Is the “cure” to ocd exposure therapy?

I’ve been struggling soooo bad with ocd/anxiety for the past two years. I’m on Effexor but I still struggle really bad with doing things. And when it’s really bad I’m borderline agoraphobic. I started working with a therapist and she’s helping me work on not cancelling things because I’m anxious. I tried it twice this past week and it felt like torture in my mind. I truly thought I was going crazy, but both times I didn’t cancel and was ok. Is this the “cure” to ocd?? To feel anxious and have the intrusive thoughts and do it anyways?? It feels horrible in the moment but afterwards I’m relieved I didn’t cancel.