Online ERP Therapist | Specialised OCD Support UK

Online ERP Therapist | Specialised OCD Support UK

An ERP therapist possesses specialist training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This is an effective, evidence-based form of cognitive behavioural therapy. These therapists focus on helping individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and specific anxiety disorders. Their expertise lies in guiding you through a structured process. This process helps you confront your fears and reduce compulsive behaviours.

Our practitioners are registered with professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This ensures they meet high standards of practice. They work to understand your unique triggers and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

How Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Works

ERP operates on a clear principle: by gradually exposing yourself to situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety, while actively preventing your usual compulsive responses, you learn to tolerate distress. This process helps your brain re-learn its responses. It teaches you that feared outcomes are unlikely without needing compulsions.

Your ERP therapist will help you build a hierarchy of fears. This hierarchy starts with situations that cause mild anxiety. It progresses to those that cause more significant distress. For example, if you have contamination OCD, an early step might involve touching a clean doorknob and resisting washing your hands immediately. Subsequent steps would increase the challenge. The goal is to break the cycle of obsession and compulsion. This allows for habituation, where your anxiety naturally decreases over time.

ERP is not about eliminating your anxious thoughts; it is about teaching your brain that you can survive them without relying on compulsions.

This systematic approach helps you regain control. It reduces the power your obsessions and compulsions hold over your life.

The process is always gradual and collaborative. You will not be asked to do anything you are not ready for. Your therapist provides support and strategies at every step. This ensures you feel safe and empowered as you progress.

What to Expect in Your Online ERP Sessions

Online ERP therapy offers significant flexibility. Sessions take place from the comfort of your own home. Your therapist will guide you through exposure exercises. These exercises can be real-life scenarios, imagined situations, or even virtual exposures. A key advantage of online therapy is the ability to conduct exposures in your natural environment. This includes your home, where many anxiety symptoms or compulsions occur.

During your initial sessions, your ERP therapist will conduct a thorough assessment. This helps them understand your specific OCD or anxiety symptoms. You will then collaborate to create an exposure hierarchy. Each session involves reviewing progress, planning new exposures, and practising response prevention techniques. Safety planning is an important part of the process. Your therapist ensures you feel supported and in control throughout your journey.

Is ERP Therapy Safe?

• Exposures are always collaborative—you guide the pace with your therapist.
• No physical harm is ever involved; exposures focus on safe, everyday scenarios.
• The ultimate goal is to reduce distress, giving you back control of your life.

Conditions Treated with ERP Therapy

ERP is the gold-standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This includes various subtypes such as:

• Contamination OCD
• Harm OCD
• Relationship OCD (ROCD)
• Pure-O (Pure Obsessional OCD)
• Symmetry and ordering OCD
• Hoarding disorder

Beyond OCD, an ERP therapist is also effective in treating specific phobias. This includes fear of flying, heights, or certain animals. The structured exposure techniques help desensitise you to your feared object or situation. Our therapists are equipped to help you address a range of anxiety disorders. Jo Walmsley, an Accredited Professional Member of NCPS, works with OCD among other issues, providing tailored support.

If you are experiencing intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviours, or intense fears, ERP may be a suitable path for you.

Finding the Right ERP Therapist Online

Choosing the right ERP therapist is a significant step. Our platform offers a clear process to help you. We have over 40 therapists. They are all qualified practitioners with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience. Many are BABCP, BACP, UKCP, or NCPS registered. You can review their profiles and experience. For example, Kaye Barney, with 8 years of experience, is registered with both the NCPS and BACP.

When searching for an online ERP therapist, consider their accreditations and their specific experience with OCD or your particular phobia. Look for therapists who clearly state their use of ERP techniques. Our transparent system allows you to see live availability and book directly. Individual counselling sessions are 60 minutes and cost £68.

Our Dedicated ERP Practitioners

We believe in connecting you with a therapist who understands your specific needs. Here are some of our practitioners with experience in ERP and related approaches:

• Daniella Ellis holds a Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She provides support for anxiety and other mental health challenges.
• Shireen Maclennan, a BACP member, offers psychotherapy for anxiety and trauma.
• Kaye Barney, with 8 years of experience, is registered with both the NCPS and BACP. She supports individuals with anxiety and relationship issues.
• Katrina Voysey has 31 years of experience in psychotherapy. She works with a range of emotional and psychological challenges.
• Michelle Fussell is an accredited BACP member. She supports adults, couples, and young people with anxiety and trauma.
• Denese MacDonald, with 25 years of experience, offers online counselling for anxiety and self-esteem issues.

To find a suitable practitioner, you can Find the Right Therapist for You. This involves answering a few short questions. You then see matching therapists with their real, live availability. You choose your therapist and time slot, then confirm and pay securely online. You will receive an email confirmation with your secure video link for online sessions. This entire process is confidential and GDPR-compliant.

For immediate assistance or if you are in crisis, please remember that we are not an emergency service. You can contact Samaritans on 116 123, NHS 111, or dial 999 in an emergency.

Aspect	CBT (General)	ERP Therapy
Primary Mechanism	Identifying and structurally challenging cognitive distortions.	Systematic exposure to triggers accompanied by active response prevention.

Written and clinically reviewed by Sian Jones, Founder & CBT Therapist.

Last reviewed: 2 August 2026