Exposures: What Are They?

     Exposure: psychotherapy that involves repeated real, visualized, or simulated exposure to or confrontation with a feared situation or object.

      This is a word I didn't know until we had a firm diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for my son about the age of 15.   It was introduced several to us in therapy to help my son overcome irrational fears he was currently dealing with.  If it is used properly with the right therapist, it can be greatly effective.  This technique has worked and proven successful in several areas for my son.   I will stress, however, that is has been successful with the right therapist who builds a relationship of  trust with your child.  We had a doctor mention exposure therapy years ago because my son had issues with germs, dirty hands, lots of hand washing, etc.  This doctor wanted to put him in a garbage dump.  That is not the kind of "exposure therapy"  that I am talking about! 

    Exposure therapy is a gradual confrontation of fear.  It takes time, diligence, and great patience.  We were blessed with a great therapist who not only worked with our son, but taught me how to use exposure properly help him.  The key to success, however, is not to over expose.  This can cause severe anxiety and stress that causes the functioning level of daily life to plummet.  For us, it's a constant evaluation of his stress levels everyday.  We are currently using some exposure techniques in weekly therapy.  These techniques also have to be done at home in between sessions.  It is much more difficult to do specific exposure targets at home, but it is vital to success in therapy.

 In our situation, I can quite honestly say, life brings my son exposure situations all day everyday.  Exposure to him can be as simply as going to store with too many people or a place he has never been.  Unexpected routine changes,  being in a new location in the city, or just being away from home are exposing my son to his irrational fears or  severe uncomfortable feelings that overwhelm him.  We have to push gently, sometimes not so gently, all the while balancing his anxiety levels.   Each exposure helps him gain accomplishments and achieve skills for a better quality of life. 

My experience has taught me, you know your child best and you have to live with them everyday.  You reap what happens if a therapist pushes too hard with exposures and increases anxiety to severe levels.  SPEAK UP.    Find someone who acknowledges you and your involvement and knowledge of your child's stress levels.  You are a vital part of a team!  Never let anyone tell you otherwise. 

Keep the goal in mind. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynne

Lynne