Exposure and Response Prevention Worksheet Overview
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a therapy for OCD where you face what triggers your fear and then hold off on the compulsion. Victor Meyer first described it in 1966, and researchers including Edna Foa later developed and tested it. It is now a first-line therapy for OCD. ERP is done with a trained therapist, who plans each step with you.
This worksheet explains obsessions, compulsions, exposure, and response prevention with examples, then gives you a practice log to track your anxiety ratings and what you learned between sessions.
In this worksheet, we’ll:
- Explain how exposure and response prevention works, with examples
- Share what to agree on with your therapist before you start
- Give you a log to record each exposure and your anxiety ratings
- Provide space to note what you learned and what to bring to your next session
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Meyer, V. (1966). Modification of expectations in cases with obsessional rituals. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 4(4), 273-280.
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Foa, E. B., Yadin, E., & Lichner, T. K. (2012). Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Therapist Guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
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Foa, E. B., Liebowitz, M. R., Kozak, M. J., et al. (2005). Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of exposure and ritual prevention, clomipramine, and their combination in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(1), 151-161.
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