Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy Q&A with Lynn Carver, LCSW

Lynn Carver • December 19, 2023

What is OCD? What other disorders are related to OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V (DSM-V) within the classification of anxiety disorders. People with OCD struggle with unwanted thoughts and threats of doom if they don’t engage in repetitive and sometimes senseless rituals. It is not rare: about one in 40 people meet the criteria for OCD at any given time. Other disorders in the classification of Anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism, Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder.

What is ERP and how does it help in the recovery of individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders?

ERP stands for Exposure and Response Prevention therapy and is considered the gold standard of treatment for OCD and related disorders. This treatment modality results in changes in the brain that help people with OCD manage their symptoms more effectively. By exposing clients to their core fears and preventing compulsive behaviors used to cope, neural pathways in the brain are strengthened resulting in habituating the brain to previously distressing thoughts and fears. Their fear will become less intense over time, allowing the client to live a freer life.

How effective is ERP in treating individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders?

Various studies have shown that between 50-80% of people who receive ERP will show significant and lasting improvements. Favorable outcomes are also associated with pharmacotherapy (medication) being utilized in conjunction with ERP. Some studies have indicated that when individuals do not benefit from ERP, it is often due to prematurely stopping the treatment. The benefits of OCD are positively impacted when clients are willing to be exposed to the distressing stimuli.

What makes Thrive’s approach to treatment unique?

Thrive’s approach to all treatment programs is to treat the whole person. We are able to provide wrap-around services to clients including primary care, psychiatry, intensive outpatient programming, partial hospitalization programming, case management and outpatient therapy resources. Thrive Wellness is committed to providing in-house training of all clinical staff in treatment modalities that benefit our clients. Some of these modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eating Disorders treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Care.

Why did Thrive launch an adult program?

Thrive Wellness is committed to meeting the behavioral health needs of the Reno/Sparks community by providing programs and services that are not otherwise available in the community.

Who could benefit from participating in this program?

If you or a loved one struggles with anxiety disorders that impede living life fully, including difficulty meeting role obligations for work or family, leaving the home, completing activities of daily living, avoidance of social situations, etc., call for an assessment today!

What does a typical day in the program look like?

Each day in ERP programming involves a check-in for current subjective distress, values clarification, extended exposure period, a nutrition break, and group therapy. In addition, all clients will be established with a primary therapist who will do weekly individual and/or family therapy to reduce environmental accommodation of obsessions and compulsions.

How can someone enter this program?

Anyone interested in participating in the program can call our Client Experience Team at (775) 525-8103 and ask to speak to an Admissions Specialist. The Admissions Specialist will help guide all potential participants through the intake process.

How can a clinician refer?

Similarly, clinicians in the community can refer by contacting Thrive Wellness directly by phone at (775) 525-8103 or email at info@thrivehere.com.

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Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know

July 17, 2025

As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.

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Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.