In-person appointments in Hampstead and Marylebone, plus online therapy across the UK and internationally
Call for further information
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
What is ERP Therapy?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety difficulties. ERP is a structured approach that helps you face feared thoughts, feelings or situations while reducing the compulsive behaviours that keep anxiety going. At Hampstead Psychology, we offer ERP in Hampstead and Marylebone, London, as well as online across the UK and internationally.
How Exposure and Response Prevention Works
ERP is based on the idea that avoidance and compulsions bring short-term relief, but strengthen the problem over time. In ERP, you gradually approach triggers (exposure) and practise resisting rituals, reassurance seeking or checking (response prevention). With support and repetition, your nervous system learns that anxiety can rise and fall without compulsions, and the sense of threat reduces. Over time this builds confidence, freedom and a greater sense of control in everyday life.
What ERP Therapy Can Help With
ERP is most commonly used for OCD and intrusive thoughts, health anxiety and reassurance cycles, panic and agoraphobia, phobias and specific fears, social anxiety with avoidance, and compulsive checking, rumination or reassurance seeking.
Private ERP with Experienced Psychologists
ERP can be highly effective for people who feel trapped in cycles of fear, rituals and avoidance, including those who are otherwise high functioning. We offer ERP delivered by experienced clinical and counselling psychologists, tailored carefully to your presentation and paced in a way that is challenging but manageable. The focus is on meaningful, long-term change rather than short-term coping.
Take the next step
Contact us to book a consultation with one of our psychologists experienced in ERP, or learn more about our OCD and anxiety treatment services in London.
Explore related services like OCD treatment, BDD treatment, or CBT in London.
Meet the team
Hampstead Psychology is led by a senior team of clinical and counselling psychologists, chosen for the quality of their clinical work, depth of training and breadth of experience. This means you’re working with psychologists who can assess carefully, build a clear formulation and deliver evidence-based therapy in a way that is nuanced, effective and well judged, especially when difficulties are complex or long-standing. Clients choose us for a service that is discreet, consistent and focused on meaningful change.
