Chapter 17 - Obstacles to successful implementation of exposure therapy

Abstract

Exposure therapy is an effective primary intervention for the treatment of specific phobias, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder, and acute stress disorder. The efficacy of cognitive–behavior programs in which exposure is a major component for the treatment of panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and generalized anxiety disorder has also evidences. However, few therapists use exposure therapy in treating their clients with anxiety disorders. In considering obstacles to clinicians' use of exposure therapy, there are two different types of barriers. First, the majority of therapists simply do not use evidence-based treatments such as exposure therapy, even when they are aware of their existence. Second, implementing exposure therapy in an effective or optimal manner is often easier said than done. Even when the exposure therapist has the benefit of good training and detailed treatment manuals, many clients with anxiety disorders present significant challenges in therapy.