10 Ways to Maximize Exposure Therapy & ERP

Exposure Therapy and ERP are the most successful treatment methods we have in treating OCD, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Agoraphobia, and other conditions.
DO YOU NEED MORE HELP WITH EXPOSURES & ERP?
👉🏼 If you are tired of your OCD and need help treating it with ERP so that you can feel better, I can help you.
Find out more about my course for OCD here:
paigepradko.com/ocd.
👉🏼 Here is a link to a FREE SELF ASSESSMENT for OCD:
www.paigepradko.com/ocdquiz
👉🏼 Here is a GIFT for you. A PDF for The Top 10 Things to Know to Practice ERP for OCD, Phobias & Anxiety:
www.paigepradko.com/erp
👉🏼 I have more help coming for agoraphobia and panic disorder and help with exposures.
You can sign up for my newsletter here: paigepradko.com
Recently, I worked with a client with severe OCD. He successfully completed an ERP Exposure Therapy Treatment and was overjoyed with his success. He terminated treatment once he met his challenging treatment goals. What happened next shocked us both.
Here is a FREE PDF gift for you to help you with your Exposures and Response Prevention ERP.
The Top 10 Things you Need to Know to Practice ERP: Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD, Phobias and Anxiety
www.paigepradko.com/erp
#PaigePradko, #OCDwithPaige, #ExposureTherapy, #howtodoexposuretherapy, #exposures, #Exposureforanxiety, #exposureforphobia, #exposureforAgoraphobia, #howtodoexposuresforphobia, #howtodoexposuresforagoraphovbia, #howtodoexposuresforpanic, #exposureforfears, #howtodoexposureforptsd, #howtodoexposuresforsocialanxiety, #calmseriesforanxiety
Just a few months later, his obsessions and compulsions were back, just as powerful as before treatment. What happened? This started a very important process of discovery for me. Why is exposure ineffective at times? What causes exposures to revert back to pretreatment levels? Is exposure therapy flawed at it’s core? Is it possible to conduct exposure therapy that is successful and sticks?
I dug into the most current research published about exposure therapy and how to maximize it’s effectiveness. Although, exposure therapy is not perfect, I learned how to make it more effective and how to give it the best foundation to last long term in a person’s life. In this video, I share what I have learned to help make your exposure therapy stick through the challenges of every day life and other challenges that can threaten to steal your growth.
Make sure to take notes! Whether you are a seasoned expert or do not know anything about exposure therapy, you will find some new, and maybe shocking, information that will take you further.
Remember, if you have ever had a question that you were dying to get an answer to or some practical, easy to understand advice, feel free to drop a comment below. I may even use your question as the basis for a new video!
If you are interested in the source, here is a more detailed lecture from Dr. Michelle Craske about Inhibitory Learning and Exposures:
• Michelle Craske: Expos...
And here is a written source on Maximizing Exposure Therapy (Craske et al., 2014)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Please feel free to follow me at the social media sites below:
/ paigepradkotherapy
/ paige.pradko.therapy
/ paigepradko
www.paigepradko.com/
I would love to hear your comments and questions below. If you would like your question considered on an upcoming Q & A video, please let me know. Thank you for helping me spread mental health help and education.
Until next time...I will see you in session,
Paige

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

👉🏼 Here is a GIFT for you. A PDF: The Top 10 Things to Know to Practice ERP for OCD, Phobias & Anxiety: www.paigepradko.com/erp DO YOU NEED MORE HELP WITH OCD & ERP? 👉🏼 If you are tired of your OCD and need help treating it with ERP so that you can feel better, I can help you. Find out more about my course for OCD here: paigepradko.com/ocd. 👉🏼 Here is a link to a FREE SELF ASSESSMENT for OCD: www.paigepradko.com/ocdquiz

[@rommelreckoblad2771]

Thanks alot doc..👍🏻

[@angelrude2967]

Thank you! I've been studying this information carefully since I am also acting as a therapist here😊 Your generous sharing of information is a light at the end of our tunnel. I'm sure many other individuals and families would agree!

