Purpose 🎯
Collaboratively identify exposure and response prevention targets that are clinically appropriate, values-based, and paced to the client’s needs.
Let’s Talk About It 🗣️
For an appropriate treatment target, identify:
- Trigger or uncertainty to approach
- Current avoidance or compulsion
- Desired response prevention target
- Approximate difficulty
- Client's reason for practicing
- Between-session practice plan
- Safety or clinical considerations
ERP should be collaboratively designed and appropriately paced.
Ask:
- What uncertainty would OCD like you to avoid?
- What response prevention target fits this exposure?
- Why would practicing this matter to you?
If the Conversation Gets Stuck 💡
- What is OCD telling you not to approach?
- What ritual would need to be reduced or delayed?
- What would be challenging but still workable?
Telehealth / Whiteboard Version ⚖️
Create an ERP planning sheet with sections for exposure target, prevented response, difficulty rating, values connection, and practice plan.
Why This Works 🌱
ERP helps clients learn that they can approach uncertainty and distress without relying on compulsions or avoidance for relief.
Clinical Pearl 🧠
Do not use this activity as a substitute for adequate ERP training or supervision. ERP should be clinically appropriate, collaborative, and carefully paced.
Documentation Language 📝
Therapist utilized an ERP planning intervention to support client in identifying exposure targets, response prevention goals, difficulty level, values-based motivation, and between-session practice considerations.
Clinical Focus: Exposure and Response Prevention, Uncertainty Tolerance, Values-Based Practice