Exposure Therapy in Scottsdale
Exposure Therapy in Scottsdale, Arizona
Instead of asking yourself why you feel stuck, consider this: Are you avoiding certain places, people or memories because they trigger anxiety or fear?
At Pathways Counseling Services, we provide Exposure Therapy in Scottsdale to help individuals overcome anxiety, trauma, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. As a result, this powerful and evidence-based approach helps you gradually face what you fear — with the compassionate guidance of a trained therapist.
Whether you avoid social situations, crowded spaces, or distressing memories, exposure therapy can help you build confidence and regain control. Our team is here to walk beside you, step by step, at a pace that feels right for you.
What Is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically designed to reduce fear and anxiety responses. Rather than avoiding triggers, clients learn to face them in a safe, supportive environment — and discover that their fears are often less threatening than they seem.
For example, someone afraid of flying might begin by imagining an airport. Over time, they may progress to visiting one, then eventually booking a flight. As exposure increases, anxiety typically decreases — and a sense of empowerment returns.
What Is Exposure Therapy Exactly?
Have you ever asked yourself what life might look like if you no longer avoided the people, places, or thoughts that trigger your fear? Exposure therapy is designed to help you find out.
At its core, exposure therapy helps individuals confront and reduce anxiety or fear through gradual, controlled exposure to distressing situations. Exposure therapy is based on a proven psychological principle: facing what you fear — rather than avoiding it — can reduce anxiety over time and restore a greater sense of control in your life.
How Exposure Therapy Works
Our licensed therapists in Scottsdale use a range of exposure therapy techniques, all tailored to your individual needs and comfort level. Depending on your situation, we may use one or more of the following:
- Imaginal Exposure: You’ll be guided to mentally visualize feared situations while processing thoughts, feelings, and body responses in a safe, therapeutic space.
- In Vivo Exposure: You gradually and systematically face real-life environments, situations, or triggers — with the support of your therapist at each step.
- Virtual Reality Exposure: For specific phobias like flying or public speaking, we may use immersive, computer-generated simulations to help you build confidence in a controlled setting.
Over time, each approach helps reduce your emotional and physical response to fear-inducing triggers. What once caused intense anxiety may become manageable — or even neutral.
Exposure Therapy and CBT: A Powerful Combination
Exposure therapy is often paired with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to enhance results. While exposure helps you gradually face your fears, CBT helps you understand, challenge, and reshape the negative thoughts that fuel them.
Together, they form a powerful and proven combination for long-term recovery. As a result, integrated approach targets both emotional and cognitive reactions — helping you reduce anxiety, rebuild confidence, and create lasting change.
Exposure Therapy Is Effective For:
- Phobias (e.g., flying, heights, needles, public speaking)
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Anxiety
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
According to research from the American Psychological Association and the National Library of Medicine, exposure therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and trauma-related disorders. In fact, it often outperforms traditional talk therapy for these conditions — especially when delivered by a trained, licensed therapist.
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Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming thoughts, relationship conflicts, or emotional ups and downs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides practical tools to help you regain control, shift your mindset, and move forward with confidence.
At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, Arizona, our licensed DBT- trained therapists offer a supportive, structure approach to emotional healing and long term growth. We’re here to meet you exactly where you are-with empathy, expertise, and a belief in your ability to change.
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In-person or telehealth sessions available across Arizona
Flexible scheduling for busy lives
Call 480-235-1682
You don’t have to do it alone. DBT can help you feel more in control, more connected, and more you.
Is Exposure Therapy Right for You?
Is Exposure Therapy Right for You?
Our Therapists
Sofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor | Nationally Certified Counselor Sofia Softas-Nall is a therapist in Scottsdale AZ and a Nationally Certified Co
Read MoreSofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor | EMDR Certified Therapist in Scottsdale, AZ Helping Adults, Teens, Couples. Trauma and Anxiety,
Read MoreStephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Chloe Cheek, MA, LAC Licensed Associate Counselor in Scottsdale AZ Modalities: teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and major life tran
Read MoreChloe Cheek, MA, LAC
Therapist
Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC Founder of Pathways Counseling Services
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and fear-based challenges. She is trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including exposure therapy, SBT and EMDR.
Stephanie believes in walking beside her clients with empathy, clarity, and clinical skill-offering a personalized approach to every individual. Her mission is to help you regain your confidence, reduce avoidance, and feel empowered again.
Outside the therapy room, Stephanie has been featured on. podcasts, radio shows, and panel discussions, where she speaks about trauma recover,, woman’s mental health, and practical therapy techniques.
Contact us today for your exposure therapy session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exposure Therapy
What is exposure therapy and how does it work?
Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that helps you gradually face and reduce fear or anxiety by confronting what you typically avoid. Over time, the fear response weakens, leading to increased confidence and freedom.
Is exposure therapy safe?
Yes — when done with a trained therapist, exposure therapy is safe and highly effective. The process is collaborative and paced according to your comfort and readiness.
What conditions can exposure therapy help treat?
Exposure therapy is used to treat anxiety disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, and panic disorder.
Will I be forced to confront my biggest fear right away?
No. Exposure therapy is structured in steps. You’ll begin with manageable scenarios and work your way up — always at a pace you help decide.
How many sessions does exposure therapy usually take?
The number of sessions varies based on your goals, but many clients begin to notice progress after 6–12 sessions.
Can exposure therapy be done through telehealth?
Yes. Many exposure techniques — especially imaginal and cognitive exposures — can be done effectively via telehealth. In-person options are also available at our Scottsdale office.
Does insurance cover exposure therapy?
Most major insurance plans cover exposure therapy as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We’re happy to verify your coverage and answer any billing questions.
Exposure Therapy
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