Seven: “Exposure Therapy”
"Exposure Therapy": 24 x 36 x 0.75 inches - Framed
As Ansel acquires more confidence about possessing the ability to cognitively change his own mind, he begins to warm to the idea of embarking on a journey of exposure therapy.
He begins with a series of relaxation techniques. Ansel develops an understanding of deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery as ways to manage his ongoing and persistent anxiety responses. As he builds a solid foundation of relaxation skills, Ansel will seek out a gradual exposure component of the therapy.
"Exposure Therapy": 24 x 36 x 0.75 inches - Framed
Ansel first addresses his general fear of people and crowds. He starts by visiting a local park on a weekday morning while less crowded. Ansel sits on a bench and observes the people walking by, gradually moving closer to the path as his anxiety subsides. Over several sessions, Ansel progresses to crowded stores, restaurants, and even attends a newly released movie in an actual movie theater.
Ansel’s ambitions gained momentum to the extent he began to feel strongly that he would be capable of addressing his general fear of air travel. He began with exposure to flight-related stimuli, such as watching airplane videos, reading about aviation, and visiting an airport to observe planes taking off and landing. As Ansel's comfort level increased, he moved to more immersive experiences. He was able to arrange instances with the local regional airport where was able to sit in an airplane without taking off, then to board a short flight, and finally to take a longer flight to a destination he had always wanted to visit. He lived.
"Exposure Therapy": 24 x 36 x 0.75 inches - Framed
Throughout the exposure therapy process, Ansel faced his fears head-on, gradually confronting his anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. With each exposure, he learned his fears were often exaggerated and he was capable of managing his anxiety responses. Over time, Ansel hopes the confidence he is gaining around stress management will continue to diminish the persistence of intrusive thoughts to the extent his unwelcome companion is entirely evicted from his mind.