What does exposure therapy involve?

Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment designed primarily to help individuals confront their fears and anxieties in a structured and systematic way. The process specifically involves gradual exposure to feared stimuli, which allows individuals to face their fears in a controlled and supportive environment. This method helps to reduce anxiety responses over time as individuals become desensitized to the stimuli associated with their fears.

By gradually introducing the feared object or situation, clients can learn that their anxiety will diminish as they face their fears rather than avoiding them. This leads to a decrease in the overall anxiety response. The gradual approach is critical because it helps build confidence and coping strategies without overwhelming the individual, making the therapy effective and manageable.

In contrast, immediate confrontation of all fears can lead to increased anxiety and distress rather than reducing them. Relaxation techniques can be beneficial in conjunction with exposure therapy, but they are not the primary focus of this therapeutic approach. Discussing fears in a group setting can provide support, but it does not constitute exposure therapy as it does not involve direct confrontation with feared stimuli. Thus, the correct answer highlights the core principle of exposure therapy, which is the gradual exposure to feared stimuli to aid in diminishing anxiety responses.