exposure Therapy - exposure Response Prevention

FAQs About Exposure Therapy & Exposure Counseling

How do I schedule an Exposure Therapy and Exposure counseling appointment?

You can schedule either in-person therapy at our Montclair office or online sessions (available in NJ, NC, FL, and UT)

• .📅 Book Appointment Online – All appointments must be booked online.

📍 Office location:

 Mountains Therapy

 51 Upper Montclair Plaza, Suite 18

 Montclair, NJ 07043

What is an example of exposure therapy?

An example is gradually helping someone with a fear of flying by first talking about airplanes, then visiting an airport, and eventually taking short flights until the fear decreases.



What are examples of exposure therapy?

Common examples include:

• Gradually facing social situations if you have social anxiety
• Touching a “contaminated” object if you have OCD without washing your hands
• Listening to trauma-related sounds in a safe setting for PTSD treatment

What is a good example of exposure?

A good example is someone with a dog phobia first looking at pictures of dogs, then watching dogs from a distance, and eventually petting one.

What is an example of exposure and response prevention (ERP)?

For OCD, ERP might involve touching a doorknob and resisting the urge to immediately wash hands, allowing anxiety to decrease naturally over time.

Which of the following is a type of exposure therapy?

Types of exposure therapy include:

• In vivo exposure (real-life situations)
• Imaginal exposure (visualizing feared scenarios)
• Interoceptive exposure (exposing oneself to feared physical sensations, like increased heart rate)
• Virtual reality exposure (using VR to face fears safely)

What are the 5 types of exposure?

The five are: in vivo, imaginal, interoceptive, virtual reality, and flooding (intense, prolonged exposure).

What are the 4 methods of exposure?

The four methods often used are: graded exposure, systematic desensitization, flooding, and ERP (exposure with response prevention).

What are the 4 principles of exposure therapy?

The four guiding principles are:

1. Confronting feared situations instead of avoiding them
2. Staying in the situation until anxiety decreases
3. Repeating exposures regularly for long-term effect
4. Progressing gradually from easier to harder challenges

What are the 4 factors of exposure?

In therapy, four key factors are: frequency, duration, intensity, and variety of exposures — all of which impact effectiveness.

How do I do exposure therapy?

Exposure therapy in Montclair, NJ is best done with a trained therapist. It involves creating a fear hierarchy, starting with mild triggers, and gradually working up to more difficult exposures.

Can I do exposure therapy on my own?

While self-help exposure can sometimes work, professional guidance is recommended to ensure exposures are safe, gradual, and effective.

How to do exposure therapy by yourself?

If attempting alone, start small, repeat exposures often, and avoid safety behaviors (like distraction). Still, therapy support is strongly advised.

Can you do exposure and response prevention (ERP) on your own?

ERP is especially challenging without guidance. Many with OCD benefit from a structured plan with a therapist in Montclair, NJ.

Do I need a therapist for exposure therapy?

Yes. While self-directed exposure can help mild fears, working with a therapist ensures exposures are safe, supportive, and tailored to your goals.

When is exposure therapy not recommended?

Exposure therapy may not be appropriate for individuals with severe dissociation, untreated psychosis, or certain medical conditions triggered by stress.

Who should not do exposure therapy?

Those unable to tolerate distress or with unstable medical conditions may not be good candidates until stabilized.

When not to do exposure therapy?

It should not be done during active substance use, untreated trauma crisis, or when the client lacks coping tools to handle anxiety.

What are the disadvantages of exposure therapy?

Some disadvantages include:

• Initial anxiety may feel overwhelming
• Dropout rates can be higher if exposures feel too intense
• Requires consistency and practice outside sessions

Why does exposure therapy not work for some people?

It may not work if exposures are too short, too easy, or inconsistent. It also requires willingness to feel discomfort for long-term gain.

Can you overdo exposure therapy?

Yes. Doing exposures that are too intense, too often, or without guidance can backfire and increase fear.

Why do people drop out of exposure therapy?

Some drop out because exposures feel too distressing, progress feels slow, or they lack support. A therapist in Montclair, NJ helps keep the process safe and manageable.

What is exposure therapy and how can it help?

Exposure therapy is a structured treatment that helps people gradually face their fears in a safe, controlled way. Over time, it reduces anxiety by desensitizing the brain to feared situations and teaching healthier coping strategies.

What are the signs that I may need exposure therapy?

You may benefit from exposure therapy if you:

• Avoid situations, places, or activities due to fear
• Experience persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life
• Have panic attacks or extreme distress in feared situations
• Feel stuck despite trying other coping strategies

What are the different types of exposure therapy available?

• In Vivo Exposure – Facing fears in real-life situations
• Imaginal Exposure – Visualizing feared scenarios in detail
• Interoceptive Exposure – Simulating physical sensations of anxiety
• Virtual Reality Exposure – Using technology to create safe, controlled exposures

How do I find the right therapist for exposure therapy in Montclair, NJ?

Look for a licensed therapist trained in exposure-based treatments. At Mountains Therapy, our clinicians provide tailored exposure therapy and counseling for anxiety, OCD, phobias, and trauma.

What should I expect during an exposure therapy session in Montclair, NJ?

Sessions include:

• Discussing fears and triggers
• Building a gradual exposure hierarchy
• Learning coping techniques like mindfulness or breathing
• Engaging in structured exposure exercises at a manageable pace

Is exposure therapy effective in treating all types of anxiety disorders?

Yes. Exposure therapy is highly effective for phobias, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

How long does it take to see results from exposure therapy?

Results vary, but many people notice improvement within a few weeks to a few months, depending on anxiety severity and consistency of practice.

Are there any potential side effects of exposure therapy?

It’s normal to experience temporary discomfort or increased anxiety during exposures. With professional guidance, these symptoms decrease over time as confidence builds.

Can I combine medication with exposure therapy?

Yes. Many individuals benefit from combining exposure therapy with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor for additional support.

Can exposure therapy help with panic attacks?

Yes. By practicing exposure to feared sensations and triggers, individuals can learn to manage and reduce panic attacks over time.

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and how does it address anxiety?

CBT helps change negative thought patterns that maintain anxiety. Exposure therapy is a core component of CBT that allows individuals to face fears safely and reduce avoidance behaviors.

Are there specific therapies for social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder?

Yes. For social anxiety, exposure therapy involves practicing gradual social interactions. For generalized anxiety, it focuses on facing uncertainty and reducing avoidance of worry triggers.

How do I know if my anxiety is severe enough to start therapy?

If anxiety interferes with daily life, relationships, work, or causes significant distress, exposure therapy can help — regardless of severity.

Can exposure therapy be effective for teens?

Yes. Exposure therapy is highly effective for teens with anxiety, phobias, or OCD, helping them build resilience, coping skills, and confidence.

Are there any alternative or complementary therapies for anxiety?

Yes. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes can complement exposure therapy for a more holistic approach.

What coping strategies can I learn in exposure therapy?

• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques
• Cognitive restructuring to challenge anxious thoughts
• Mindfulness to stay present during exposures
• Gradual exposure to reduce avoidance behaviors

Can exposure therapy help with insomnia and sleep?

Yes. By lowering overall anxiety, exposure therapy can improve sleep patterns, reduce nighttime worry, and decrease anxiety-related insomnia.