What is Exposure Therapy?

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Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that helps people overcome anxiety. There are many misconceptions about exposure therapy, but it’s an effective way to gain coping skills. 

During exposure therapy sessions, the therapist exposes the client to the source of their fear in a safe and controlled way. Over time, the client becomes desensitized to the source, reducing their fear symptoms. 

What Is Exposure Therapy Used For? 

Exposure therapy uses classical conditioning (the Pavlov’s dog approach). The more the client faces their fear, the less they associate it with negative consequences. Since classical conditioning can impact virtually any human experience, exposure therapy is used for all sorts of anxiety. 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) isn’t technically a type of anxiety condition. However, it does cause secondary anxiety for a lot of people who have it. OCD causes obsessions and intrusive thoughts. The person experiencing those thoughts feels compelled to take an action, and the action temporarily alleviates the obsession. 

Unfortunately, the action only provides temporary relief before the obsession returns. Exposure therapy helps people with OCD confront their obsessions in a safe way, providing more long-term relief. 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a traumatic event. It causes symptoms like intense anxiety, nightmares, and hypervigilance. 

Many people with PTSD experience triggers, which are reminders of the trauma that cause PTSD symptoms to flare up. For instance, the sound of squealing tires can trigger a panic attack in somebody with car accident PTSD. 

Exposure therapy helps clients with PTSD confront specific triggers, much like it helps people with OCD confront specific obsessions. Over time, these triggers become less intense. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 

Exposure therapy may also be used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD causes consistent, disproportionate levels of fear. Somebody with GAD may feel more anxiety on some days than others. Certain people and situations can make anxiety better or worse. Exposure therapy helps these clients work through situations that make anxiety worse. 

Specific Phobias 

When people think of exposure therapy, many think of specific phobias. Indeed, specific phobias are some of the most common reasons why people seek this type of therapy. 

Phobias are irrational fears of situations or things. The object of a phobia may be non-dangerous or highly unlikely to occur. When clients face their fears in a controlled way over time, they can lower their fight-or-flight response toward them. 

Types of Exposure Therapy 

There are two main types of exposure therapy: flooding and gradual exposure. 

Flooding Exposure Therapy 

“Flooding” is the more extreme form of exposure therapy. With flooding, the client is exposed to their biggest fear in a real-life (but still non-dangerous) environment. For example, somebody with a fear of public speaking may be required to give a speech as part of their therapy. 

Gradual Exposure Therapy 

Gradual exposure therapy takes a step-by-step approach. The client with a public speaking phobia may not be asked to make a speech right away. Instead, they may be asked to imagine giving a speech. Once they have neutralized their fear response to that, they may practice standing on stage in an empty auditorium. Later, they may be asked to give a speech in front of one or two people. The client reduces their fear response to each step before moving on to the next one. 

Exposure Therapy Techniques 

Real-life (in vivo) exposure is just one technique that exposure therapists might use for a client. Other techniques include: 

• imaginal exposure: The client imagines the situation, memory, or obsession that causes them distress. 

• virtual reality exposure: The client uses a VR headset or similar technology to confront their fear. 

• interoceptive exposure: The client learns how to address physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or increased heart rate. 

Final Thoughts about Exposure Therapy 

While exposure therapy is an effective treatment, each person is different. If you’re interested in exposure therapy, a trained therapist can help you decide if this type of treatment will work for your needs. 

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Sources: 

Flooding — American Psychological Association 

Prolonged Exposure (PE) — American Psychological Association 

What Is Exposure Therapy? — American Psychological Association 

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: A Review — ScienceDirect