Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
Evidence-Based ERP Therapy Across 43 States
If you’re dealing with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or obsessive-compulsive patterns, I want you to know something upfront: change is possible.
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I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy in my practice in Philadelphia because it’s one of the most effective, research-backed approaches we have for treating OCD and anxiety.
My goal is to help you gradually face what feels overwhelming, reduce avoidance, and build real confidence in yourself.
Break Free from Anxiety and OCD with Evidence-Based ERP Therapy
ERP is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on helping you face fears without relying on avoidance or compulsions. I work with individuals throughout Philadelphia who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They no longer want anxiety or intrusive thoughts to dictate their lives and want to take back control.
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Whether you’re navigating a busy work schedule in Center City, managing family life in neighborhoods like Manayunk or Chestnut Hill, or dealing with the social pressures of living in a fast-paced city, anxiety can show up in ways that feel overwhelming and difficult to control.​
ERP can be especially helpful if you have or are experiencing:
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Social Anxiety
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Panic-related symptoms
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Intrusive or taboo thoughts
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Avoidance behaviors
Many of the clients I work with in Philadelphia and across the country are highly self-aware. They often understand that their fears may not be entirely logical, but that doesn’t make them feel any less real. If that sounds like you, ERP is designed to help you break through these patterns.
During our work together, we focus on helping you change your relationship to those fears so they have less control over your decisions, your routines, and your ability to fully engage in your life.
My Approach To Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
I approach ERP so it best benefits you. I want your input, your perspective, and your engagement throughout the process. No two people experience anxiety the same way, so everything I do is tailored to you.
How ERP Therapy With Me Works
Every client is different, but there are a few core steps I typically follow:
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1. Building Understanding
We start by helping you understand how anxiety and OCD actually work. We’ll talk about the cycle of avoidance, how rituals reinforce fear, and why anxiety can feel out of our control. The goal is to help you know yourself better. This sets the foundation for everything we do, and will help you reach your goals.
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2. Create A Fear Hierarchy
We’ll work together to identify your fears and map them into a structured, step-by-step plan. Many clients already know what triggers their anxiety, but haven’t had a clear framework for how to approach it. This process creates a practical roadmap for gradually facing those fears in a way that feels manageable and purposeful.
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3. Gradual Exposure
After we identify and rank your fears, we’ll gradually work through them at a pace that you’re comfortable with. I’ll never ask you to do something you’re not ready for.
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Exposures look different for everyone, but it might look like touching something you typically avoid, engaging in a feared situation, or even working with intrusive thoughts directly. Sometimes, therapy doesn’t just happen in our sessions. If it’s helpful to you, I may work with you out in Philadelphia to practice real-life exposures.
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For example, let’s say you struggle with contamination fears. In session, I might ask you to touch something you usually avoid, delay washing your hands, and sit for a few minutes with your discomfort while practicing a coping skill. I’ll guide you through that process, helping you tolerate the anxiety until it naturally decreases. This is called habituation, and it’s one of the key ways ERP creates lasting change.
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4. Response Prevention
This is the piece that often gets overlooked, but it’s essential. We face the fear, but we also practice not engaging in ritual behaviors that we think help, but only maintain our fears. Over time, your brain begins to learn something new: you can handle the discomfort without needing those responses.
Client Testimonial
“Dr. Siegel has been someone who I have turned to for the last few years with my anxiety, OCD, and compulsive thinking struggles. He has always been willing to listen to my problems and provide recommendations backed by the current clinical understanding of anxiety and OCD to help me improve my mental wellbeing. As someone who is very practical, his approach to addressing my rumination and habitual thinking has given me tools to deal with these issues when the rear their ugly head. He has been caring, professional, and patient, understanding it is a marathon and not a sprint to improving mental health. He consistently works on his craft so I can become the best me possible. I’m thankful for his commitment to care and guidance when I need it most”
Anonymous, Old City, PA
How To Know When You’re Healing With ERP Therapy
Starting ERP can feel intimidating. Early on, many clients experience hesitation, doubt, frustration, or a strong urge to fall back into unhelpful habits.
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Whether it’s getting through a crowded commute, navigating social situations, or simply trying to get through your day without anxiety taking over, the idea of facing those fears can feel like a lot.
These reactions are completely normal. In fact, they’re often part of the process.
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ERP is not about eliminating anxiety right away. Instead, we build your tolerance to anxiety without needing to escape it. As therapy begins to take hold, you’ll start to notice your patterns, pause before reacting, and feel that your anxiety is much more manageable than it once was. Situations in life that once felt impossible start to feel approachable.
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Over time, those shifts become more noticeable:
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You experience lower emotional intensity in response to triggers
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You feel less controlled by intrusive thoughts
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You gain confidence in your ability to handle discomfort
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You engage more fully in your life, even when anxiety is present
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One of the most important turning points I see is when clients recognize:
“What I’ve been doing to cope isn’t actually helping, and I have other options.”
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From there, you’ll feel motivated and empowered to take your life back into your hands and move past your intrusive thoughts and your anxiety.
Online and ERP Therapy In Philadelphia & 43+ States
I provide secure, telehealth and in-person sessions throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, including Center City, University City, Rittenhouse Square, North Philly, and South Philly.
Whether you’re in the Philadelphia area or not, I practice therapy in over 43 states. Online sessions are flexible, convenient, and proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Take The First Step Toward Emotional Wellness Today
If anxiety or OCD has been taking up too much space in your life, ERP can help you reclaim it. My approach is structured, collaborative, and tailored to you, so you can move forward with more confidence and less fear.
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Whether you live in Philadelphia or across the country, discuss your goals with me during a free 15-minute consultation and see if it's the right fit.
Is ERP therapy safe?
Yes. ERP is widely considered the gold standard for treating OCD and anxiety disorders, helping your condition even when other treatments fail. When done properly, it is gradual, structured, and guided by a trained professional.
How many sessions does ERP take?
Many people begin to see meaningful progress within 12–20 sessions, especially if they’re actively practicing between sessions. The pace can vary depending on how intense or longstanding the fears are, but ERP is designed to help you make steady, noticeable gains rather than feeling stuck in therapy.
Will I be forced to face my biggest fears right away?
No. ERP is always done step-by-step. You’ll start with manageable exposures and build up over time at a pace you’re comfortable with.
How long does ERP therapy take to work?
This varies by individual, but many clients begin noticing changes within a few weeks to a few months, especially when consistently practicing between sessions.
What if I feel overwhelmed during exposure?
Feeling anxious is part of the process but you won’t go through it alone. You’ll learn tools to tolerate and manage discomfort safely. You will also never engage in any exposure that I wouldn’t do myself.
Will ERP work for my intrusive thoughts?
Yes. ERP is highly effective for intrusive and unwanted thoughts, including those that feel distressing or taboo.
Do I have to do homework between sessions?
Yes, this is an important part of treatment. Progress depends heavily on practicing skills outside of therapy sessions. I’ll help you structure this in a way that feels manageable, realistic, and safe.
Can I do ERP on my own?
You can practice some exposure techniques on your own, but working with a trained therapist is strongly recommended, especially at the beginning. I often help clients build the skills they can then continue applying independently over time.