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