Understanding the Impact of OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be extremely impairing, and when left untreated, it can feel like it takes over your whole life. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD, and it helps people face intrusive thoughts without relying on compulsions. These intrusive thoughts and compulsions can drain people’s time and energy, making it hard to do the things they value in life.
As a result, many people feel trapped in a cycle of fear and anxiety. Compulsions can bring temporary relief. However, they also strengthen the obsession-compulsion loop over time. Ultimately, this can leave people feeling hopeless, ashamed, and far from the life they want to live.
Evidence-Based Treatment and the Role of Willingness
At Vivid Psychology Group (VPG), we know how debilitating OCD can be. Because of this, we aim to offer compassionate, non-judgmental support.
We use evidence-based practices, including the gold standard Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP). Additionally, we tailor treatment plans to each individual so care fits their needs and goals.
Importantly, willingness is a major factor in how successful treatment can be. Therefore, we focus on building willingness with clients throughout the ERP process.
Willingness in ERP refers to a client’s openness to experiencing anxiety, distress, or uncertainty without avoiding feared situations or engaging in compulsions. In other words, it is the practice of making room for discomfort while choosing healthier responses.
This does not mean someone has to like feeling anxious. Instead, they allow anxiety to be present without trying to eliminate it. Over time, this approach supports values-driven action and helps people build a more satisfying life.
Why Willingness Is So Challenging
Willingness is not easy to embody. In fact, it goes against our natural instinct to avoid pain—both emotional and physical. In ERP, clients practice allowing anxiety to be present rather than trying to get rid of it. They also learn to approach discomfort with curiosity and self-trust. As a result, they can face fear head-on in service of long-term growth and satisfaction.
Moving Beyond Motivation in ERP
Many people start ERP with good intentions and a strong desire to feel better. That first step takes courage and vulnerability. However, simply attending sessions is not always enough to create change. While motivation gets clients in the door, willingness is what helps progress continue.
ERP can feel distressing because it requires clients to confront feared thoughts, images, or situations. At the same time, they practice resisting compulsions that OCD claims are necessary for safety. Meanwhile, willingness involves leaning into the process and recognizing that anxiety and discomfort are normal and temporary. Even when feelings are intense, they are not the same as danger.
Redefining Success in Treatment
At VPG, we help clients build psychological flexibility through ERP. We also aim for progress over perfection. Additionally, we frame resistance as an opportunity to practice greater willingness in the future.
Clients often expect relief right away. However, a more satisfying life usually requires tolerating discomfort before relief sets in. In other words, success is not measured by eliminating anxiety. Instead, success is measured by responding differently—such as reducing avoidance that interferes with life.
When clients move from “showing up” to practicing willingness in ERP, treatment often becomes more effective and transformative. As a result, many clients carry these skills beyond therapy and apply them in everyday life.
A Clinician’s Perspective: Honoring Client Strength and Resilience
I genuinely enjoy working alongside people with OCD. I find my clients to be incredibly resilient. They know how painful the internal struggle can be. For example, it is inspiring to see clients face their deepest fears through ERP while discovering the strength they have had all along.
My approach is to encourage and equip clients with skills that make that strength more visible to them. Additionally, I help clients practice choosing their values even when anxiety is loud. I do this through ERP while continuing to build willingness throughout the process.
ERP is the gold standard for OCD treatment for a reason. When fully embraced, it can help clients take back control and build a more satisfying life. That said, treatment length varies based on life circumstances, symptom severity, and willingness. Still, some clients begin noticing meaningful progress in as few as 8 to 12 sessions.
From all the clinicians at VPG, we would be honored to work alongside you and support you in living the life you deserve.
Want help with OCD?
We’re here when you’re ready. Request a free consultation to get started with ERP and personalized support.
