How Does Exposure Therapy Work?
How Does Exposure Therapy Work?
Exposure therapy is an evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with phobias, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. But how does exposure therapy actually work? Keep reading to find out and check out the previous two blogs on exposure therapy to learn more about what it is, what the different types are, and the different ways it can be implemented.
How Does Exposure Therapy Work?
It may seem counterintuitive to directly face the thing that you fear the most. However, sometimes these fears can lead to significant anxiety and avoidance, which can impact our ability to function. While it may feel like you will never get over your fear, exposure therapy can help you do just that! But how?
1. Getting Used to It
As humans, we are surprisingly able to adapt to just about anything that comes our way. In exposure therapy, we are exposed to the object, place, or situation that we fear the most. As we are exposed to this stimulus over and over, eventually you will find that you don’t feel nearly as scared as you did the first time you were exposed to it. Think of a funny joke. The first time you heard this joke, you probably thought it was hilarious. Now imagine hearing the same joke again, and again, and again. Chances are, you’re not going to find the joke as hilarious the twentieth time you heard it as you did the first time that you heard it. Over time, the goal is to significantly decrease, or even eliminate, the anxiety associated with the stimulus.
2. Healthier Thinking
Our thoughts play a huge role in the way that we feel and act. Read more about this interaction in our Cognitive Triangle blog. Think about John, who has a fear of dogs. It is likely that negative thoughts will start racing when John sees a dog. “That dog is looking at me weird” “This dog is going to bite me, I know it” “I’ll never be able to go near a dog” “ALL dogs are vicious”. These thoughts feed into John’s anxiety and he decides to leave the area to get away from the dog. With exposure therapy, you will learn that the feared stimulus isn’t so bad after all. Moreover, you will be able develop healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so you are able to effectively deal with the feared stimulus.
3. Confidence
Overcoming phobias is HARD work! It takes a ton of courage and consistency to actively face the thing that you fear the most. Being able to face your fear and make it out alright will help you to feel more confident. If you can take on THAT, you can take on just about anything!