How does ERP work?
Every time we think a particular thought, feel a certain feeling, or do something particular, the “wiring” in the brain for that particular thought, feeling, or action remains in place. However, when we start “ignoring” that wiring by not using it, the wires start to get “disconnected” from lack of use. For example, say we’ve built up a huge wiring system for feeling uncomfortable unless we check locks repeatedly. We’ve created this wiring by checking locks over and over and over again for a long period of time. Now, if we decide in therapy to repeatedly choose not to check, despite the fact that we feel uncomfortable, a new “wiring system” starts to develop in the brain and begins to take over. In time, the “old wires” disconnect, “new wires” replace them, and the uncomfortable feelings eventually get less intense and sometimes die away altogether! The downside of ERP is that to do it requires that we feel somewhat uncomfortable for a period of time before feeling better. The upside,
