In Vivo Exposure Therapy

What is In Vivo Exposure Therapy?

In many different kinds of anxiety disorders, a person’s apprehension is triggered by a specific thing, place, or situation. In Vivo Exposure Therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy that is used to reduce the fear associated with these triggers. There are two different kinds of Exposure Therapy, including:

  • Flooding — this type of Exposure Therapy involves rapid exposure to feared situations.
  • Systematic Desensitization, also known as Progressive Exposure — this involves gradual exposure coupled with relaxation exercises when anxiety levels become too great.

How In Vivo Exposure Therapy Works

With the typical anxiety disorder, the patient suffers from disquieting signals in their brain that tell them something bad will happen as a result of a certain action or situation. For example, a person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may be convinced that they must wash their hands five times every time they use the bathroom. Perhaps they have a concern about germs and, in their mind, washing their hands less than five times will ensure they’re going to get sick. The intention of exposure therapy is to train the patient’s brain into a more accurate train of thought, so their anxiety system ceases to give misinformation.

This training is done through example. The patient is guided by the therapist into a situation where they will face their fears and anxieties without performing any rituals or the avoidance tactics they might normally use.

In Vivo Exposure Therapy Can Help Reduce Your Fears and Let You Live a Quality Life

Challenges and Rewards

Because this therapy takes such a direct approach to breaking the patient’s anxiety, it can be difficult for a person to endure. Many patients feel like their anxiety is increasing with every second they’re in the exposed situation. Because of this, therapists are trained to judge when the patient is at the point that they can no longer handle the stress that may go along with this treatment.

On the positive side, through In Vivo Exposure Therapy the patient begins to understand that the “consequences” of their anxieties are not reasonable. Using the above example, the sufferer of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may be guided to wash their hands only once after using the bathroom, instead of five times. Over the course of treatment, they come to understand that they will not get sick from washing their hands less than five times. The patient becomes conditioned to the situation they have feared and it no longer provokes their anxiety. We offer In Vivo exposure therapy in Delray Beach, FL and also across the United States via teletherapy.

Anxiety Disorders That May Require In Vivo Exposure Therapy Include:

Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.

Call 561-496-1094 or

Treatment Programs Specializing In:

Serving the whole person, not just the symptoms. In all of our programs your comfort, privacy and long-term success are paramount.

COVID-19 Trauma has become familiar to many people throughout the pandemic. If you’re experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression as a result of Corona virus learn about how our COVID-19 Trauma Treatment Program can help.

 

We offer online therapy to help people who are unable to leave their homes. Contact us and we will will schedule your confidential online assessment.

 

Helping people from all walks of life find deeper connection and understanding to create stronger and healthier relationships.

 

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. When you experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, overwhelming and disabling you may have an anxiety disorder.

 

Mood disorders represent a category of psychiatric disorders in which the underlying problem primarily affects a person’s persistent emotional state or mood. Mood disorders are made up of depressive types and bipolar types.

 
 
 

Children and adolescents experience normal problems of growing up due to pressures of social media, school, socializing, self esteem or family. Our youth services provide assistance in dealing with educational, social, and vocational issues.

 
 

The Trauma Institute provides highly specialized clinical services, informed by the latest cutting edge-research, for trauma survivors. We are an Institute dedicated to clinical services, community education, professional training, and research focused on trauma recovery.

 
 
 

Many children and adults who have weak executive functioning skills are negatively impacted in all areas of life but fortunately through assessment and intervention, executive skills can be strengthened and compensatory strategies can be learned.  When these skills are well developed, children and adults can better maximum their potential and future outcomes.

 
 

Families naturally go through stages and transitions across the lifespan. Family dynamics impact each individuals’ response to daily life and major events. Therapy can help families understand their complex and ever-changing dynamics. As the family becomes an expert in their processes, they will be able to use new skills to navigate each situation with love and respect for one another.

 
 
 

Types of Therapy

The Center offers cutting edge therapy designed to get you on the road to a speedy recovery. We will help you to learn how to live your daily life free from the fears or compulsions that inhibit you or your child’s ability to complete each day’s tasks.

More Ways to Get Help Now

The Center offers cutting edge therapy designed to get you on the road to a speedy recovery. We know that you can’t always make it into our office for your session. Which is why we now provide teletherapy. You can get support from the comfort of your own home. We offer cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness meditation, group therapy, and medication. Depending on your needs, here’s how you can get help now:

Online or Phone Therapy

For individuals around the country or those wanting help from the comfort of your own home, we offer therapy via Facetime, Skype or phone.

women getting treatment

In Person Treatment

We have professionals available 7 days a week. Our offices are conveniently located in the Boca/Delray area.

group of people talking

Intensive Outpatient Programs

For those who prefer a more short-term approach we offer intensive sessions for individuals or groups. Perfect for those with a less flexible work schedule.

When it comes to anxiety or mood disorders we specialize in treating the whole person, not just your symptoms. In all of our programs your comfort, privacy and long-term success are paramount.

Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.

Call 561-496-1094 or