You know what it’s like when OCD runs your day. Every decision becomes a battle between what you want to do and what your brain demands you do.
ERP therapy changes that equation completely. Instead of spending hours on rituals that never actually make you feel better, you learn to face uncertainty without the compulsions.
Most people see real progress within 8-16 weeks. You start reclaiming time for things that actually matter—your relationships, your work, your peace of mind.
The Anxiety and OCD Institute brings something different to Garland. Our team includes nationally recognized researchers and published clinicians—many with lived experience of the conditions we treat.
This isn’t another general therapy practice trying to handle OCD on the side. We’re specialists who’ve shaped international treatment guidelines and written foundational books in the field.
We understand that Garland residents need accessible, evidence-based care without the stigma. That’s why we offer both virtual and in-person sessions, meeting you where you are geographically and emotionally.
ERP works by targeting the exact mechanism that keeps OCD alive: the avoidance and compulsion cycle. Your therapist starts with a thorough assessment to understand your specific triggers and patterns.
Then you begin gradual exposures to the situations that spark your obsessions—but without doing the compulsions. This sounds scary, but it’s done systematically and safely.
Each successful exposure teaches your brain that you can handle uncertainty and discomfort without rituals. Over time, the obsessions lose their power and the urge to perform compulsions fades naturally.
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Traditional weekly therapy can take months to see real change. That’s why we offer intensive options that compress the most effective treatment into shorter timeframes.
Our innovative four-day intensive program helps people make breakthrough progress that might take months in regular sessions. For Garland residents dealing with severe OCD, this means faster relief and quicker return to normal functioning.
Both virtual and in-person options ensure you get expert care regardless of your location or schedule. Our approach is fully transparent—no hidden fees, no unclear processes, just honest communication about what works.
Regular talk therapy often makes OCD worse by providing reassurance or trying to argue with obsessive thoughts. This actually reinforces the OCD cycle because it treats the thoughts as problems that need solving.
ERP takes the opposite approach. Instead of talking about your fears, you gradually face them while resisting compulsions. This teaches your brain that the thoughts aren’t dangerous and don’t require any response.
The difference is dramatic. While talk therapy might help you understand your OCD, ERP actually reduces the symptoms. That’s why major medical organizations recommend ERP as the first-line treatment for OCD.
ERP earned its status through decades of research showing consistent superiority over other treatments. Studies show 80% of people experience significant symptom reduction, with many maintaining improvement long after treatment ends.
The American Psychiatric Association and International OCD Foundation both recommend ERP as the primary psychological treatment for OCD. Meta-analyses consistently demonstrate that ERP outperforms other therapies for reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Unlike treatments that just help you cope with OCD, ERP actually changes how your brain responds to obsessive thoughts. It targets the root mechanism that keeps OCD alive rather than just managing symptoms.
Most people start seeing meaningful improvement within 8-16 weeks of consistent ERP therapy. However, the timeline varies based on OCD severity, how long you’ve had symptoms, and your commitment to the process.
Some notice changes even sooner, especially in intensive programs that provide more frequent sessions. The key is regular practice—both in sessions and with homework exercises between appointments.
Unlike medications that might take months to show effects, ERP often produces noticeable changes relatively quickly because you’re actively practicing new responses to obsessive thoughts. Each successful exposure builds confidence for the next one.
Yes, we offer both virtual and in-person ERP therapy options for Garland residents. Virtual ERP can be just as effective as in-person treatment when conducted by properly trained specialists.
Many exposures can be done effectively through telehealth, and virtual sessions eliminate travel time and scheduling barriers. This is particularly helpful for people whose OCD makes leaving home challenging.
We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms and adapt exposure exercises to work in your home environment. You get the same evidence-based treatment with the convenience and accessibility of virtual care.
Your first session focuses on comprehensive assessment rather than jumping into exposures. Your therapist will want to understand your specific obsessions, compulsions, and how OCD impacts your daily life.
You’ll discuss your treatment history, current symptoms, and personal goals. This helps create a customized treatment plan that targets your specific OCD presentation rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
The therapist will also explain how ERP works and address any concerns you have about the treatment process. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what to expect and a preliminary hierarchy of exposures tailored to your situation.
Intensive ERP programs are typically recommended when OCD significantly disrupts your daily functioning or when weekly therapy hasn’t provided adequate progress. If you’re spending hours each day on rituals or avoiding important activities, intensive treatment might be appropriate.
Signs you might benefit from intensive care include severe symptoms that interfere with work or relationships, previous treatment failures, or urgent need for faster symptom reduction. Some people simply prefer the focused, immersive approach of intensive programs.
The best way to determine the right level of care is through consultation with an ERP specialist. We can assess your symptoms, treatment history, and personal circumstances to recommend whether weekly sessions or intensive treatment would be most effective.
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