Exposure therapy is a therapeutic technique commonly used to treat various anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The main goal of exposure therapy is to help individuals confront and overcome their fears by gradually exposing them to the feared object or context in a safe and controlled environment.
However, exposure therapy can be challenging, especially for trauma survivors. In some cases, it may trigger intense emotional and physiological reactions, including panic attacks. This is because revisiting traumatic memories or confronting feared situations can evoke a strong emotional response and activate the body’s stress response.
While exposure therapy is generally effective, it should be implemented carefully and collaboratively with the individual receiving treatment. Therapists often use a gradual and systematic approach, starting with less distressing stimuli and progressively moving towards more anxiety-provoking ones. This helps build tolerance and allows the individual to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with the emotional distress.
It’s important for therapists to assess the client’s readiness for exposure therapy and to regularly check in on their emotional well-being throughout the process. If exposure triggers a panic attack or overwhelming distress, therapists may need to adjust the pacing, modify the approach, or provide additional support and coping strategies.
In summary, exposure therapy can cause panic attacks for trauma survivors, but it is not necessarily a reason to avoid the therapy altogether. With proper assessment, planning, and support, exposure therapy can be a valuable tool in helping individuals overcome the effects of trauma.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 