Which components are core exposure-based CBT principles for phobias and PTSD?

Which components are core exposure-based CBT principles for phobias and PTSD?

• A. Cognitive restructuring without exposure.
• B. Medication management without exposure.
• C. Graduated exposure (in vivo or imaginal), modeling, and habituation; prolonged exposure for PTSD; aim to reduce avoidance and distress.
• D. Sleep hygiene as the sole intervention.

Answer: (C)

Exposure-based CBT for phobias and PTSD relies on systematic, controlled exposure to feared stimuli or memories to weaken fear and reduce avoidance. The key ingredients are graduated exposure (in vivo or imaginal), modeling, and habituation. Graduated exposure means starting with less distressing situations and gradually moving toward more challenging ones, so the anxiety can decline with repeated practice. In vivo exposure involves real-life encounters with the feared object or situation, while imaginal exposure uses vivid mental rehearsal of the feared scenario. Modeling supports learning by showing the client that approaching the feared stimulus is tolerable, which can lessen avoidance and build confidence. Habituation is the process by which anxiety decreases after repeated exposure as the fear response naturally subsides with continued contact with the feared cue. For PTSD, prolonged exposure extends this approach to include repeatedly recounting the traumatic event in a safe, therapeutic setting, which helps reshape the fear network and reduce distress linked to trauma memories and cues. The overarching goal is to decrease avoidance and distress so the person can re-engage with daily life. Other options omit these exposure elements and thus don’t align with exposure-based CBT.

Exposure-based CBT for phobias and PTSD relies on systematic, controlled exposure to feared stimuli or memories to weaken fear and reduce avoidance. The key ingredients are graduated exposure (in vivo or imaginal), modeling, and habituation. Graduated exposure means starting with less distressing situations and gradually moving toward more challenging ones, so the anxiety can decline with repeated practice. In vivo exposure involves real-life encounters with the feared object or situation, while imaginal exposure uses vivid mental rehearsal of the feared scenario. Modeling supports learning by showing the client that approaching the feared stimulus is tolerable, which can lessen avoidance and build confidence. Habituation is the process by which anxiety decreases after repeated exposure as the fear response naturally subsides with continued contact with the feared cue.

For PTSD, prolonged exposure extends this approach to include repeatedly recounting the traumatic event in a safe, therapeutic setting, which helps reshape the fear network and reduce distress linked to trauma memories and cues. The overarching goal is to decrease avoidance and distress so the person can re-engage with daily life.

Other options omit these exposure elements and thus don’t align with exposure-based CBT.