Exposure Therapy (ET)
Exposure Therapy is a highly effective form of psychotherapy during which people learn how to cope with their fears, anxiety and all the other problems they have been avoiding.
What it helps with
Concerns ET can help withWhat it helps with
How it works
What a course of ET looks likeHow it works
Early on
Map what you avoid
You and your counsellor look at what you fear and the ways you avoid it. Together you build a list of situations, from a little hard to very hard.
As you go
Face fears in small steps
You start with a step that feels manageable, in your imagination or in real life, and stay with the feeling until it eases a little. You choose each next step.
Over time
Keep building confidence
You practise steps between sessions, like riding a busy bus or touching a doorknob without washing. You and your counsellor decide together how long to keep going.
ET may suit you if you
- Avoid places, people or tasks because of fear
- Want to feel less held back by worry or panic
- Like a structured, step-by-step plan
- Are ready to feel some discomfort in small, planned doses
- Want to practise new steps between sessions
- Notice checking or rituals taking up your day
Something else may fit better if you
- Are in crisis right now: call or text 9-8-8
- Mainly want space to talk things through
- Need to feel steadier before facing hard feelings
- Prefer not to work on a specific fear right now
Not sure? A free consultation can help you choose.
About
More about ET
Exposure Therapy is a highly effective form of psychotherapy during which people learn how to cope with their fears, anxiety and all the other problems they have been avoiding. Most commonly, this method of treatment is applied to treat patients suffering from anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD.
The basic premise of Exposure Therapy is that fear grows stronger when people avoid something. By facing the feared stimulus in a safe setting, people realize that their fears were way too exaggerated before. In time, people's fear fades away, and they become more confident and free in performing their everyday activities.
Exposure Therapy is considered one of the most studied methods of treatment for anxiety disorders that is usually combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Theory
This therapy is based on the assumption that fear is a conditioned response that could be unconditioned through experience. People who are likely to shy away from situations in which they become afraid deprive themselves of the opportunity to realize that what they were scared of was nothing at all.
Through repetition of these experiences, people learn how to cope with unpleasant sensations, face their fears, and minimize avoidance behaviors. With increasing self-confidence, dealing with fears becomes easier.
The concept behind Exposure Therapy is not elimination of fear but change in attitude toward it.
Techniques
Exposure Therapy is always personalized according to the needs of each person. Therapists will work together with the client to develop a program that enables them to confront their fears in a controlled manner.
According to the type of problem under treatment, Exposure Therapy can entail imaginary exposure to feared scenarios, discussion about traumatic memories, or gradual exposure to actual situations that have not been confronted before. In the whole process, therapists guide the clients through different techniques that enable them to feel confident about the new experiences they are developing.
The aim is not to pressure the clients but to make them safely experience new things.
Benefits of Exposure Therapy
Exposure Therapy can help individuals reduce anxiety and improve their ability to function in everyday life. Many clients report feeling more confident, less restricted by fear, and better equipped to handle challenging situations.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced anxiety and avoidance behaviours
- Increased confidence and resilience
- Improved emotional regulation
- Better coping skills
- Greater independence and quality of life
Exposure Therapy at No Fear Counselling
No Fear Counselling therapists offer Exposure Therapy to people seeking help with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, and other anxiety-related issues. We know it may seem hard for someone to confront their fears, and we make sure to provide a safe, encouraging, and nonjudgmental space for our clients to take their time.
We tailor individualized therapy according to your personal needs and goals. The process may be done alone or in combination with other therapy methods, including CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed counseling.
We provide both in-person and online counselling services across Canada, making professional support accessible wherever you are.
Begin Your Journey Towards Healing Today
Are you stuck in your path because fear, anxiety, or avoidance are holding you back? Perhaps our treatment, known as Exposure Therapy, will allow you to move ahead confidently with peace of mind. At No Fear Counselling, we have therapists who are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming your issues while equipping you with skills that will serve you well.
Our counselling can be accessed in the following areas in Canada, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. Our counselling can also be accessed online throughout Canada.
Make an appointment today for a free consultation and start your journey towards overcoming fear, anxiety, and having a better life.
References
Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10–23.
Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2019). Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Emotional Processing of Traumatic Experiences. Oxford University Press.
In a session, you and your counsellor practise facing a fear in a planned, gentle way. You might picture a feared moment, talk through a painful memory, or try a small real-life step, like standing in a crowded shop. Your counsellor stays with you, helps you notice what you feel, and talks with you afterward about what you learned. You choose each step, and you can pause at any time.
You may feel some discomfort, but it should never feel forced or overwhelming. Your counsellor goes at your pace and helps you feel steady before any deeper work, such as facing a painful memory, and you can slow down, pause or stop whenever you need to. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger.
Exposure therapy (ET) may be a good fit if fear or avoidance keeps you from things you want to do. Many people look into ET for panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You do not need a diagnosis to start. You and your counsellor can talk through whether this approach fits you before you begin any steps.
Yes, many parts of exposure therapy can be done by video from anywhere in BC. You and your counsellor can plan steps together, practise imagining feared situations, and talk through real-life steps you try during your week. Some steps may feel easier in person, so you can also choose to meet in person if that suits you better.
It may be, depending on your plan and your counsellor. Many extended health plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors and Canadian Certified Counsellors (RCC/CCC), so check your own plan for details. Our team includes RCCs, and we offer sliding scale rates for eligible people. You can learn more on our fees and funding page.