In episode 10, Allison Aosved and I discussed exposure therapy for trauma, and the anti-exposure bias that we are seeing in the field.

Today, I want to dig a little deeper into the context of that conversation, the factors that are contributing to anti-exposure bias, and how opinion on theoretical orientation inevitably shifts and swings over time, and how concerns about retraumatization and vicarious trauma may be impacting therapists’ ability to truly help their clients heal.

Because my concern in the context of anti-exposure bias is that many people may be missing out on some of the potential transformative impact of trauma therapy when they don't have access to exposure-based methods that do utilize the narrative, and that access to these modalities is becoming increasingly limited.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How differences in generational cohorts may be influencing view on exposure-based modalities
• Why our field is so prone with pendulum swings of prevailing opinion on treatment and best practices
• Why therapeutic rupture and client buy-in may be major contributing factors to adverse experiences with exposure therapy
• How anti-exposure bias increases opportunities for avoidance and therapist-client collusion
• How clients’ positive outcomes influence the impact of vicarious trauma

Learn more about Riva Stoudt:

• Into the Woods Counseling
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Resources:

• A Therapist Can’t Say That Ep 10: Leave No Stone Unturned: The Healing Opportunity of Exposure Therapy with Allison Aosved
• Revolutionizing Trauma Treatment: Stabilization, Safety, & Nervous System Balance, Babette Rothschild