4. Exposure And Response Prevention
This technique is often seen as a difficult but healthy challenge. The concept is for the patient to expose themself to usually triggering situations or fears, and work to control their usual response and replace it with a positive one. This method is most commonly known to be effective in patients diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
By facing these seemingly impossible challenges, they are forced to face what frightens them and create a response that solves the problem, rather than avoids it or react according to negative thoughts. These tasks are preferably discussed and prepared with a psychologist to generate suitable alternative responses to what the patient is accustomed to doing. Because a therapist knows what to look for in behaviors or compulsions, they will be able to guide the patient at a steady pace through this process. This method is also highly useful for documenting progress and data to see what works best for them.