Prolonged Exposure Therapy Framework

Reducing anxiety through exposure

Problem it solves

Suboptimal health habits undermine energy, performance, and longevity; this framework provides specific evidence-based practices to build a sustainable physical and mental health foundation.

Best for

Those who have experienced traumatic events

Not ideal for

Those who have not experienced traumatic events

Overview

Why this framework exists

Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of therapy that involves exposing individuals to the things they fear or avoid in a controlled and safe environment. The goal of this therapy is to reduce anxiety and improve functioning.

Core principles

3 total

Exposure to the feared stimulus is necessary for reduction of anxiety.
The exposure should be done in a controlled and safe environment.
The individual should be supported and guided throughout the exposure process.

Steps

3 steps

Identify the feared stimulus
The feared stimulus is the thing that the individual fears or avoids. For example, a person with a fear of spiders may avoid looking at pictures of spiders or being in the same room as a spider.
Pro tipThe feared stimulus should be something that is specific and well-defined.
WarningThe feared stimulus should not be something that is too general or vague.
Create a hierarchy of exposure
The hierarchy of exposure is a list of situations or stimuli that the individual is afraid of, ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking. For example, a person with a fear of spiders may start by looking at pictures of spiders, then progress to being in the same room as a spider, and finally touch a spider.
Pro tipThe hierarchy should be tailored to the individual's specific fears and anxieties.
WarningThe hierarchy should not be too overwhelming or intimidating.
Begin exposure
The individual should begin exposure to the feared stimulus, starting with the least anxiety-provoking situation or stimulus. For example, a person with a fear of spiders may start by looking at pictures of spiders.
Pro tipThe exposure should be done in a controlled and safe environment.
WarningThe exposure should not be too intense or overwhelming.

Checklist

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Identify the feared stimulus
Create a hierarchy of exposure
Begin exposure

Examples

1 cases

Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD

A person with PTSD may undergo prolonged exposure therapy to reduce their anxiety and improve their functioning. The therapy may involve exposure to the things they fear or avoid, such as loud noises or crowded places.

OutcomeThe person may experience a reduction in anxiety and improvement in functioning as a result of the therapy.

Common mistakes

2 traps

Not creating a hierarchy of exposure

If a hierarchy of exposure is not created, the individual may become overwhelmed or anxious during the exposure process.

Not starting with the least anxiety-provoking situation or stimulus

If the individual starts with a situation or stimulus that is too anxiety-provoking, they may become overwhelmed or anxious and be unable to continue with the exposure process.