One concept of emotion that affects humans in a variety of ways is fear. Personal fears can range anywhere between being fearful while watching a horror movie to intense cases of phobias and anxiety disorders. To better understand how to conquer these intense fears, I investigated the method of exposure therapy.
Exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment for anxiety. Through this process, a patient is exposed to their worst fears, and the repeated exposure leads to a gradual decline in the negative emotions associated with the fear. This method is a significant treatment used by therapists all over the world and has had lifelong impacts on patients.
One of my greatest fears is heights. I find that this fear affects me most when I'm climbing steep stairs that are high up (such as in a stadium) or when I am on a ride that is gradually getting higher (such as the first hill of a rollercoaster). One way I think I could get over my fear is to go skydiving. Exposure to extreme heights would force me to face my fear.
In the video "Intensive Exposure Therapy" on YouTube, ABC News presents a special story on a woman receiving exposure therapy to help cure her agoraphobia. Through guided exposure to things like elevators and subways, the woman is able to conquer her fear and reduce her anxiety. It is interesting to see the psychology concept of exposure therapy in action. Although all people must deal with fear, it is helpful to know there are ways to get help if the problem becomes too serious.
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