February 2023

How long does a bout of OCD last? Sufferers of OCD will go for up to 10 years without effective treatment. There is always hope and help. Challenging your OCD is not easy but well worth it. Hear encouragement and hope from individuals going through the same thing as you. OCD has peaks of onset […]

When was exposure therapy developed? The use of exposure as a mode of therapy began in the 1950s, at a time when psychodynamic views dominated Western clinical practice and behavioral therapy was first emerging. The origins of exposure therapy date back to Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov, who, in the early 1900s, mapped out the principles

What is the difference between prolonged exposure therapy and EMDR? EMDR therapy sets up a learning state that allows these experiences to be stored appropriately in the brain. This is the main difference between exposure therapy and EMDR; in other words, the individual is not re-exposed to the trauma. EMDR resulted in both the resolution

What is avoidance hierarchy? Construct a ladder of places or situations that you avoid. At the top of the ladder put those which which make you most anxious. At the bottom of the ladder put places or situations you avoid, but which don’t bother you as much. In the middle of the ladder put ones

What is a hierarchy in CBT? Also known as a “fear hierarchy” or “fear ladder,” an exposure hierarchy is a list of scenarios that the client rates from least-distressing to most-distressing. Under the guidance of a therapist, the client works their way toward confronting their higher-level fears. An exposure hierarchy itself is a list of

What is a graded exposure hierarchy? Graded exposure: The psychologist helps the client construct an exposure fear hierarchy, in which feared objects, activities or situations are ranked according to difficulty. They begin with mildly or moderately difficult exposures, then progress to harder ones. Exposure or fear hierarchies are a CBT tool for the treatment of

What are examples of imaginal exposure? Imaginal exposure: Vividly imagining the feared object, situation or activity. For example, someone with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder might be asked to recall and describe his or her traumatic experience in order to reduce feelings of fear. Imaginal exposure therapy is when a person participates in a guided imagery session

What is the most effective treatment for social anxiety? Sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and venlafaxine ER (Effexor XR) are FDA-approved medications for social anxiety disorder. Non-medication treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups, may be helpful in relieving anxiety symptoms. “Well, we know that social anxiety disorder is linked to increased neural

What is social anxiety worksheet? The Exploring Social Anxiety worksheet is designed for the early stages of social anxiety treatment. This activity will provide your client with psychoeducation, and an opportunity for them to explore their own experience with social anxiety. Through CBT for social anxiety, people learn different ways of reacting to thoughts and

What are ACT exercises? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is about helping people to relate to their thoughts and feelings in a more flexible and effective ways and to focus their attention on living well, in line with their deepest values. Hayes (2005) describes six core processes of ACT: acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self