Exposure Therapy

Exposure Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral treatment that gradually exposes individuals to feared objects, situations, or memories to reduce fears, anxieties, and phobias to respond with less distress over time.

Start Today!

Availability

In-person or via telehealth

In person or via telehealth, depending on therapist availability.

Booking

1-2 weeks

Appointments can usually be scheduled within 1–2 weeks, with some providers offering sooner for urgent needs.

Duration

50-60 minutes

Sessions typically
last 50–60 minutes.

How Can These Exposure Therapy Techniques Improve Your Life?

Reduce avoidance behaviors that limit your daily functioning and enjoyment of life.

Decrease anxiety and panic symptoms by helping your brain unlearn fear responses.

Build confidence and resilience as you face and overcome fears in a controlled, supportive environment.

Where Can I Take This Treatment and How?

Exposure Therapy is available at multiple convenient locations, including our Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Southwest Florida (SWFL) offices.

Not located near one of our offices or prefer meeting remotely? We also offer telehealth sessions to anyone located anywhere in Florida, so you can access support from the comfort of your home.

Ready to take the next step? Call us at 239-537-9646 or Fill out our Scheduling Form to get started today.

We accept insurance

We accept major commercial insurance providers and Medicaid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Exposure Therapy

What is Exposure Therapy?

Exposure Therapy is a behavioral treatment that helps you confront feared situations, memories, or sensations gradually and safely to reduce anxiety and avoidance.

Exposure Therapy has roots in behavioral psychology dating back to the 1950s and 60s, with key contributors like Joseph Wolpe, who developed systematic desensitization.

  • Phobias (e.g., heights, spiders, flying)

  • Social anxiety disorder

  • Panic disorder and agoraphobia

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Specific fears (e.g., medical procedures, driving)

It helps you overcome fear and avoidance, enabling fuller participation in work, relationships, and activities, and reduces distressing anxiety symptoms.

Sessions may include:

  • Developing a fear hierarchy (a list of feared situations ranked by difficulty)
  • Gradual, repeated exposure to feared stimuli (in vivo, imaginal, or virtual reality)
  • Teaching coping strategies such as relaxation or mindfulness
  • Tracking progress and adjusting exposure intensity over time

You’ll work closely with your therapist to confront fears at a manageable pace. While exposure can feel uncomfortable at times, it is done safely and with support, aiming for long-term relief.

Many clients experience significant improvement within 8–20 sessions, depending on the severity and complexity of the fear or anxiety.

It is effective for most individuals but may require modifications for children, people with severe trauma, or certain medical conditions. Your therapist will assess suitability during intake.

Getting started is simple. Just complete our Scheduling Form or give us a call at 239-537-9646.

Our team will match you with a therapist skilled in exposure techniques and guide you through the process of scheduling your first appointment.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.