Learning Together: A Team Training on OCD and ERP

At Nikkie Evans PLLC, we deeply value professional growth and collaboration—because the more we learn, the better we can support our clients.

Today, our team gathered for a training led by Francesca Cottone, LCPC. Francesca is a skilled therapist on our team, who specializes in working with clients struggling with OCD, phobia, health anxiety, body focused repetitive behaviors, etc. Francesca utilizes Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) as a way to treat clients and help them experience relief from symptoms that cause distress to individuals and their families.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety these thoughts bring. These obsessions and compulsions can become so time-consuming and distressing that they interfere with a person’s daily life.

Some common symptoms of OCD include:

• Fear of contamination or germs

• Doubts about having done something right (like locking a door)

• Intrusive thoughts about harm, violence, or inappropriate actions

• A need for things to be symmetrical or “just right”

• Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, checking, counting, or mental rituals

What is ERP?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD. It is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps individuals face their fears and reduce the compulsive behaviors that reinforce those fears.

ERP involves two main components:

1. Exposure – Gradually and intentionally facing the thoughts, images, objects, or situations that trigger anxiety or obsessions.

2. Response Prevention – Resisting the urge to engage in compulsions once the anxiety has been triggered.

   
   

Through repeated practice, ERP helps retrain the brain to respond to anxiety in healthier ways, breaking the OCD cycle.

Who Can Benefit from ERP?

ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD, but it’s also effective for a range of other conditions, including:

• Social anxiety disorder

• Panic disorder

• Health anxiety

• Phobias

• Body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling)

• Body dysmorphic disorder

Anyone struggling with persistent, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors can benefit from ERP. It’s especially helpful for individuals who have tried other therapies without success and are ready for a structured, skills-based approach.

You're Not Alone—And Help is Available

If you’re struggling with OCD, panic, health anxiety, a specific phobia, or a related condition, we want you to know there is hope—and help. ERP has helped many people find relief and regain control of their lives, and our team is here to walk alongside you.

If you’re interested in learning more about ERP or beginning treatment, we encourage you to reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone—our team is here and ready to support you.

Francesca Cottone, LCPC led our team through a training on OCD & ERP.