ERP is a type of therapy that helps people overcome fears and anxieties by facing them in a controlled and gradual way. It’s often used to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), social anxiety, phobias, and other anxiety disorders.

ERP aims to break the cycle of anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Over time, exposing oneself to the feared situation without giving in to the usual rituals helps reduce anxiety and disrupts the connection between the trigger and the compulsive response. It's a way of teaching the brain that the feared outcome is less likely to happen than feared, and that not engaging in the compulsion won't lead to disaster.

For example, if someone is afraid of germs and feels compelled to wash their hands constantly, ERP would involve touching something "dirty" (exposure) and resisting the urge to wash immediately (response prevention).