Psychologists Off the Clock

313. ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety with Brian Pilecki and Brian Thompson

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In the treatment of anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD, exposure therapy has long been recognized as the gold standard. But what if there was an even more powerful approach to confronting your fears or trauma?

For this episode, we welcome two esteemed guests, Dr. Brian Thompson and Dr. Brian Pilecki to uncover the transformative impact of blending traditional exposure therapy with the principles of ACT.

Through practical examples from their groundbreaking book, ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety, we learn about the significance of acceptance, values, and how clinicians can incorporate ACT concepts into exposure sessions, emphasizing the power of creativity and psychological flexibility in the therapeutic process. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of cutting-edge anxiety interventions. Tune in for an experience that could radically change your relationship with anxiety forever!


Listen and Learn: 
  • What is traditional exposure therapy?
  • Why choose ACT-informed exposure therapy over traditional exposure therapy?
  • The impact of psychological flexibility 
  • How those who experience anxiety disorders may get caught up in rule-governed behavior 
  • How rule-governed behaviors are undermined by ACT-informed exposure
  • What exactly is creative hopelessness, and how is it applied to ACT-informed exposure for anxiety?
  • Is there a structure to ACT-informed exposure?
  • Examples of how exposure therapy incorporates ACT principles
  • The common obstacles that can show up for a client or therapist when doing ACT-informed exposure 


    • Resources: 
    • Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.
    • Brian Thompson, Ph.D
    • The Cruelest Cure - New York Times article by Lauren Slater
    • Act-Informed Exposure for Anxiety: Creating Effective, Innovative, and Values-Based Exposures Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Brian L. Thompson, Brian C. Pilecki and Joanne C. Chan 
    • Altered States of Context Podcast


      • Related Episodes: 
      • 77. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Jill Stoddard
      • 287. Think, Act, Be with Seth Gillihan
      • 212. Stuff That’s Loud with Lisa Coyne & Ben Sedley
      • 188. Unwinding Anxiety with Judson Brewer
      • 181. Stop Avoiding Stuff with Matt Boone
      • 121. Be Mighty with Jill Stoddard
      • 309. Language of Emotions with Karla McClaren

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        Psychologists Off the ClockBy Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily Edlynn
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