[@ordinarylife2343]

Thank you maam, Greetings from Philippines.

[@pratyushraj8539]

you are actually doing great thing.... not only for your country but for whole humanity where there is no doctors available and no support system....u r not less than angel for us

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your comments. 😊

[@pratyushraj8539]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy what can u advice on obsession related to real event OCD?? I mean obsession related to mistakes of past?

[@Batman-mg3dy]

0:00 Introduction 0:33 Her male client 1:25 Why exposure therapy failed? 2:30 What happens during exposure 3:51 Elevator example 4:56 10 key points on making exposure last long 6:12 #1 violate what you expect 7:01 #2 Multiple contexts 8:04 #3 Scheduling exposures 9:05 #4 CBT therapy hurts ERP 10:13 #5 Vary the stimulus 11:23 #6 Label our emotions 11:57 #7 Have an occasional bad experience 12:53 #8 Wean off safe behaviours 13:43 #9 Introduce a phobic stimulus 14:28 #10 Verbalize & review

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. That helps people review information quickly. ❤️

[@BeingBetter]

I got a lot out of this video. The information you're sharing is tremendously valuable. I'm not able to get a therapist, there are none who specialize in my condition and I prefer doing it alone. I thought I was chickening out and not getting scared enough during my exposure. Turns out I was right. I've changed the way I do exposure since watching your videos. Now I no longer go on exposures where I'm already comfortable. I always go out the driveway and turn right to where I'm afraid. Today I did an exposure farther from home than any of recent videos show. I felt great when it was over. I'm going to start doing the things you discussed today. Although it's really hard I'm very pleased with my progress so far and hopeful for further healing.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Congratulations on continuing to challenge yourself. Exposures really are about facing our worst fears and training our brains that we are okay. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of therapists that have experience and knowledge of how to do exposure therapy. If you do not have access to an experienced therapist, you can do this on your own. Every exposure adds to your recovery, even the ones that do not go so well. Thank you so much for your comments.

[@user-ei7zu8fs1m]

I did flooding exposures couple of times ranging from 1-3hours. Now I can drive again, go to the store, run some errands. I couldn't concentrate well last time but my anxiety was already manageable. To be honest the first flooding exposure was hell, giving birth to a baby was way easier than this thing. But next time my symptoms went down like 17% and start getting manageable. I set a mindset that no matter what happens I'm gonna finish what I have planned. It will not kill me. I will not let agoraphobia and anxiety ruin my life period. Thank you for your videos you are saving lives!!

[@julietahernandezg.5717]

Your content is very useful, thank you a lot!!

[@chipbychoc6360]

You're so generous! Thank you Paige for sharing what you've researched!

[@verushkasingh7335]

Thank you for this amazing video

[@omega.n]

What a valuable video! Thank you for the wisdom you share and the good work you do! God bless you!!💝

[@iamcreative1996]

Great Videos on Exposure therapy, really helpful 😊😊

[@allyg8846]

Thank you so much. This is so very helpful. I think I will rewatch this every week to reset my goals for my exposure therapy. It feels so exhausting and endless some days but I also know I will beat this eventually.

[@nalla320]

Love your videos! Thank you so much!!!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. So glad you found them. 😊

[@russc83]

This is great info, thank you!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, Russ

[@laurawelch7872]

What a great video! Thanks for doing this.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@arefalbasha2140]

Thank you for this video!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@ohdannyboy424]

Paige, I'd just like to echo the compliments you are receiving on your videos - they really are fantastic. You're doing a great job at delivering your knowledge and advice in a jargon and waffle free, manner which is both easy to understand and engaging (and encouraging!). Thank you :)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. 🙏☺️

[@nicksyb5920]

I love the way you explain things, Paige. You've got such a caring manner but also put it across very clearly. Thanks so much.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much!

