Using Exposure Therapy in Daily Life

Explanation:
Exposure therapy is a core behavioral intervention rooted in classical conditioning. It involves gradual, repeated exposure to feared stimuli to reduce emotional distress and avoidance behaviors. Through habituation and extinction, the fear response diminishes as individuals learn the feared stimulus is not actually dangerous.
Craske et al. (2014) highlight that incorporating exposure outside therapy (i.e., in daily life) strengthens learning because real‑world contexts reinforce non‑threat associations. This builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and interrupts the fear‑avoidance cycle.

Example:
Someone with social anxiety practices ordering coffee, asking for directions, or attending small gatherings to build mastery and decrease fear.

Citation:
Craske, M. G., et al. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10–23.