Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is empirically validated as a twice per week treatment for OCD

While it may not be feasible or clinically necessary for all sufferers to receive twice per week therapy, it can be beneficial for many with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to receive a more frequent approach. Many clients with OCD receive two sessions per week and benefit for a more intensive approach.

Meeting twice per week may be indicated if you want to increase the likelihood of faster recovery or, if in addition to OCD, you have co-occurring conditions like depression, specific phobias, an obsessive-compulsive personality, or if important areas of your life are significantly compromised. If symptoms of OCD are negatively impacting you socially, at work, at school, in your ability to take care of yourself or your responsibilities at home, intensive treatment may be warranted.

Why do some people want intensive treatment for OCD?

For some sufferers the once per week 50 minute cadence feels too fragmented and more therapeutic contact is desired. I recommend intensive therapy for clients who feel the typical therapy hour is too short or the 7 days between sessions is too long. Meeting more frequently or for longer sessions will allow us to approach the active stage of treatment faster (eg. exposure work) and you may feel more momentum in your progress.

Clients who live with parents or a spouse are good candidates for occasional family sessions in addition to their individual weekly sessions. Having the support of your loved ones during treatment will help your recovery.

What are some benefits of intensive therapy?

Although recovery varies and is based on many individual factors, in my practice I have witnessed faster gains and stronger commitment to treatment with twice per week sessions.

Meeting twice per week may increase motivation, accountability, commitment to exposure practice, and trust in the therapy process, which can translate into potent OCD treatment and recovery.