OCD & ERP: How ART Can Complement

Written By Matthew Benavidez, LMFT

First things first: ERP leads

For OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has the strongest evidence. Many people do best with ERP as the primary approach.

Where ART might help

  • Trauma-tinged scenes that spike panic before ERP even starts

  • Intrusive image intensity that makes exposures inaccessible

  • Co-occurring trauma where targeted relief improves capacity

How we’d coordinate

  • ERP remains the core plan (with your OCD specialist).

  • ART addresses specific images that block ERP participation.

  • We keep clear boundaries and share only what you consent to.

What sessions feel like

  • Choose a single image/memory that spikes you most

  • Brief ART sets + rescripting to lower distress (results vary)

  • Return to ERP tasks with more bandwidth

Reach out
Matthew Benavidez, LMFT

Matthew’s passion for therapy began early on in his life. Working through his own trauma at a young age, Matthew knows what the healing process looks like from all sides. Matthew’s own healing has varied from adjusting through divorced parents all the way to religious trauma. This has helped Matthew become more empathic towards his clients from all walks of life. Rest assured that you will be heard in a secure, shame-free environment.

https://benavidezlmft.com
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Chronic Pain & Somatic Distress: Where ART Fits