Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Phobias

Exposure therapy gradually helps you face fears in a safe, controlled environment in California. It's highly effective for phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety.

Exposure Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Exposure Therapy

What is Exposure Therapy and How Does It Treat Phobias?

Find out how exposure therapy gradually helps you face fears in a safe environment to overcome phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety.

Key Benefits

Eliminates Phobias and Fears

Overcome limiting fears that prevent you from living fully

Increases Life Freedom

Participate fully in activities you've been avoiding due to fear

Builds Confidence Gradually

Take small, manageable steps that build lasting courage and self-assurance

Expands Life Opportunities

Open doors to new experiences, careers, and relationships previously limited by fear

Treatment Goals

Fear Elimination

Completely eliminate phobias and fears that limit your life experiences

Confidence Building

Gradually increase your self-assurance through successful exposure to feared situations

Systematic Desensitization

Gradually reduce fear responses through carefully planned, progressive exposure exercises

Mastery Experience

Build confidence through successful accomplishments that prove you can overcome challenges

person in black long sleeve shirt holding babys feet
person in black long sleeve shirt holding babys feet
person in black long sleeve shirt holding babys feet

What is Exposure Therapy and How It Overcomes Fears?

Find out how gradual, controlled exposure to fears helps you overcome phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety

The Process

The Process

The Process

1

1

Fear Assessment and Hierarchy Development

Identify specific fears and rank them from least to most anxiety-provoking for gradual exposure

2

2

Relaxation Training and Coping Skills

Master basic relaxation skills that will support you during gradual fear exposure

3

3

Graduated Exposure Implementation

Start facing your fears gradually in real-life situations while using relaxation techniques for support

4

4

Mastery Practice and Confidence Building

Practice facing your biggest fears with confidence and independence, proving to yourself you can overcome anything

5

5

Fear-Free Living and Life Expansion

Live without fear limitations and expand into new opportunities, experiences, and personal growth

woman in red blazer holding white paper
woman in red blazer holding white paper
woman in red blazer holding white paper

Techniques Used

Scientific Background

Historical Development

Techniques Used

Systematic Desensitization

Gradually expose yourself to feared situations in a controlled way while staying relaxed

Graded Exposure Hierarchy

Create a step-by-step plan for facing fears, starting with least threatening and building to most challenging

In-Vivo Exposure Practice

Face your fears in real-world situations while applying relaxation techniques for support and confidence

Flooding Therapy

Face your most intense fears all at once in a controlled environment to rapidly overcome phobias

Techniques Used

Scientific Background

Historical Development

Techniques Used

Systematic Desensitization

Gradually expose yourself to feared situations in a controlled way while staying relaxed

Graded Exposure Hierarchy

Create a step-by-step plan for facing fears, starting with least threatening and building to most challenging

In-Vivo Exposure Practice

Face your fears in real-world situations while applying relaxation techniques for support and confidence

Flooding Therapy

Face your most intense fears all at once in a controlled environment to rapidly overcome phobias

Techniques Used

Scientific Background

History

Techniques Used

Systematic Desensitization

Gradually expose yourself to feared situations in a controlled way while staying relaxed

Graded Exposure Hierarchy

Create a step-by-step plan for facing fears, starting with least threatening and building to most challenging

In-Vivo Exposure Practice

Face your fears in real-world situations while applying relaxation techniques for support and confidence

Flooding Therapy

Face your most intense fears all at once in a controlled environment to rapidly overcome phobias

Typical Exercises

Typical Exercises

Typical Exercises

Fear Ladder Construction

Create a step-by-step hierarchy of fears ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking for gradual exposure

Relaxation Before Exposure

Practice relaxation techniques before exposure exercises to build confidence and reduce anticipatory anxiety

Real-World Fear Practice

Apply exposure techniques in real-world situations while using coping skills for support and confidence

Confidence Building Challenge

Take on increasingly challenging exposure situations to prove to yourself you can overcome any fear

Testimonials

100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating

  • Justin M.

    It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!

    Cielo P.

    I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.

    Ricky M.

    I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.

    Jessa R.

    Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍

    Quinton H.

    My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.

    Chris M

    Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!

  • Cal B.

    I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.

    Anne B.

    Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.

    Rebecca H.

    FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.

    Jessica S.

    My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!

    Aileen D.

    Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.

    Yesenia G.

    I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support

Testimonials

100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating

  • Justin M.

    It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!

    Cielo P.

    I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.

    Ricky M.

    I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.

    Jessa R.

    Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍

    Quinton H.

    My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.

    Chris M

    Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!

  • Cal B.

    I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.

    Anne B.

    Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.

    Rebecca H.

    FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.

    Jessica S.

    My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!

    Aileen D.

    Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.

    Yesenia G.

    I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support

Testimonials

100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating

  • Justin M.

    It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!

    Cielo P.

    I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.

    Ricky M.

    I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.

    Jessa R.

    Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍

    Quinton H.

    My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.

    Chris M

    Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!

  • Cal B.

    I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.

    Anne B.

    Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.

    Rebecca H.

    FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.

    Jessica S.

    My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!

    Aileen D.

    Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.

    Yesenia G.

    I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support

Common Questions

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.

Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?

What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?

What types of therapy services do you offer?

How flexible are your scheduling options?

Common Questions

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.

Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?

What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?

What types of therapy services do you offer?

How flexible are your scheduling options?

Common Questions

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.

Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?

What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?

What types of therapy services do you offer?

How flexible are your scheduling options?

Not Sure If We're the Right Fit?

Take Our 3-Minute Quiz

Quick & Confidential Assessment

Find out in just 3 minutes if our approach matches your needs and lifestyle.

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Not Sure If We're the Right Fit?

Take Our 3-Minute Quiz

Quick & Confidential Assessment

Find out in just 3 minutes if our approach matches your needs and lifestyle.

Zero Pressure, Zero Commitment

Get personalized recommendations with no obligation to book anything.

Not Sure If We're the Right Fit?

Take Our 3-Minute Quiz

Quick & Confidential Assessment

Find out in just 3 minutes if our approach matches your needs and lifestyle.

Zero Pressure, Zero Commitment

Get personalized recommendations with no obligation to book anything.