Exposure therapy???

Im thinking about doing exposure therapy for a phobia I have... but I have never met or talked to anyone who has done it before.... anyone???

I was hoping someone who had had exposure therapy would answer before I stepped in, but not so far so I'm going to say what I know though it is not from my own personal experience.

I'm training to be a therapist. We just did a whole section on various exposure therapies for both anxiety disorders and PTSD. There's a range from desensitization to full prolonged exposure. Exposure therapies for phobias tend to be desensitization types, gradual steps toward getting you to be able to handle the anxiety created by the feared situation or thing(s). I myself have used exposure for PTSD, which used to be considered an anxiety disorder and has anxiety as a central symptom along with fear. It was hard but worked. The principles behind all exposure therapies are similar. And there's evidence showing they are effective. If you are ready for it, it is probably something worth doing.

Ahh finally someone answers lol.. I figured I didnt have a response to this possibly due to it being an anxiety related subject... the more im learning about my fear it seems its really more complex than I had realized. I also have ptsd but I dont think the two are related. But I definitely need to get over my fears. They affect me greatly more than I had realized. And im tired of it. Im just gonna talk to my therapist about it and see what he says. I go through a program at a university becuz of insurance so idk if they offer that sort of therapy there... we shall see

Im doing it as part of my therapy program. I don't know your circumstances but it is regarded as very effective for many forms of anxiety. The therapist I am seeing specializes in it although we are doing other things as well.
Its a very logical approach if you think about. Basically you are exposed to the thing, situation or irrational thinking pattern that you fear in a gradual manner to retrain your thought process not to be so anxious about it. (very basic explaination). A skilled therapist will know how to evaluate your fears and what pace and tasks that will eventually help you cope with them. At first it may not be a direct approach to your specific fear if the therapist and you feel it will be too much for you to cope with. So the process can be slow going and its important not to judge your progress, lack of it or even setbacks ( easier said than done lol!)
Hope that helps.

peace.

Yeah it does... I know how it works... I just dont know how to approach it based on what the fears are.. but I appreciate the feedback. Thank you

I would love to do exposure therapy. I'm scared of work, so mine would be gradually getting me to work and staying there.