What is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure therapy is a structured approach that helps individuals confront their fears and anxieties in a controlled and gradual manner. It works on the principle of systematic desensitization by repeatedly exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking situations both external (e.g., feared situations, objects, activities) and internal (e.g. feared physical sensations, thoughts, or internal experiences). Exposure therapy focuses on behaviors, thoughts, and emotions from the perspective of avoidance. Avoidance strategies may help with relief in the short term but often worsen underlying issues in the long term. This allows people to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their anxiety response over time.
Types of Exposure Therapies
In Vivo Exposure: This involves directly confronting a feared object, activity, or situation. For example, a person with a fear of water might be asked to dip their toes into the water of a swimming pool.
Imaginal Exposure: A person is prompted to mentally confront a fear stimulus by picturing it in their mind. Imaginal exposure is typically used when real-world exposure is not feasible or potentially unsafe. For example, someone with a fear of flying may be asked to imagine the process of boarding, riding, and landing in a plane.
Interoceptive Exposure: Primarily used for individuals experiencing health anxiety, this approach involves triggering somatic (physical) sensations to help people unlearn their adverse reactions to them and reframe them with appropriate levels of tolerance towards physical sensations.
What is Exposure Therapy Effective For?
Social Anxiety Disorder
Phobias
Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Outcomes of Exposure Therapy
Reduced Anxiety Symptoms: Over time, individuals experience less intense and debilitating anxiety, allowing them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
Improved Coping Skills: Through the gradual exposure process, individuals learn to tolerate discomfort, challenge negative thoughts, and employ relaxation techniques. These skills not only help in managing anxiety but also boost overall resilience in the face of future stressors.
Increased Self-Efficacy: Conquering fears and overcoming previously avoided situations bolsters individuals' self-belief and self-efficacy. Exposure therapy empowers individuals to recognize their inner strength and capability to face challenging situations head-on.
Enhanced Social Functioning: Exposure therapy, by targeting social anxiety or specific phobias, helps individuals re-engage in social activities that were once avoided or dreaded. This leads to improved social interactions, greater participation in community events, and the ability to form meaningful connections.
Misconceptions of Exposure Therapy
1. "Exposure Therapy is About Forcing People into Uncomfortable Situations"
○ One of the common misconceptions is that exposure therapy involves forcing individuals into highly uncomfortable situations without consideration for their well-being or readiness. In reality, exposure therapy is a collaborative and gradual process, designed to be conducted at the patient's own pace. Therapists carefully plan exposure exercises and work closely with individuals to ensure they feel safe and supported throughout the therapy journey.
2. "Exposure Therapy is Just Facing Your Fears"
○ While exposure therapy does involve facing fears, it is far from a simple act of confronting anxieties and having them magically dissipate. Exposure therapy is a structured treatment approach guided by evidence-based practices. It incorporates careful assessment, the creation of an individualized treatment plan, and the application of systematic desensitization techniques to gradually reduce anxiety responses over time. Intentionality of action is a key part of what makes exposure therapy so effective.
3. "Exposure Therapy Provides Instant Cures"
○ Although exposure therapy can produce significant improvements, it is not a quick fix. Treatment duration can vary depending on the complexity of the disorder and the individual's progress. Patients should expect to engage in several sessions over weeks or months to achieve lasting results. Patience, commitment, and consistent work are necessary elements of the therapeutic process.
4. "Exposure Therapy is Traumatic and Harmful"
○ Some people worry that exposure therapy might retraumatize individuals or exacerbate their anxiety symptoms. However, exposure therapy is conducted in a controlled and safe environment, under the guidance of a trained therapist. By exposing individuals to feared stimuli in a gradual and controlled manner, it empowers them to build resilience and develop healthier coping mechanisms at a pace that is not overwhelming. Numerous studies support the efficacy and safety of exposure therapy when implemented correctly.
Begin Exposure Therapy For Anxiety in Asheville, NC
The power of connection makes online exposure therapy a viable and effective option for individuals seeking relief from anxiety disorders. The potential benefits of online exposure therapy include increased accessibility, increased control, the utilization of visual and audio aids, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable long-term treatment. Exposure therapy can be and is being done successfully in a virtual format. Distance shouldn’t affect the quality of mental health support you receive. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support from our Asheville, NC-based practice and across the state. You can receive the assistance you deserve by following these simple steps today:
Meet with a caring therapist
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Other Services Offered with Strive On Counseling
The Strive On Counseling team knows that you may experience more than one mental health concern in addition to anxiety. This is why we are happy to offer many forms of therapy via in-person and online services. Our team offers support with individual counseling, EMDR trauma therapy, therapy for men’s issues, mindfulness, Buddhist counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Other services offered include anxiety therapy, guided meditations, supplements, a list of books and other useful resources, and online courses. If you would like more information about any of these services, please reach out today, and start therapy in North Carolina!