What psychological concept involves gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations?

The concept of gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations is known as exposure therapy. This therapeutic technique is grounded in the principles of behavioral psychology and is particularly effective for treating various anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

During exposure therapy, a patient is systematically and gradually exposed to the feared object or context without any danger to help them overcome their anxiety. This exposure can take place in vivo, where they confront the actual situation, or through imaginal exposure, where they visualize the feared scenario. The gradual increase in exposure helps desensitize the individual to the anxiety-inducing stimulus, making the situations less intimidating over time.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, while it may incorporate elements of exposure, focuses more broadly on modifying thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. Avoidance therapy, on the other hand, suggests avoiding anxiety-provoking situations altogether, which can reinforce fear rather than diminish it. Supportive therapy typically involves providing emotional support and reassurance rather than directly confronting fear or anxiety. Each of these approaches has its own purpose and application, but exposure therapy is specifically designed for the gradual confrontation of anxiety-inducing scenarios.