The Art of Exposure: Putting Science Into Practice

Behavioral exposure has been identified as an integral component of successful cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for youth with distressing anxiety. Despite the evidence supporting the efficacy of exposures, they are often underutilized in community settings. Although flexible implementation of exposures is recommended, specific guidelines on how to execute individualized exposures are largely lacking. The following paper outlines ways to adapt and tailor exposures to the individual presentation, translating the process into meaningful therapeutic gains. First, the article reviews creative methods to promote youth's motivation and engagement (e.g. through the use of games, technology, and other personalization strategies). Second, the paper outlines generalization of exposure into the child's daily life (e.g. at home, at school and overtime). The paper concludes with a discussion of areas for future exposure-related research.