Understanding Exposure and Response Prevention

Understanding Exposure and Response Prevention

UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE & RESPONSE PREVENTION

This guide explains Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in clear, practical language and explores why changing our response to fear can create new learning.

Inside the PDF:
• what “exposure” and “response prevention” actually mean
• the fear / ritual / relief cycle
• how checking, reassurance, avoidance and mental rituals can maintain fear
• a worksheet for mapping an individual cycle
• how to plan a manageable ERP experiment
• predictions and post-practice learning
• the difference between fear-maintaining responses and legitimate support
• considerations around trauma, neurodivergence and accessibility
• when professional support can be useful

ERP is presented as collaborative practice designed to increase freedom, not as a demand to tolerate unsafe situations or remove necessary support.

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Trusted information

NHS: Phobias; Agoraphobia - treatment; Every Mind Matters - Facing your fears. NICE guideline CG113: panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. For ARFID information: Beat Eating Disorders.

Until next time, give yourself space to breathe.
Maggie Learoyd

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