Exposure & Response Prevention
The Gold Standard for OCD Treatment
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps you gradually face the situations, thoughts, sensations, or uncertainties that trigger anxiety while learning that you don't have to respond to them with compulsions or avoidance.
Learn that you can handle uncertainty without letting anxiety make the decisions
MPCC, She/Her
Riley Brown
When anxiety or doubt tells you that something is dangerous, uncertain, or just not right, it can be hard to resist the urge to do something about it.
You might check, avoid, ask for reassurance, repeat an action, mentally review what happened, or follow a specific routine to feel certain or safe. These responses can bring temporary relief but over time, they can make anxiety feel even more powerful.
ERP is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that is particularly well-established for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety concerns.
Together, we identify the situations that tend to trigger anxiety or obsessive thoughts. You then gradually and intentionally practice approaching those situations while reducing the compulsive behaviours or avoidance strategies that usually follow.
Paul Weisgerber
MSW, RSW He/They
What can ERP help with?
ERP is most commonly associated with OCD, including experiences such as:
Contamination or fear of illness
Checking and repeated reassurance-seeking
Intrusive or unwanted thoughts
Fear of harming yourself or others
Relationship-focused OCD
Sexual-orientation or identity-related OCD
Religious or moral OCD (scrupulosity)
Perfectionism and "just right" experiences
Fear of making mistakes
Mental compulsions and rumination
Fear of uncertainty or losing control
ERP principles can also be helpful for some other anxiety-related concerns involving avoidance, rituals, or compulsive behaviours.
Book a Free 15 Minute Consultation
How To Get Started
Free Client Consultation
During this over the phone session, we will discuss your unique needs and goals, explore how our counselling services can support you, and answer any questions you may have.
15 mins
Initial Counselling Session
Online or in-person, this dedicated session provides a space for us to collaboratively explore your goals, establish informed consent, and complete any necessary paperwork.
50 mins
Counselling Session
Online or in-person, our individual counselling sessions offer personalized support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
50 mins
Insurance
Here are a few companies who have covered the cost of counselling services from members of the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association. Please double check your policy to ensure that the Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling designation is covered.
At this time, direct billing is available for certain insurance providers. Click on your insurance provider to confirm if direct billing is available.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for AGA Financial Group Inc. plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Alberta Blue Cross plan members.
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Aspiria covers counselling services by CPCA members. Coverage details may vary, so clients are advised to check their individual plans.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Beneva plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for BPA - Benefit Plan Administrators plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Canada Life plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Canada Life - PSHCP plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Canadian Construction Workers Union plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for CINUP plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for ClaimSecure plan members.
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ComPsych provides coverage for mental health counselling by CPCA professionals. Clients should verify their plan's specifics for detailed information.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Coughlin & Associates LTD. plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Cowan plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is now available for Empire Life.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Equitable plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for First Canadian plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for GMS Carrier 49 or GMS Carrier 50 plan members.
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Please check your benefits plan to confirm counselling coverage.
Riley (MPCC): Direct billing available
Paul (RSW): Direct billing will be available soon
Sydney (MPCC-P): Direct billing will be available once she is no longer provisional
If direct billing is unavailable, you can submit your receipt directly to your insurance provider for reimbursement based on your plan.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Homewood Health offers coverage for CPCA member-provided counselling. Clients are advised to understand their specific plan coverage.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Industrial Alliance plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Johnston Group Inc. plan members.
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Lifeworks covers mental health counselling from CPCA professionals. Coverage details can vary, so reviewing your plan is recommended.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for LiUNA Local 183 or LiUNA Local 506 plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct Billing is available for Manulife Plan Members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Maximum Benefit plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Certain Municipal Fire Departments offer coverage for mental health counselling by CPCA members. Coverage specifics will depend on the department's policy.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Optima | Sentara covers counselling services provided by CPCA professionals. Clients should review their individual plans for detailed coverage information.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct Billing is available for Pacific Blue Cross Plan Members.
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Pacific Life includes coverage for counselling by CPCA members. Policyholders are advised to consult their plans for exact coverage details.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for People Corporation plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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The SAJE Mental Health and Counselling Benefit provides funds for young adults from government care (including Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies [ICFSA]) to access services to improve mental and emotional health and well-being, including addressing experiences of trauma. The benefit covers the costs of mental health and counselling services up to $1,500 per calendar year.
I have been approved as a counsellor for clients using this benefit in the past and am set up to direct bill to SAJE.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Client pays upfront and submits receipts for reimbursement.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Simply Benefits plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for SSQ Insurance plan members.
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Sun Life covers counselling services across Canada by CPCA members. Clients should verify their plan's specifics for detailed information.
Direct billing is available for Sun Life plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for TELUS AdjudiCare plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for TELUS Health plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for Union Benefits plan members.
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Please double check that your policy cover counsellors from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Direct billing is available for UV Insurance plan members.