The only way past is through
-Robert Frost

 Exposure and Response Prevention or ERP is a   psychological procedure in which apatient is systematically exposed to the feared stimuli (the exposure part of treatment) while simultaneously being prevented from engaging in the ritual that is typically performed in the face of that anxiety-provoking stimuli or obsession (the response prevention part of treatment).

ERP is a front line treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related Anxiety disorders. In this procedure, the patient works with their therapist to identify their thoughts, emotions and physiological arousal that accompany a fear-inducing stimulus. The therapist then works to break the pattern of escape from that anxiety provoking stimulus that maintains the fear. This is done by exposing the patient to progressively stronger fear-inducing stimuli. Fear is minimized at each of a series of steadily escalating exposures or until the fear is finally gone. During this procedure, the therapist serves as a guide while the patient remains in control. The patient is able to terminate the procedure at any time.