ERP Therapy Sydney | Exposure & Response Prevention for OCD
Struggling with intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours? Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. At OCD Clinic Sydney, we provide ERP therapy tailored to your unique situation — helping you face fears safely, reduce compulsions, and regain control of your life.
What Is ERP Therapy?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people with OCD confront their fears gradually and resist compulsions.
How it works:
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Exposure → Safely facing feared situations, thoughts, or triggers.
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Response Prevention → Learning to resist the urge to perform compulsions or rituals.
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Rewiring the Brain → Over time, anxiety reduces naturally, and OCD loses its power.
ERP therapy has been extensively researched and is recommended by leading clinical guidelines as the most effective treatment for OCD.
How ERP Therapy Helps With OCD
ERP therapy helps break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions by:
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Reducing anxiety and fear associated with intrusive thoughts
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Weakening compulsive urges and rituals
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Teaching you how to tolerate uncertainty
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Building confidence and long-term coping strategies
“ERP therapy doesn’t mean facing your biggest fears on day one — we go step by step, at a pace that’s comfortable for you.” — Mitchell Howarth, Clinical Psychologist
ERP Therapy at OCD Clinic Sydney
At OCD Clinic Sydney, we provide tailored ERP therapy plans designed around your specific symptoms and goals.
What you can expect:
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Personalised Treatment — ERP plans designed specifically for your triggers
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Supportive, Safe Environment — we work at your pace, not anyone else’s
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Real-World Exposures — when helpful, we guide you through ERP in your home, workplace, or community
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Online & In-Person Options — ERP therapy available Australia-wide via telehealth
Why ERP Therapy Works
ERP helps rewire your brain’s response to fear and anxiety. By gradually facing fears without performing compulsions, your brain learns that the feared outcome doesn’t happen — reducing both anxiety and urges.
It’s highly effective for treating:
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Intrusive thoughts
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Contamination fears
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Checking rituals
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Harm OCD
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Relationship OCD (ROCD)
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Religious or moral obsessions
Online ERP Therapy Available Across Australia
You don’t need to be in Sydney to access effective ERP therapy. We offer secure, confidential telehealth sessions so you can get ERP treatment from anywhere in Australia.
Book Online or In-Person Session
Meet Your Therapist — Mitchell Howarth
Mitchell Howarth, Clinical Psychologist and Director of OCD Clinic Sydney, has a special interest in OCD and extensive experience providing ERP therapy.
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10+ years working with OCD and anxiety disorders
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Advanced training in ERP and CBT
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Registered with AHPRA and a member of the APS
“ERP therapy changed my clients’ lives by giving them the tools to manage OCD — and I’m passionate about helping you achieve the same.” — Mitchell Howarth
Why Choose OCD Clinic Sydney for ERP Therapy
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Proven, Evidence-Based Approach — ERP and CBT backed by decades of research
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Special Focus on OCD — OCD is what we treat every day
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Flexible Delivery — in-clinic, online, and real-world ERP options
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Compassionate Care — therapy that respects your pace and comfort
FAQs About ERP Therapy
We only use the best treatment for OCD: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP). This usually involves:
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How effective is ERP therapy?
ERP is considered the most effective treatment for OCD worldwide and has decades of clinical research supporting its success.
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Can ERP therapy be done online?
Yes — ERP is highly effective via telehealth. We guide you through exposures step-by-step using secure video sessions.
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Is ERP therapy difficult?
ERP is gradual and collaborative — you’ll never be forced into situations you’re not ready for. We work at a pace you’re comfortable with.
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How many ERP sessions will I need?
It varies, but most clients see significant progress within 12–20 sessions.
