Exposure Therapy

Facing Fears, Reclaiming Freedom

Exposure therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for anxiety, OCD, phobias, panic disorder, PTSD, and related concerns. At its core, this approach helps you gradually face the thoughts, sensations, or situations you fear—so you can reduce avoidance, rebuild confidence, and live with greater freedom and flexibility.

Avoidance may provide short-term relief, but it often reinforces fear in the long run. Exposure therapy offers a different path: helping your brain learn that discomfort is tolerable, uncertainty is survivable, and feared outcomes rarely occur—or can be managed if they do. Exposure therapy is challenging—but deeply empowering.

Dr. Lauren Helm specializes in several exposure therapy approaches, including:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is the gold-standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and also supports related concerns like phobias, health anxiety, and panic. ERP involves intentionally and gradually confronting obsessional fears while resisting the urge to engage in compulsions, rituals, or avoidance behaviors.

With guidance and support, you’ll:

• Identify triggers, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive patterns

• Build a personalized exposure hierarchy

• Learn to tolerate distress and uncertainty without engaging in rituals

• Break the cycle of avoidance and reduce the power of intrusive thoughts

• Regain a sense of control, flexibility, and alignment with your values

Prolonged Exposure (PE)
PE is a highly effective exposure-based therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It helps you process traumatic memories and reduce the intense fear, avoidance, or emotional numbing that may follow trauma.

PE includes:

• Gradual, supported exposure to trauma memories through imaginal retelling

• In vivo exposure to safe but avoided situations or reminders

• Reprocessing beliefs tied to trauma in a safe, structured way

• A return to a fuller, more engaged life

Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of evidence-based treatment for anxiety, OCD, phobias, and panic disorder. At Rise Psychology, Dr. Lauren Helm uses tailored exposure techniques—including ERP and Prolonged Exposure (PE)—to help clients gradually face feared situations and build confidence in their ability to cope.