Exposure-based therapy refers to a precise kind of cognitive-behavioral psychoanalysis method that is frequently used in the cure of phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. This therapy is proven to be a safe technique when used by an experienced therapist who specializes in the treatment and conditions of exposure-based therapy (Horesh, Qian, Freedman & Shalev, 2017). When exposure-based therapy is used properly, it can be a powerful technique to aid individuals overcome fear and anxiety that are associated with phobias or PTSD. This paper aims to discuss the benefits and risks factors of exposure-based therapy.
Benefits of exposure-based therapy.
Exposure therapy is a powerful tool that aids in reducing anxiety and mental conditions. The benefits of this therapy include:
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Becoming Less Sensitive . The sounds and sights in the surroundings may cause deep patient suffering since it makes the individuals think that the danger is near. Nevertheless, the individuals become used to this environment, when the stimuli in exposure therapy is exposed to them.
Weakening fear-Provoking Associations. Exposure-based therapy breaks associations between negative outcomes and stimuli. The individuals' body and mind begin to react to those sounds, which are normal, everyday noises through this therapy.
Decreasing Symptoms of Mental Disorders : The therapy helps the individuals decrease the mental disorders' symptoms, for example, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PSTD, and panic disorder ( Rothbaum, & McSweeney, 2019). As the symptoms decreases, the person begins to feel more in tune with the individuals who are around and the reality of a person’s situation.
Increase Social Skills . Most of the individuals have anxiety in social conditions because they feel that they are not good at contributing conversations in interesting ways or good at relaxing around other people ( Meulders, Van Daele, Volders & Vlaeyen, 2016). Therefore, learning how to administer this anxiety through exposure therapy, the individual can become more relaxed
Reduce anxiety. The person feels far less anxious after completing exposure therapy. This happens when the individual is faced with stimuli and become less sensitive through the cause of the treatment.
Improve daily functioning. If individuals is prone to obsessive-compulsive conduct, the individuals may get work on time. This is because they are besieged by the fear they relate to not going through a set of conducts that are ritualistic.
Description of risks factors of exposure-based therapy
Exposure based therapy is a modality of a low-risk treatment. The therapy's planned nature ensures that the client and therapist are prepared for each step of the treatment. Most of the therapist does not implement exposure therapy in spite of a well-documented achievement rate of the treatment. This is because there is limited availability of specialized training. In addition, exposure therapy can exacerbate symptoms. If the exposure therapy is not appropriately implemented, its positive side effects can wane ( Abramowitz, Deacon & Whiteside, 2019). It is important to follow the instruction of a well-trained therapist and participate in treatment to the fullest extent even if the patient starts feeling better. The effect of this therapy is lifelong, and thus, the research continues to support its effectiveness for treating phobias, anxiety, and psychological health issues.
Conclusion
Exposure therapy is a procedure that can aid lessen the systems of several similar types of situations. When exposure therapy is used properly, it can take out stress and fear that is troubled by the individual in the past exposure-based therapies. Therapies are very effective for patients who have an anxiety disorder, and thus, it should be considered a first-line. It creates safe surroundings in which an individual can reduce evasion of dreaded conditions, reduce anxiety, and improve the person's life.
References
Abramowitz, J. S., Deacon, B. J., & Whiteside, S. P. (2019). Exposure therapy for anxiety: Principles and practice. Guilford Publications.
Horesh, D., Qian, M., Freedman, S., & Shalev, A. (2017). Differential effects of exposure ‐ based therapy and cognitive therapy on post ‐ traumatic stress disorder symptom clusters: A randomized controlled trial. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice , 90 (2), 235-243.
Meulders, A., Van Daele, T., Volders, S., & Vlaeyen, J. W. (2016). The use of safety-seeking behavior in exposure-based treatments for fear and anxiety: Benefit or burden? A meta-analytic review. Clinical psychology review , 45 , 144-156.
Rothbaum, B. O., & McSweeney, L. B. (2019). Patients need to remain in treatment for PTSD to receive the full benefit. Journal of anxiety disorders , 68 , 102156.