[@TheRockk35]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. Psychological flexibility is helpful for me too 😊

[@anastasis7524]

This is so helpful, thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joshw2439]

This is so clear and helpful! Thank you very much!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 🙏❤️

[@denisf.1744]

Hi Paige,i think this relates in ways i didn"t realize were there with all the thoughts that bring on anxiety,and i never realized that exposure therapy was used to help reduce all the different fears,and i also think it all could help with complex ptsd,and i appreciate you bringing this type of video on as i am learning more about all of this which sometimes seems complicated to understand,keep more of these videos coming,i say it"s all good,thank you,love Denny😘🙏

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Denny. Yes, exposure therapy does work for complex ptsd. Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏❤️

[@mamtabajaj6913]

Thank you so much for putting up all your videos. I am so glad I found you, I continue to learn so many new things that are extremely helpful and motivating. Your videos are like the crucial missing puzzle pieces in my learning!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you Mamta 🙏❤️

[@RobertSails]

Great video. Thanks!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You're welcome!

[@thatguymichaelhtx]

This is fantastic info, thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@DrAishaCh]

You are extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Happy to help!

[@dani7lo]

Thank you so much, your job is amazing and it helps me and many people

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Happy to hear that! Thank you so much!

[@angie4907]

This is so helpful thank you so much for this information 😩❤️❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 🙏❤️

[@keatonsoileau6518]

This was so so so incredibly detailed and helpful, love it!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Glad you liked it!!

[@NightWind47]

Fantastic information.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. Exposure therapy is complicated and we have to apply all that we have learned through research to make the exposures as effective as possible. 😊

[@shaneseekamp5972]

Keep it up, Paige. This is INCREDIBLE and your voice is so peaceful. I’ll be expecting more videos :)))

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching and commenting Shane. I appreciate it 🙏❤️

[@denisf.1744]

Hi Paige,i think you should bring more of these kind of videos on as i could really relate to them in many ways as i get taken back to memory of all the traumas that took place,and can actually remember, and feel in memory of all that had happened during the traumas,and therapy,and treatments,and afterwards getting a little relief having a good feeling,bring more videos on,thank you,love Denny😘🙏

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Denny. Thank you for sharing and for your support. 🙏❤️

[@withadistressedheart]

Thank you so much for this video Paige. It’s incredibly helpful. I’m going to take notes. You’ve touched on so many mistakes I was making with erp. Thank you for explaining it for us. =)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome. Thank you for your comment. I have more coming out on help for ERP and OCD this year that I hope will help you.

[@litalben5159]

Wow just found you and am definitely a new subscriber. Your information is concise and you are so well spoken. Thank you for helping! I have a suggestion for a video, a topic I dont see covered in any really helpful way : agoraphobia and panic while driving. Not fear of driving itself, but the trapped feeling, especially on the highway. This is very common in people with anxiety like myself and has a unique set of challenges for exposure. Would love to see your thoughts on that

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Lital. That’s a great suggestion for a video. I am currently developing an online therapy course for people with agoraphobia, but thinking of making the driving piece a separate course.

[@joeletts2568]

Thankyou so much for posting such great material. I have checking OCD and intrusive thoughts and I just burst into tears watching some of your videos because I suddenly didn't feel quite as alone whilst watching your videos. I've had a really tough year and I appreciate all of your help.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry, Joe. This is a tough year, but, especially for someone that suffers from OCD. I am glad my videos can help. I am not sure if you watched my latest video on intrusive thoughts...maybe you have. But, I really love the I AM technique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV6rfI2EnZ1rmrM

[@NkoDmtryPoletv]

Another helpful video. Very helpful. Paige, again, thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@AndreaGonzalez-pm1dy]

Thank you so much Paige! Thank you for your professionalism, your time, your charisma.. You are literally an angel in my life. 🙏❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much, Andrea. It makes me happy to think I can help people by sharing information. I appreciate your sharing.🙏❤️

[@dianadeister3246]

Extremely valuable info. Thank you!!!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome! 😊

[@ebolds4918]

Great video! Thanks for sharing the best research on maximizing the benefits of ERP.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@ahill9477]

