Comparing exposure therapies - The occupational therapy role (October 14, 2025)

Presented by: Michelle Scott, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Exposure therapies are based on the principle that exposure to a trigger without negative consequences will help decrease response. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a leading therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; e.g., Ferrando & Selai, 2021), prolonged exposure (PE) therapy is indicated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; e.g., Back et al., 2022), and systematic desensitization (SD) can be effective for phobias and anxiety (e.g., Surin et al., 2025). While all are exposure therapies, they differ in approach. This webinar will compare ERP, PE, and SD, highlighting their similarities, differences, and appropriate uses. In vivo, imaginal, and virtual reality (VR) exposure methods will be discussed. Additionally, the webinar will discuss why occupational therapists are well-suited to deliver exposure therapy.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Compare ERP, PE, and SD and how they apply to clients with various indications (e.g., OCD, phobia, and PTSD).
2. Describe the various ways that different types of exposure (in vivo, imaginal, and VR) can be applied to each type of exposure therapy.
3. Explain why the occupational therapy lens is valuable in engaging in exposure therapy with clients.

Level  Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice)