If you have an intense, irrational fear of something, like spiders or heights, the last thing you want to do is face it head-on. Constant avoidance, however, can affect your quality of life and exacerbate the phobia in the long run.
Exposure therapy provides a safe and effective way to manage your fears. At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our psychotherapist regularly prescribes exposure therapy to help people confront their fears and develop healthy coping strategies.
Exposure therapy is a behavioral health approach. During treatment, your therapist creates a safe space for you to face your fears.
Some people are afraid of things or activities, while others fear specific situations (like being surrounded by people). Regardless of your fear, exposure therapy can help you manage panic and develop more realistic beliefs.
Exposure therapy can effectively treat various mental health conditions, including:
Sometimes, we use exposure therapy to treat eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
Exposure therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. After your initial consultation, our psychotherapist might recommend:
This approach encourages you to imagine the situation, activity, or thing you fear. For example, if you have PTSD, we might ask you to describe a specific trauma. Reliving the situation in your mind can take away some of its power and help you cope.
In vivo translates to “real life.” With this type of exposure therapy, you face your fears head-on. For instance, if you have arachnophobia (a fear of spiders), we might have you watch videos of spiders or visit a zoo to look at the tarantulas.
This type triggers uncomfortable physical responses, like a racing heartbeat or shortness of breath. It shows you that unpleasant symptoms aren’t necessarily harmful. We might recommend this approach if you avoid situations that affect how you physically feel.
This approach uses virtual reality technology to expose you to situations or activities you fear. We commonly prescribe it for those who fear flying or driving.
No two exposure therapy treatment plans are alike. Your provider takes several factors into account before developing a care plan, including the severity of your phobia and its symptoms.
The time it takes for exposure therapy to yield results depends on the severity of your fear, the underlying mental health condition that triggers your symptoms, and your commitment to treatment.
Some people experience relief after 1-2 treatment sessions; for others, it takes weeks, even months, of continuous effort.* Be patient, follow your therapist’s instructions, and attend each scheduled appointment.
Contact Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic if you’re interested in trying exposure therapy. Call our office at 303-351-1800 or book your visit online today.
*Individual results may vary.
