Exposure and Ritual Prevention

As I gained confidence and the initial anxiety was reduced, I got braver. I left the house for 15 minutes without checking anything. Finally I was able to leave the house for several hours or all day after just checking the appliances only once. I can now lock the door and walk calmly to the car. Usually! Sometimes the fear comes back. "I was in such a hurry, did I lock the door? Maybe I forgot." Often, I can continue on without going back to check. But I still feel compelled to go back and check sometimes. I feel like I can't resist. And you know what? When I go back to check, the door is always locked!