Avoidance is a natural reaction to fear. If something causes anxiety – whether it’s driving, public speaking, crowded spaces, or a traumatic memory – our instinct is to stay far away. But over time, avoidance can shrink your world and keep fear firmly in control. That’s where Exposure Therapy comes in.
Exposure Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based treatment that helps people gradually confront the things they fear in a safe, supported way. While it may sound intimidating at first, it’s actually one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and reclaim your sense of freedom.
What Is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure Therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps individuals systematically face feared objects, situations, or memories in order to reduce the distress they cause. The key word here is systematically – this approach is not about diving in headfirst, but rather working at a pace that feels challenging but manageable.
Through repeated, guided exposure, your brain learns that what you fear isn’t as dangerous as it once seemed. As anxiety decreases, confidence increases.
What Conditions Does Exposure Therapy Help Treat?
Exposure Therapy has been successfully used to treat a wide range of anxiety-related conditions, including:
- Phobias (e.g., fear of heights, animals, flying)
- Panic disorder and agoraphobia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD
- Social anxiety disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Avoidance behaviors related to past trauma or chronic stress
It’s especially effective when avoidance has become the primary way of coping.
How Does Exposure Therapy Work?
The process of Exposure Therapy is collaborative and individualized. Your therapist will help you:
1. Identify your fear triggers
This may be a specific situation, object, thought, or memory that consistently causes anxiety or distress.
2. Create a fear hierarchy
Together, you’ll build a list of triggers – ranked from least to most distressing – and start with the mildest ones first.
3. Engage in gradual exposure
Using techniques such as imaginal exposure, real-life exposure (in vivo), or virtual exposure, you’ll begin confronting each item on your hierarchy with your therapist’s guidance.
4. Practice and repeat
Exposure is most effective when repeated consistently. Over time, the anxiety response weakens, and your confidence grows stronger.
5. Learn coping strategies
Your therapist will teach you grounding, breathing, and emotion-regulation skills so you feel supported during and after exposure sessions.
Common Questions About Exposure Therapy
Q: Isn’t exposure therapy overwhelming?
It’s understandable to feel nervous. But exposure therapy is never about forcing you into situations you’re not ready for. It’s designed to be collaborative and paced to your comfort level.
Q: How long does exposure therapy take?
Some clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a longer process. It depends on your goals and the severity of your symptoms.
Q: Will I be alone during exposure sessions?
No. You’ll always have guidance and support. The goal is to help you face fear safely, not to retraumatize or push beyond your limits.
Why Exposure Therapy Works
Avoidance gives fear power. Exposure Therapy helps you take that power back. By leaning into the discomfort – with support – you’re telling your brain a new story: I can handle this.
At Dr. Brad Shamis & Associates, we use Exposure Therapy as part of a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. Whether you’re living with anxiety, phobias, or lingering trauma, we’ll work with you to reduce fear, build resilience, and expand what feels possible.
Fear doesn’t have to dictate your life. If you’re ready to face the things that hold you back – and move through them – we’re here to help you take that first step.