Exposure Therapy
In-Person in San Jose & Virtual Therapy Across California
Have you been feeling at the whim of your anxiety?
You may find yourself stuck in anxious thoughts and distress, trying to do what you can to feel more in control and to relieve your anxiety.
I offer exposure therapy as an approach to take the power back from anxiety to help you move towards living your life more freely.
Unlike the unplanned exposures to anxiety provoking things that can happen in daily life, exposure therapy is structured to be intentional and prolonged. This structure supports responding to anxiety in a new way which helps break the anxiety cycle and increases the likelihood that you remain in the situation long enough for the brain to engage in new learning.
What Is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure therapy is a type of evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy used to treat anxiety by helping individuals face anxiety-provoking situations, thoughts, and sensations through exposures. Exposures are intentionally exposing yourself to anxiety triggers in a structured and supported way. For example, exposures for someone with social anxiety might include introducing themselves to new people, public speaking, etc. Repeated exposure allows the brain to learn new information, so the triggers can begin to feel like less of a threat, and discomfort, uncertainty, and the possibility of feared outcomes can feel more tolerable.
Over time, this process can reduce anxiety and increase confidence to handle anxiety-provoking situations, so that you can live your life more fully, focusing on what is most important to you.
What Can Exposure Therapy Help With?
Exposure therapy can be used for:
Generalized anxiety
Social anxiety
Specific fears or phobias
Panic attacks
Is Exposure Therapy Right For You?
Exposure therapy might be a good fit for you if:
You find yourself avoiding situations, places, or things due to anxiety
You notice yourself relying on certain behaviors to feel safe like over-analyzing or over-preparing
You feel stuck in a pattern of fear that doesn’t match the actual level of danger
You experience panic attacks and worry about them happening again
What to Expect in Exposure Therapy Sessions
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At the beginning we'll explore the patterns of your anxiety including the underlying core fears and your responses to anxiety (ex. behaviors you may do to feel safe such as avoid or over-analyze). Together we’ll create a list of anxiety triggers that will guide exposures. Exposures are intentionally placing yourself in a situation, thought, or sensation that is anxiety-provoking. Exposures begin in session so you can be guided through exposures that are structured to be effective. I may incorporate other therapeutic techniques into sessions based on your individual needs around anxiety.
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A main component of exposure therapy is doing exposures in session. Exposures can be done step-by-step, often starting with milder anxiety-provoking situations and building toward more challenging ones. I facilitate preparation for exposures to support their effectiveness including how you can respond to anxiety in a new way during exposures. Along the way we will be processing your experiences with the exposures to help integrate new learning. Exposures will continue in sessions, and you’ll also be coached on completing exposures outside of session. Practicing exposures and responding to anxiety in new ways between sessions is an essential component of treatment.
Begin Your Healing Journey
If you’re considering exposure therapy, you’re already taking an important step.
Working with an exposure therapist can give you a safe space to face your anxiety and break the anxiety cycles you are stuck in. I invite you to take the next step today.
Book a free consultation below and learn more about how exposure therapy can support your healing.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Call
A consultation call is a 15 minute phone call for us to talk about working together towards your desired change, ask any questions you may have, and determine if working together feels like the right fit.