TREATMENT
APPROACHES
EXPOSURE THERAPY FOR PHOBIAS & GAD
Just as with ERP and PE, exposure therapy is focused on the “B” in CBT, and it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific phobias (animals, heights, blood, etc.) and for general anxiety disorder (GAD, anxiety about everyday things like finances, school, and work). Clients are compassionately and encouraged to slowly engage with feared and avoided stimuli so that they learn they can tolerate situations without becoming distressed or overwhelmed. With GAD, exposure therapy is often used in combination with ACT and CBT with the goal of changing one’s relationship with thoughts, as well as moving closer to a more satisfying life, even with fears and anxiety.