What Happens During an ERP Therapy Session?
Exposure therapy can seem mysterious, but the approach is straightforward and does not have to be scary, extreme, or complicated. Learn what to expect in an ERP therapy session…
Therapy in California With Teva Johnstone
Practice Owner & Psychotherapist
I have specialized training, supervision, and consultation in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment for anxiety disorders and OCD. ERP is a highly effective Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that targets symptom relief and tolerance of emotional experiences.
I use an integrative approach to therapy—combining ERP with other emotion-focused interventions. I believe healing is best facilitated within a framework that prioritizes the health of the whole person and their sense of meaning and purpose in the world.
As an OCD Specialist in Ventura, my practice is focused on helping people break free from anxiety driven rituals and avoidance. Specialization in obsessive-compulsive disorder allows me to better serve clients who have not been helped by generalist practitioners or exclusive talk therapy. Browse areas served or request a consultation.
My Teachers
I have had the privilege of training under several expert clinicians in the field of obsessive-compulsive treatment. My teachers include Dr. Eli Felt, Dr. Jonathan Grayson, and Dr. Michael J. Greenberg, founder of Rumination-Focused ERP.
I completed traditional ERP training with the Center for Anxiety & Behavior Therapy and take specialized workshops with the International OCD Foundation on a regular basis.
Therapy Trainings and Qualifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker — CA License No. 103826
- Master's of Social Work, Azusa Pacific University
- Bachelor's of Arts, University of California Santa Barbara
Clinical Experience With OCD, Compulsive Behavior, and Anxiety Treatment With Teva Johnstone
I help people with a variety of obsessive-compulsive themes and behaviors. While it's common to feel some embarrassment or shame about the nature of obsessions, I work effectively and sensitively with many types of OCD, including taboo themes that may be difficult to speak out loud. I strive to create a trusting therapeutic environment where you feel safe to share what troubles you so you can develop the skills to disempower your obsessions and stop ritualistic behavior.
Obsessive-Compulsive Themes:
- Compulsive Rumination or 'Pure O' OCD
- Perinatal / Postpartum OCD
- Clinical Perfectionism
- Contamination OCD
- Religious and Moral Scrupulosity OCD
- Relationship OCD
- Sexual Orientation OCD
- Real Event OCD
- Just Right OCD
- Harm OCD
- POCD
- Fear of Going Crazy
In-Person and Online Therapy in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties
I offer in-person therapy at my office in Ventura, California near Ventura College. My office is conveniently located near Ojai, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Camarillo, Newbury Park, and Thousand Oaks. Online therapy is provided to California residents via secure Zoom. As appropriate, exposure therapy exercises may take place in community settings. Browse all areas served.
Clinical Experience
I have been licensed to practice psychotherapy independently since 2021 and opened my practice the same year. I have provided mental health treatment to California residents since graduate school internships in 2011, and began specializing in the obsessive-compulsive spectrum in 2024 due to interest in the topic.
Advancing the Profession
From 2023-2025 I mentored early career pre-licensed therapists and provided contracted BBS clinical supervision to Associates in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties. I enjoyed supervising beginning therapists and chose to step back from the role to focus on my own growing therapy practice.
In 2021 I held a volunteer Child, Adolescents & Young Adults committee position with the National Association of Social Workers and was selected as a Delegate for the NASW-CA Chapter.
Professional Affiliations
- International OCD Foundation
- The OCPD Foundation
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
- Postpartum Support International
Articles and News
Recent Blog Posts
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How Does Rumination-Focused ERP Work for Pure O?
Pure O OCD can feel like being trapped in a mental loop. Rumination-Focused ERP helps you stop invisible mental compulsions and regain your freedom…
When to Get Intensive ERP Treatment
Many people with OCD experience meaningful relief with weekly ERP, while others benefit from more frequent treatment. Learn when intensive ERP treatment may be appropriate…