What technique is commonly used in exposure therapy?

In exposure therapy, the technique of gradual confrontation of feared stimuli is fundamental. This approach involves systematically and progressively exposing a person to the things they fear in a controlled and therapeutic environment. The goal is to help individuals reduce their fear responses through repeated exposure, which leads to desensitization over time. By gradually increasing the intensity or proximity of the feared stimuli, clients can learn to manage and overcome their anxiety, leading to a decrease in avoidance behaviors.

This method is particularly effective for various anxiety disorders, including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As individuals confront their fears step by step, they start to experience a reduction in anxiety levels associated with those stimuli, solidifying new, more positive associations.

The other techniques mentioned, such as revising cognitive distortions, visualization of positive outcomes, and relaxation training and mindfulness, while valuable in their own contexts, do not specifically align with the core technique of exposure therapy. These may support therapeutic goals in different ways but do not encapsulate the primary mechanism that defines exposure therapy.