In psychology, exposure testing is a method of treating phobias and other anxiety disorders by gradually "exaggerating" the patient's fear of the object of concern. Exposure testing is one of the cognitive behavioral therapy methods for treating fear, anxiety and depression. This type of therapy can help people gain control over their emotions and behavior, as well as cope with phobias and anxiety disorders.
During an exposure test, the patient is confronted with an object that causes fear, without protective measures that could reduce the degree of disturbing emotions. The purpose of the test is to gradually increase the level of stress or anxiety, but gradually reduce the measure of artificial protection. Treatment begins by asking the patient to relax and prepare to face the stressful event. The person can then be asked to carry something as a control, such as a pillow or strap, to help keep them calm when confronted with the feared thing. A person should repeat the conversation with himself on the topic “I have nothing to be afraid of.” The person should then be asked to face the feared situation on their own, without any artificial obstacles in the form of protective equipment. The procedure continues until