03/19/2025
Is resisting compulsions too hard to start? What then?
When we talk about Response Prevention in ERP, therapists (and clients) often think it means resisting compulsions completely, right from the start. That works for some, but other times, its not as successful and we need to try something different.
Expecting someone to stop compulsions off the bat might not be setting them up for success. It would be like asking someone to sprint a marathon with no training. We wouldn't do it. Instead, we can create small steps toward the ultimate goal of resisting compulsions.
Instead of resist, sometimes we start with:
✅ Delay: Before performing a compulsion, wait a manageable amount of time (this will differ from person to person), then build up the time
✅ Reduce: Ex: Instead of checking the stove 10 times, check 5.
Over time, these brave steps help break the cycle. The anxiety still shows up, but the compulsions loosen their grip. And eventually, you'll be moving on to resist.
