Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Therapy for OCD and Anxiety in Long Island, New York

Take your power back from anxiety and OCD.

If you’re tired of your fears controlling what you do, where you go, or how you live, you’re in the right place.


At RIT Psychology, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the gold-standard treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders. ERP helps you face fears safely, build emotional resilience, and retrain your brain to stop reacting with overwhelming anxiety.

OCD therapist specialized in ERP on Long Island

What Is ERP Therapy?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) proven to effectively treat OCD, specific phobias, and panic disorder.

During ERP, you’ll learn to:

  • Gradually face the situations or thoughts that trigger your anxiety

  • Practice response prevention: resisting the urge to perform compulsions or avoidance behaviors

  • Rewire how your brain processes fear, so anxiety no longer controls your choices

ERP is about courage, healing, and freedom- not forcing yourself into fear, but learning you can handle what you fear most

ERP therapy for OCD on Long Island

How ERP Therapy Works

Every ERP plan is customized to your unique fears and goals. Together, we’ll:

  1. Identify triggers and create a personalized exposure hierarchy

  2. Practice gradual, safe exposure to anxiety-provoking thoughts, situations, or sensations

  3. Use mindfulness and DBT-informed strategies to stay grounded during exposures

  4. Track progress and celebrate wins as anxiety starts losing its grip

Over time, ERP helps you build tolerance for uncertainty, reduce avoidance, and restore a sense of control and confidence in your life.

Modern ERP Techniques: Virtual Reality ERP

We take ERP to the next level using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) powered by the Meta Quest headset.
This immersive technology allows us to recreate realistic environments where you can safely practice exposures — from public spaces and driving scenarios to contamination or social fears — without ever leaving the office.

Virtual Reality ERP makes treatment:

  • More flexible – practice exposures that aren’t always possible in real life

  • More effective – engage all senses for faster habituation and reduced avoidance

  • More accessible – perfect for clients who prefer virtual sessions or need creative, customized exposures

Virtual Reality ERP therapy for OCD on Long Island New York

Types of Exposure Activities

Your ERP experience is collaborative and always tailored to your comfort level.
We may use one or more of the following types of exposures:

  • In Vivo Exposure: Facing real-life triggers directly and safely

  • Imaginal Exposure: Using guided visualization to evoke feared thoughts or memories

  • Simulation Exposure: Leveraging tools like virtual reality or videos to simulate triggering environments

  • Interoceptive Exposure: Recreating physical sensations (like dizziness or racing heart) to build tolerance for panic or discomfort

Each exposure is carefully planned, supported, and designed to help you grow through what you go through.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We can simulate aspects of your fear through VR technology, imagination, or video-based exposures to make the process accessible and realistic.

  • Every client is different. Some feel relief within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer treatment. Consistent participation and willingness to engage in exposures lead to the best outcomes.

  • You’ll be guided every step of the way. I’ll teach you how to self-regulate, ride the wave of anxiety, and use coping skills to stay grounded, turning every exposure into a success.

  • Once you’ve built the foundational skills, I’ll assign out-of-session exposures aligned with your goals. However, “DIY ERP” without guidance can backfire. Structured support ensures safety and success.

  • Yes. ERP requires specialized training. Without it, a therapist may unintentionally reinforce anxiety through reassurance or avoidance. As an experienced ERP and CBT therapist, I ensure every exposure promotes healing and long-term progress.

Start ERP Therapy in Long Island, NY or Virtually Anywhere in New York

You don’t have to let OCD or anxiety dictate your life.
With ERP and advanced tools like Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy,

you can face your fears, retrain your brain, and finally feel free.

Book a Consultation for ERP Therapy