Exposure Therapy St. Paul

Break Free from Fear and Anxiety

Evidence-based exposure therapy that helps 90% of clients overcome phobias, OCD, and anxiety disorders in St. Paul, Minnesota.

OCD Researcher and Survivor

Evidence-Based Treatment Only

Proven Success Rates

Flexible Treatment Options

Professional Exposure Therapy Minnesota

What Makes Exposure Therapy Different

Exposure therapy is the gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders, phobias, and OCD. Unlike traditional talk therapy that can actually make OCD symptoms worse, exposure therapy systematically confronts feared situations in a controlled, supportive environment. This evidence-based approach helps you break the cycle of avoidance that keeps anxiety and compulsions strong. You’ll learn that you can handle difficult thoughts and feelings without resorting to rituals or avoidance behaviors.

ERP Therapy St. Paul

The Science Behind Our Success

Research published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders shows that people with OCD see substantial, durable benefits after completing 60 to 100 exposures combined with response prevention. This isn’t guesswork – it’s proven science. Four years after treatment, 90% of people maintain significant reduction in fear, avoidance, and impairment. That’s why exposure and response prevention (ERP) is considered first-line treatment by major psychiatric associations. We don’t use outdated approaches that keep you talking about problems without solving them. Every session is designed to help you practice facing fears in a way that builds real confidence and lasting change.

Exposure Therapy Benefits St. Paul

What You'll Gain from Treatment

Real results that last – most clients see substantial improvement after completing their treatment program.

You'll stop spending hours each day on compulsions and rituals that control your life.
Your relationships improve when anxiety no longer dictates your daily decisions and interactions.
You regain the ability to do things you've been avoiding due to fear or anxiety.
Intrusive thoughts lose their power to create overwhelming distress and compulsive responses.
You develop lasting skills to handle anxiety without relying on avoidance or safety behaviors.
Your quality of life improves as you reclaim activities and goals that matter to you.

Specialized OCD Treatment Minnesota

Your Treatment Experience

Treatment typically involves 15-20 individual sessions, each lasting about 90 minutes. We start with a thorough assessment to understand your specific challenges and create a personalized hierarchy of fears. You’ll never be surprised or forced into exposures. Every step is collaborative – you understand why we’re doing each exercise and choose to participate. We begin with manageable challenges and gradually work up to more difficult situations. Between sessions, you’ll practice exposures on your own. This homework is crucial for building the skills you need to maintain progress long after treatment ends.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Support is here. Our counselors provide a safe space to talk, heal, and move forward—at your pace.

Common questions about Exposure Therapy

How long does exposure therapy take to work for OCD and anxiety?

Most people see meaningful improvement within 15-20 sessions, typically over 3-5 months. However, the timeline varies based on your specific situation and how consistently you practice exposures between sessions. Research shows that completing 60-100 exposures combined with response prevention leads to substantial, lasting benefits. Some people with specific phobias may see significant improvement in just a few sessions, while complex OCD cases might take longer. The key is consistent practice and commitment to the process.

Is exposure therapy safe and will it make my anxiety worse?

Exposure therapy is completely safe when conducted by a trained professional. While you may feel temporary anxiety during exposures, this is expected and actually necessary for the treatment to work. The anxiety you feel during exposures is not harmful and will decrease as you practice. We always start with manageable situations and never force you into anything you’re not ready for. You maintain control throughout the process and can stop an exposure if needed. The temporary discomfort leads to long-term freedom from anxiety and compulsions.

What's the difference between ERP and regular talk therapy for OCD?

Traditional talk therapy can actually make OCD worse by encouraging you to analyze and discuss intrusive thoughts, which reinforces their importance. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) takes the opposite approach – it helps you learn that thoughts are just thoughts and don’t require any response. Instead of talking about your fears, you practice facing them directly in a controlled way. This breaks the cycle of obsessions leading to compulsions. The American Psychiatric Association recommends ERP as first-line treatment for OCD because it has the strongest research support and produces lasting results.

Do you offer virtual exposure therapy sessions for Minnesota residents?

Yes, we provide virtual exposure therapy sessions for clients throughout Minnesota, as well as Texas and Wisconsin. Virtual ERP can be just as effective as in-person treatment for many types of anxiety disorders and OCD. We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms and can guide you through exposures in your own environment, which is often beneficial for treatment. Some exposures work particularly well virtually, while others may require in-person sessions. We’ll discuss the best format for your specific needs during your initial consultation.

What should I expect during my first exposure therapy appointment?

Your first appointment is entirely about understanding your situation and building a treatment plan together. William will ask about what’s troubling you, what you’d like to be different in your life, and your previous treatment experiences. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions about the process and discuss any concerns. There are no exposures during this first session – it’s purely assessment and planning. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how treatment works and what your personalized approach will look like. You’ll only move forward if you feel comfortable and confident that this is the right fit for you.

How do I know if I'm ready for exposure therapy treatment?

You’re ready for exposure therapy if you’re tired of anxiety, OCD, or phobias controlling your life and you’re willing to face discomfort to create lasting change. Many people come to us after other treatments haven’t worked well enough, or when they realize that avoiding their fears is making them stronger. You don’t need to feel “brave” or completely ready – most people feel nervous about starting. What matters is your commitment to the process and willingness to practice between sessions. If you’re spending significant time each day on compulsions, avoiding important activities, or feeling overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, exposure therapy can help you reclaim your life.

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