Resources
Experiencing symptoms of Anxiety and OCD is HARD and you are not alone. We are here to say, it IS treatable. You are NOT crazy.
Find below resources to learn more about the therapy Empowered Path uses to tackle your OCD and anxiety.
ERP is a specialized, evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety. It involves gradually and intentionally facing the thoughts, images, situations, or sensations that trigger anxiety, while choosing not to engage in compulsive behaviors or avoidance. Over time, your brain learns that anxiety can rise and fall on its own without needing rituals, reassurance, or escape. With guidance and practice, ERP helps reduce fear responses and builds confidence in your ability to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort.
( IOCDF habituation. 2021).
CBT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In treatment, you learn how patterns of thinking and avoidance can unintentionally maintain anxiety and distress. CBT helps you develop practical skills to challenge unhelpful thinking, reduce safety behaviors, and respond differently to triggers. Over time, this leads to improved functioning, greater emotional flexibility, and a stronger sense of control over anxiety-related symptoms.
ACT is an evidence-based approach that helps you change your relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them. Treatment focuses on increasing psychological flexibility so you can remain present, make room for discomfort, and take meaningful action guided by your values. ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies to help you move toward the life you want, even when anxiety or intrusive thoughts are present.
Important note about our approach to exposure therapy
There are several evidence-based models of exposure therapy used in the treatment of anxiety and OCD. Empowered Path stays current with emerging research to ensure clients receive the most effective and up-to-date care.
Based on recent research and our clinical outcomes, I primarily use the inhibitory learning model of exposure. In this approach, we put anxiety to the test and focus on helping you discover that anxiety often underestimates your ability to cope with uncertainty, discomfort, and difficult internal experiences.
Rather than trying to make anxiety disappear, this model helps your brain learn that you can handle feared situations and feelings more effectively than anxiety predicts.
Read more about the inhibitory learning model here:
Maximizing Exposure Therapy: An Inhibitory Learning Approach (nih.gov)