ABSTRACT
Exposure therapy is a central component in the treatment of the anxiety and related disorders. As a treatment, it involves extinguishing avoidant or escape behavior when in the presence of fear-provoking stimuli by repeatedly exposing the individual to fear-provoking stimuli in a therapeutic context. The aim is for the individual to no longer engage in maladaptive behaviors used to avoid or escape anxiety and, instead, engage in alternative, adaptive behaviors that are reinforced by the environment. This chapter provides an example of using systematic desensitization, a form of exposure therapy, to address the anxiety and school avoidance of a high school student.
