Exposure and Response Prevention

Break the Cycle of Obsession and Compulsion. Reclaim Your Peace of Mind.

Intrusive thoughts. Compulsive behaviors. Constant mental checking. You may know your fears are irrational, but resisting the urge to act on them feels unbearable. This is the exhausting, invisible cycle of OCD.

At KK Therapy Group, we offer Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in Houston. ERP is the gold-standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. ERP helps you gradually face your fears without engaging in compulsions, so you can retrain your brain, reduce anxiety, and finally feel free again.

What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to treat OCD and related conditions. It works by:

Exposure – intentionally facing situations, thoughts, or triggers that provoke anxiety or obsessive thinking.
Response Prevention – resisting the urge to perform compulsions (behaviors or mental rituals) that temporarily reduce anxiety.

By staying present through the discomfort and not performing the compulsion, your brain learns that the feared outcome doesn’t happen. This creates new neural connections that help anxiety decrease over time.

ERP is not about flooding you with fear. It’s about building distress tolerance, reducing avoidance, and helping you trust yourself again. You and your therapist will identify a hierarchy of actions to take to achieve these goals.

Therapy Journey

What ERP Therapy Can Help With

If your life is ruled by rituals, reassurance-seeking, or obsessive thinking, ERP therapy can help you break free and find your power.

ERP is highly effective for treating a wide range of anxiety-based disorders, including:

Professionals who feel burned out, disconnected, or emotionally drained

Intrusive Thoughts (violent, sexual, religious, etc.)

Contamination Fears & Cleaning Rituals

Checking & Counting Compulsions

Relationship OCD (ROCD)

Health Anxiety & Illness Fears

Panic Disorder

Our Approach to Therapy

How ERP Therapy Works at KK Therapy Group

At KK Therapy Group, our approach to ERP is structured, supportive, and paced to your comfort level. Here’s what to expect:

Identify Obsessions and Compulsions

Together, we’ll explore the thought loops and behaviors that keep your anxiety cycle going.

Develop a Hierarchy

We’ll build a personalized list of feared thoughts or situations, ranked from least to most distressing.

Begin Exposure

In-session or between sessions, you’ll begin gradually exposing yourself to these triggers—without performing the usual rituals.

Practice Response Prevention

With your therapist’s guidance, you’ll learn how to sit with discomfort and reduce your urge to neutralize it with compulsions.

Reduce Anxiety Naturally

Over time, your brain will adapt. The fears will feel less intense, the rituals less necessary—and life will feel more manageable again.

Why Choose ERP Therapy at KK Therapy Group?

✔️ We specialize in working with high-functioning adults who often hide their symptoms from others—lawyers, engineers, creatives, medical professionals, and more.
✔️ Our therapists are ERP-trained and experienced in treating complex OCD and anxiety patterns.
✔️ We offer a judgment-free, emotionally safe space to do exposure work at a pace that feels achievable.
✔️ We integrate ERP with IFS, CBT, and trauma-informed care for a whole-person approach.

You have so much inner strength. Let us help you tap into it.

Your therapy journey begins with connection.

Reach Out

Complete our contact form or call us. We’ll learn a bit about you and match you with the best-fit therapist.

Meet with a Therapist

You’ll meet with your therapist for an initial session where you can share what’s been going on, ask questions, and explore your goals.

Begin Your Therapy Journey

We’ll collaborate to build a plan that works for you—weekly, bi-weekly, or customized based on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ERP different from regular therapy?

ERP directly targets the compulsive behavior and teaches your brain to tolerate anxiety. Unlike general talk therapy, ERP is active and skills-based.

Is ERP scary or overwhelming?

It can be uncomfortable at first. We’ll never force you out of your window of tolerance and will teach you skills to stay in the discomfort. We pace exposures based on your tolerance and growth.

Does ERP work for pure O (intrusive thoughts without visible compulsions)?

Yes. Even “pure O” OCD involves mental rituals like avoidance, reassurance-seeking, or neutralizing thoughts. ERP addresses these effectively.

Will I have to do ERP outside of sessions?

Sometimes. Exposure work between sessions helps maintain momentum. Your therapist will give you structured, doable assignments and support.

Begin Your Therapy Journey

Let’s Create a Calmer, Clearer You

Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about coming home to yourself with more clarity, compassion and acceptance.,

KK Therapy Group currently offers private-pay individual therapy in Houston in a safe, confidential, and empowering environment. If you’re ready to invest in your emotional well-being and live a more intentional life, we’re here to walk with you.