ERP is based on a behavioral model of anxiety and OCD, wherein symptoms are maintained through avoidance and compulsive behaviors. When the patient avoids a feared stimulus or situation, their anxiety diminishes in the moment, but is maintained overtime as the avoidance prevents the extinction of anxiety.
Exposure with response prevention seeks to help the patient face their fears, thus gradually learning to cope with anxiety-provoking situations rather than avoid them. With OCD, ERP helps the patient gradually eliminate compulsive behaviors that are preventing extinction of anxiety. ERP equips patients with the necessary tools to face anxiety-provoking situations throughout their lives.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy for children with disruptive behaviors below the age of 7 years old. PCIT has two different phases. In the first phase, caregivers are taught how to manage behaviors using only their positive attention and interactions. In the second phase, caregivers are taught how to give effective commands and how to respond to noncompliance. The therapist observes the caregiver and child as they interact with each other. The therapist may be observing from another room or be in the room with the caregiver and child. During these observations, the therapist provides coaching and feedback to the caregiver to help improve their skills. Each parent moves through each phase at their own pace. PCIT has been highly effective in reducing tantrums and noncompliance.
Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children's Skills (HOT DOCS) is a six-week parenting class that teaches caregivers how to problem solve everyday behavior problems. In these two-hour classes, caregivers will learn in a group setting how to prevent common behavior problems and how to appropriately respond to unwanted behaviors. Caregivers who complete the course report feeling less stressed and more confident in their parenting skills, as well as noticing reductions in disruptive child behaviors.