Exposure Therapy
A structured, evidence-based approach to breaking the cycle of avoidance and fear.
Exposure therapy is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments available for anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and specific phobias. It works by guiding you — gradually and at your own pace — to face the situations, thoughts, or memories that trigger distress, rather than continuing to avoid them. Avoidance provides short-term relief but keeps anxiety alive in the long run. Through repeated, supported exposures in a safe therapeutic environment, your nervous system learns that the feared outcome is unlikely or manageable, and your anxiety naturally decreases.
What We Help With
Our Approach
Exposure therapy is always collaborative and paced to what you can tolerate. We begin by building a clear picture of what triggers your anxiety and how avoidance has become part of your daily life. Together we create an exposure hierarchy — a step-by-step ladder of situations ordered from least to most distressing — and work through it at a pace that challenges you without overwhelming you.
For OCD, this often includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where you practice resisting the compulsive behaviors that temporarily relieve distress but reinforce the OCD cycle over time. For PTSD, we work in a trauma-informed way that always prioritizes your safety and sense of control. The goal is not to eliminate all anxiety, but to change your relationship with it so it no longer runs your life.
Meet the Therapists
Our team members who specialize in this area.
Dr. Hanna is an interactive, insight-oriented individual and couples therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in postpartum depression, relationship counseling, parenting, depression, and anxiety.
Virginia creates a safe, warm environment where clients feel truly heard. She specializes in depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, and exposure-based therapies, with a collaborative approach focused on meaningful, lasting change.
Margita is passionate about helping individuals, children, and couples find deeper self-understanding and personal growth. She takes a compassionate, collaborative approach to help clients reach their authentic goals.
Socorro brings over 10 years of therapeutic experience with adults, couples, children, and families. She uses a client-centered collaborative approach drawing on CBT, trauma-focused therapy, and attachment-based modalities.
Brittlin has experience with a wide range of ages, populations, and diagnoses. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can work toward positive change through a collaborative therapeutic process.
Esthela brings a personalized, trauma-informed approach and over 25 years in communications. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she specializes in anxiety, depression, and family counseling for Long Beach's diverse community.
Nicole believes that reaching out for support is one of the most courageous things you can do. She offers personalized, judgment-free therapy to adults, elderly individuals, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
Ready to begin?
Take the first step toward healing and growth. Request an appointment today.