Treatment of Phobias... in One Session?
David Tolin
Research shows that exposure therapy is an effective and efficient treatment for phobias. Exposure refers to gradually facing frightening situations in a controlled manner until they stop triggering fear.
Exposure therapy works by helping people learn that their feared situations are not as bad as they thought, that feared outcomes are not likely to occur, and that they are capable of handling anxiety.
In some cases, we can even use virtual reality technology to help with exposure. For example, people who are afraid to fly might be taken on a series of "virtual" or simulated flights before trying the real thing.
Exposure therapy is extremely effective for the majority of people who receive it. In fact, well-conducted studies have shown that even a single session of exposure, lasting between 1-3 hours, can lead to significant improvement. In one such study, 90% of people who had received single-session exposure therapy were still significantly improved 4 years after the treatment—and 65% were judged to have recovered completely [Source: Öst, L.G. (1989). One-session treatment for specific phobias. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 27, 1-7].
To obtain more information about the Phobia Program, please call 860-545-7685 or visit https://www.harthosp.org/InstituteOfLiving/AnxietyDisordersCenter/Treatment/Referral/default.aspx to refer a patient.
David F. Tolin, Ph.D., ABPP
Director, Anxiety Disorders Center
The Institute of Living
Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Yale University School of Medicine
200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
phone (860) 545-7685
fax (860) 545-7156
www.drtolin.com
www.instituteofliving.org/adc