Exposure Therapy

 

At Hampstead Psychology, we offer Exposure Therapy as a proven, evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, phobias, and trauma-related difficulties. This approach helps individuals face and overcome their fears in a safe, structured, and supportive environment—without avoidance or excessive reliance on safety behaviours.

 

How Exposure Therapy Works

Anxiety is often maintained through avoidance. While avoidance may bring short-term relief, it reinforces the sense that the feared situation is dangerous—leading to a cycle of anxiety, restriction, and distress. Exposure Therapy helps to break this cycle. Working with your psychologist, you’ll gradually and systematically face feared situations, sensations, or thoughts—building tolerance and reducing fear over time. As confidence grows, anxiety tends to reduce, and life becomes more flexible and fulfilling.

This method is used alone or as part of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), depending on the individual’s needs.

 

What Exposure Therapy Can Help With

Our experienced clinical psychologists use Exposure Therapy to help clients experiencing:

• Phobias (e.g., flying, heights, needles, driving)

• Social anxiety and fear of judgement

• Panic attacks and agoraphobia

• Health anxiety or contamination fears

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive thoughts and avoidance behaviours

 

Private Exposure Therapy with Expert Psychologists in London

Exposure Therapy is particularly suited to professionals who feel limited by fear or avoidance, yet are motivated to regain control of their lives. At Dr Stuart Psychologists, we work in a collaborative, step-by-step way—always balancing challenge with compassion.

We deliver therapy discreetly and flexibly, with sessions available in person or online.

 

Take the next step

Contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced psychologists, and learn how Exposure Therapy can help you reclaim your life.

 

We tailor treatment to each individual, drawing on a range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), EMDR, and other specialist therapies. Or see other pages related to exposure therapy here health anxiety, stress and burnout and PTSD and trauma.