ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD—but that doesn’t mean it works for everyone. Research shows that many people struggle to start, stay with, or benefit from ERP, often due to emotional overwhelm, misunderstood rationale, or lack of personalisation. This post explores what the literature really says about why ERP can be so hard—and why struggling with it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

What Actually Helps in OCD Therapy?

For decades, OCD was considered almost untreatable. But with the rise of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the story changed. Backed by decades of research, ERP helps people face feared situations while resisting compulsions—and this shift can break the cycle of OCD.

In this post, we explore what ERP actually looks like in practice, how it works (from both behavioural and cognitive perspectives), and what the research says about what really makes therapy effective. Whether you’re considering ERP yourself or simply curious about how OCD is treated, this is your guide to what science—and lived experience—have taught us.

Why do people with OCD get stuck in the same exhausting loop of fear and ritual—even when they know their thoughts aren’t logical? This post breaks down the science behind the OCD cycle, from intrusive thoughts to compulsions, and explores why the brain keeps hitting repeat. Drawing on leading psychological models and research, we’ll explore how OCD develops, what reinforces it, and why the right therapy can help break the loop.

How to Find OCD Treatment in Ireland: Your Complete Guide
Struggling to find the right support for OCD in Ireland? You’re not alone.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from getting a diagnosis to finding a therapist trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), navigating public and private services, and even exploring online therapy options. Whether you're just starting out or feeling lost in the system, this post will help you take the next step toward getting the care you deserve.

OCD isn’t just about being neat or needing things “just so.” It’s a painful, exhausting cycle of fear, doubt, and compulsions—and it often hides in plain sight. In this post, we unpack what OCD really is, how it shows up, and why recognising it is the first step toward recovery.