involves intentionally approaching feared situations or thoughts while practicing resisting compulsions or reassurance behaviors. Exposures are planned collaboratively and practiced both in session and between sessions. Over time, this process helps reduce OCD’s intensity and your reliance on compulsions.

Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Support

As symptoms improve, therapy shifts toward maintaining gains and preventing relapse. We focus on recognizing early warning signs, strengthening coping skills, and building confidence in managing OCD independently. The goal is not eliminating all anxiety, but reducing OCD’s control over your life.

If you’re curious why ERP is different from traditional talk therapy for OCD, you can read more about how ERP works here.