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.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Simple Phobias
Clinical Expertise and Clinical Focus
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.
Anxiety & Stress Disorders
If you are experiencing anxiety that is presistent, seemingly uncontrollable, overwhelming and disabling—it is time to seek help.
Mood Disorder
Mood Disorders are often marked by extreme and persistent highs and laws. With treatment options including psycholtherapy and medication, those suffering from this condition can find balance.
Psychological Trauma
We are dedicated to providing our patients with a variety of trauma-informed therapeutic offerings including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Psychological Testing
Our team uses leading diagnostic tools to create treatment plans for patients or offer a second opinion.
What We Treat
- Panic Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias
- Virtual Reality
- Health Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Phase of Life Adjustment Anxiety
- Trauma Institute
- Hoarding
- Insomnia
- Separation Anxiety
- Childhood Anxiety
- Grief/Loss
- Psychosomatic Disorders
- Stress Disorders
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Substance Abuse/Alcohol Abuse
- ADD/ADHD
- Eating Disorders
- Menopausal Anxiety
- Other addictions and disorders
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.
Mindfulness Training
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Exposure Therapy
Group Therapy
Intensive Outpatient
Medication Management
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.
In Person Treatment
We have professionals available 7 days a week. Our offices are conveniently located in the Boca/Delray area.
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.