How Does Exposure Therapy Work?

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions in the world. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, and untreated anxiety can often trigger a major episode of depression. Dealing with the painful and distressing symptoms of untreated anxiety can also cause a person to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Although anxiety disorders and symptoms are incredibly common, they are highly treatable. There are numerous types of medications, and therapy techniques that can alleviate anxiety symptoms, and also help patients find relief from any comorbid or co-occurring issues. One of these therapy techniques is exposure therapy.

How does exposure therapy work?

During the course of exposure therapy treatment, the therapist will guide the patient on how to face their fears, and gain a sense of control over their panic responses. Exposure therapy must be gradual, and sessions have to be conducted under the care of a trained therapist. Otherwise, the treatment risks re-traumatizing the patient and making things worse. As with all types of therapy and treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, therapy must be tailored to each patient.

Some patients can handle a technique called “flooding,” where they are confronted with the memories or reminders of their fear all at once. In cases of severe trauma, patients will benefit from a gradual introduction of fearful reminders and memories. No matter which technique is used during exposure therapy, the therapist will have to teach the patient effective relaxation techniques. This is often done by either exposing the patient to smaller reminders first or by deconstructing the memories of the trauma piece by piece, called desensitization. Exposure therapy may appear extreme, especially for patients who are victims of severe trauma or upsetting phobias. Patients are never forced to participate in exposure therapy or to do something during a session that is not safe.