On this episode of Sanity, Dr. Jason Duncan and Dr. Amanda Loerinc Guinyard discuss a new model of exposure treatment called the inhibitory learning model. Traditionally, exposure therapy was believed to work due to habituation, or the diminishing of a response to the feared or anxiety-provoking stimulus. Dr. Loerinc Guinyard describes how recent research suggests exposure therapy works because an individual is learning the previously feared stimuli no longer produces an anxiety response, known as the inhibitory learning model. Another aspect of this model includes an individual learning even if they are in an anxiety-provoking situation, they can tolerate and cope with those emotions. Positive Affect Treatment, a new therapy developed in part by Dr. Loerinc Guinyard, is also covered. This therapy is a transdiagnostic approach, meaning it can be useful for a number of different disorders, and its focus, not surprisingly, is on increasing positive emotional experiences, thoughts, and enhancing compassion. This is a great episode for those wanting to learn more about new therapeutic approaches and models!

Resource:

CBT Center of Boston:

http://www.cbtcenterboston.com/

Concord Center in Massachusetts: 

https://www.concordcbt.com/

Treatments that Work Series

https://global.oup.com/academic/content/series/t/treatments-that-work-ttw/?cc=us&lang=en&

ABCT (Find a Therapist)

https://www.findcbt.org/FAT/

Academy of Cognitive Therapy (Find a Therapist)

https://www.academyofct.org/search/custom.asp?id=4410

Anything written by Michelle Craske: https://www.psych.ucla.edu/faculty-page/mcraske/

Social Media Information:

Website: https://www.cbtcenterboston.com/about

Instagram: @amandaloerincguinyard

Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)