Katie Sheridan, LMFT
Understanding ERP: The Evidence-Based Gold Standard for OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of Behavioral Therapy and is considered the gold standard for treating OCD and anxiety. In our virtual sessions across California, we identify the cycle of intrusive thoughts and the compulsions that keep you trapped in a cycle of fear..
Instead of relying on ritualized behaviors for temporary relief, we work together to gradually face triggers while building tools to manage uncertainty. My approach is trauma-informed and highly specialized, integrating ERP with CBT and ACT to help you build lasting resilience and reclaim your identity beyond anxiety.
Recognizing Obsessive-Compulsive & Anxiety Patterns
The cycle of OCD and anxiety often involves unwanted thoughts followed by an urgent need for relief. By identifying these common indicators, we can begin applying evidence-based tools like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), CBT, and Compassion-Focused ACT to help you live more freely in California.
Intrusive Thoughts
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Distressing images that feel inconsistent with your values.
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Persistent 'What If' fears regarding safety or health.
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Unwanted mental loops that trigger intense guilt or fear.
Compulsive Rituals
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Repeating actions or words until they feel 'just right.'
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Excessive checking of locks, appliances, or memories.
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Mental rituals like compulsive praying or replaying events.
Chronic Uncertainty
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Paralyzing difficulty making even minor decisions.
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Constant reassurance seeking from loved ones or therapists.
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Spending hours online searching for certainty and clarity.
Physical Anxiety Symptoms
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Constant muscle tension in the chest, neck, or shoulders.
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Restlessness and difficulty staying grounded or present.
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Shallow, rapid breathing or heart racing during triggers.
Avoidance Behaviors
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Staying away from specific routes, people, or digital content.
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Avoiding tasks that might lead to a panic attack or trigger.
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Isolating to keep your internal environment 'safe.'
Mental Replaying
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Replaying conversations to check for offense or mistakes.
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Iterative loops of 'solving' problems that don't exist yet.
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Exhaustion from constant ruminative internal dialogue.
A Specialized, Trauma- Informed Framework for Lasting Transformation
My clinical approach is rooted in the belief that specialized, evidence-based care should always be centered on the human connection. As a virtual therapy provider serving all of California, I blend high-level clinical expertise with a warm, trauma-informed perspective. We utilize proven modalities such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and CBT to navigate the complexities of OCD, burnout, and relationship anxiety. Our work goes beyond surface-level symptom management; we aim to foster nervous system regulation, somatic safety, and a deep sense of self-trust, allowing you to move forward with resilience and clarity.
Answering Your Questions About OCD & ERP Treatment
Whats exactly is OCD and how is it clinically treated?
OCD is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). My California-based practice utilizes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the evidence-based gold standard for effectively treating OCD by breaking the cycle of anxiety and reducing reliance on rituals.
What should I expect during an online ERP therapy session in California?
ERP involves safely and gradually facing the situations that trigger your anxiety without performing your usual compulsions. Together, we move at a manageable pace to help your brain learn that it can handle distress without the 'rituals,' leading to lasting freedom from intrusive thoughts and intrusive rituals.
Is online OCD therapy really as effective as in-person treatment?
Absolutely. Research consistently shows that virtual therapy is highly effective for OCD treatment. One unique advantage of online ERP is the ability to perform exposures in your actual home environment—where your triggers and compulsions naturally occur—facilitating more meaningful and direct skill application.
How do I know if ERP therapy is the right next step for me?
If you find yourself stuck in loops of intrusive thoughts or feel an urgent need to perform rituals to avoid a 'bad' outcome, ERP can provide the tools needed for relief. We start with a thorough clinical assessment to ensure this specialized, evidence-based approach aligns with your specific needs and recovery goals.