Have you ever noticed that avoiding something you fear actually makes the fear grow? Maybe you’ve been dodging certain situations or places because they trigger your anxiety. It’s human nature to want to avoid things that make us uncomfortable.
While distancing yourself from these situations might seem like a good idea, avoidance is only a short-term fix. You may feel safe in the moment, but avoiding things you’re afraid of keeps you trapped in a cycle that reinforces your fear. The result is that your anxiety gains more control.
This is where exposure therapy can be of help in breaking free from this unhealthy cycle.
What Is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure therapy is a proven approach that helps you face your fears gradually while in a safe, controlled environment. Instead of diving right into the deep end of your worst nightmare, this approach starts small. You’ll work with your therapist to confront anxiety-inducing situations in manageable steps.
This type of therapy allows you to gradually build up tolerance and resilience to your fears, starting small and working your way up to the big ones. The more you commit to the exercises, the more confident you’ll be in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
The goal of exposure therapy isn’t to eliminate your fears. Instead, it aims to help you realize that you are capable of handling more than you think.
How Does It Actually Work?
Avoiding objects, people, or places that scare you teaches your brain that these things should be considered dangerous. Your anxiety around these stays high because you never allow yourself the opportunity to prove that you’re able to overcome it.
Exposure therapy corrects that habit. By exposing yourself slowly to your fears, over time, your brain begins to understand that the situation isn’t as threatening as you may have believed. As the threat level decreases, your anxiety should naturally follow, and you can learn how to cope with any remaining discomfort.
While working with your therapist, you’ll create what’s called an exposure hierarchy, ranking situations from least to most anxiety-provoking. This list serves as the guide map for your course of therapy. You’ll start with the easier exposures and gradually move towards the more challenging ones.
With What Kinds of Fears Can Exposure Therapy Help?
Exposure therapy has shown effectiveness with:
Specific phobias, like heights, flying, animals, and medical procedures
Social anxiety and fear of public speaking
Panic disorders and agoraphobia
Trauma-related fears
OCD
No matter what your fear is, this approach can help you reclaim your life from anxiety’s grip. It’s a powerful and transformative experience. People who have avoided social situations can now enjoy connecting with others without the overwhelming dread. Those who struggled to leave the house and go to the grocery store can now do so confidently.
Is This a Safe Practice?
The idea of facing your fear probably sounds terrifying, to say the least. You may be thinking that there’s no way you could possibly do that, but with exposure therapy, you’re in control of your pace.
You’re never going to be pushed beyond what you can handle, and you’ll have support every step of the way. Your therapist will guide you during the harder parts and celebrate you as you progress.
One key thing to remember is that feeling anxious during your course of exposure is a normal part of the healing process. Feeling anxious means you’re teaching your brain something new. This discomfort won’t last forever.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If anxiety has been holding you back from living life to the fullest, exposure therapy with a therapist specializing in anxiety is a treatment you may want to consider. I’m here to walk alongside you as you face your fears and move forward on the path to healing.
Contact me to schedule a consultation.