Brock Counselling

Exposure and Response Prevention

Understanding ERP

What is Exposure and Response Prevention?

Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, is a specialized form of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy used to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). ERP is the gold standard treatment for OCD.

ERP’s core involves breaking the cycle between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours through two main parts:

  1. Exposure: This involves gradually and safely facing feared thoughts, images, memories, and situations that fuel your obsessions and anxiety. Exposure proceeds gradually, beginning with events that cause the least anxiety and progressing to those that are most challenging.
  2. Response Prevention: This involves actively resisting the urge not to perform the usual repetitive behaviours and mental rituals that are triggered by obsessive thoughts and anxiety. This action helps to break the anxiety-relief cycle that is the hallmark trait of OCD.

The goal of ERP is to become skilled at tolerating discomfort without performing the usual rituals. Over time, your brain learns that anxiety subsides naturally and feared outcome do not occur, weakening the hold of obsessions.

Who it’s for

Is ERP right for you?

ERP is a skills-based model that can be used across many populations, including children, teens, and adults. You or your child may benefit from ERP if you:

Our Approach

How we support your healing

Our therapists use evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment approaches. Therapy is tailored to each person’s individual goals, needs, and circumstances.

Your safety comes first, and your choices are always respected.

Understand the Root

We start by exploring how OCD shows up in your life, including your specific obsessions and compulsions, in addition to discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns that may be reinforcing the OCD. The goal of therapy is to address the cause, not just the visible symptoms.

Build Practical Tools

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention are the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Your therapist will guide you through a combination of these therapy models, while teaching you more balanced ways of responding to your intrusive thoughts.

Sustain Progress

As you build confidence, we help you maintain
your gains, strengthen your support systems,
and develop the tools to manage OCD independently, with reduced anxiety and greater freedom in daily life.

The Process

What to expect when you reach out

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, especially when trust has been broken. Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.

1

Brief Consultation

Therapy starts with an initial 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and explore fit with your therapist. You share only what you feel comfortable sharing, and you can ask any questions about the therapy process.

2

Your First Session

Your therapist will spend time getting to know you, your background, what you are experiencing, and your goals for therapy. There is no pressure to tell your whole story at once. This appointment requires nothing from you but a willingness to participate.

3

Ongoing Support

At the end of your first session, you and your therapist will discuss frequency of sessions and a plan going forward. As you begin to heal, the frequency may change to give you more time to use your skills and cope.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.

Ready When You Are

Book a Free Phone Consultation

Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.

FAQs

How do I book an appointment?

There are many ways to book an appointment:

NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.

You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.

EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.

Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.

Therapy may be a good fit if:

  • You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
  • You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
  • Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
  • You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
  • Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
  • You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.

People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.

Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.

You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.

Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.

The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.

RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.

Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).

It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.

Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.

Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.

Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.

The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.

If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.

Short answer, no.

Services are not offered outside of Ontario.

Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.

The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.

The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.

Absolutely!

In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.

Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.

It may be a good fit if: 

  • You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
  • You feel heard, understood, and respected;
  • You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
  • You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.

Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.  

Contact

Get In Touch

We are here to answer your questions and help you begin your healing journey. Contact us via phone, email, or visit our office to get started.

Address

3344 Mainway, Burlington, ON, L7M 1A7

Phone/Text

905-320-2342

Email

info@brockcounselling.ca