Paige, your videos are amazingly helpful. Thank you so much for offering these!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. I am glad you find them helpful. 😊

[@ajinkyapatil6652]

Thank you so soo much Paige!! Really important and new content. I appreciate you efforts and Love that you're trying to help people with your research. I have noted them all. Thanks again 🤗♥️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, Ajinkya. Yes, it is a lot of information to squeeze into a video. Glad that you took notes. Thank you for your comment.😊

[@denisf.1744]

Hi Precious,I had to come back to watch,and listen to this special video as it’s very informative to me to learn more about exposure treatment,I thank you Paige for all your knowledgeable videos that you bring on,love Denny😘🙏🧡🦋⭐️and🌙♥️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Denny. So great to hear from you. Thank you for rewatching. It is a lot of information to take in isn’t it. But, no need to worry about “doing it right”. Every exposure helps. 🙏❤️

[@barborafialova6429]

Thank you so much for your videos ☺️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome, Barbora. Thank you for commenting 🙏❤️

[@joncena168]

This information is amazing thank u and God Bless u

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome

[@susanmasi6356]

Agreed. I discussed this concept with my clients on Social phobia. This occurred a lot b/c of Covid. Great pts.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes…Covid set us all back, but especially those with anxiety disorders.

[@Mario-ev3oc]

Thanks for your professionalism and support for better life 🤗

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 😊

[@Adriana-el9of]

thank you so much for making these videos Paige! i’ve been dealing with agoraphobia for a few months now and i’ve decided to fight it, i don’t have the possibility of going to therapy so these videos are extremely helpful and necessary. truly wish you the best in life, peace 🤍

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so glad you found my channel and that the videos are helping. I will have more help in the future for agoraphobia and panic disorder. I hope to encourage you to keep working at the exposures. It takes time, patience and determination. You are not alone. I hope you find support here 🙏❤️

[@speedypete3725]

GREAT TALK PAIGE, THANKS

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, SPEEDYPETE. I appreciate it 🙏❤️

[@bryanchung7606]

Thank you for saving us time for reading the research paper and provide this generous training to us!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching.😊

[@victoriawacha4844]

Absolutely love your videos. I am learning how to do ERP therapy from your videos. Thank you so much.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Victoria. I am glad you are finding them helpful. Here is a PDF with more information for doing ERP and Exposures www.paigepradko.com/erp.

[@Rafael-nc6re]

Amazing!!

[@professorfarhat7747]

Very informative as well as helpful for the therapists

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 🙏

[@eliasaguilarmarcoantonio592]

thanks for the video. You do a great work for people that cannot get a therapist

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, Marco. I see that as my calling or purpose. I think we all have different ways we can help each other.

[@Roonz]

You’ve helped me so much thank you XX

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

So glad I could help. 😊❤️

[@Roonz]

Paige Pradko LPC NCC Paige do you have a way I can contact you at all? I’m from London but could do with some help xx

[@shantreise9788]

Very interesting and helpful. Thank you so much...Was especially intrigued to hear how CBT is helpful after exposure treatment, not before.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

We are always learning more about what helps in therapy and need to keep evolving our treatment approach as we learn.

[@manojajacob8769]

Thank you for sharing those wonderful tips for doing ERP .Very useful video. For me to put in practice doing therapy for my patients

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Manoja. I am glad I could be of help. Keep up the good work in helping others 🙏❤️

[@donnaaranda7175]

Thank you so much for making videos to help those of us struggling

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

It’s my pleasure, Donna. I am happy to help. If you need more help, I have more resources at paigepradko.com. I have a program for people struggling with agoraphobia coming out in a few weeks. If you are interested in learning more, please send me a paigepradko.com

[@angelrude2967]

Thank you Paige! My son and I have travelled this OCD road too long, and we are getting off of it! Our new motto is the old phrase "Today is the first day of the rest of your life" and I'm beyond grateful to have found your videos to guide us and give us hope❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Angel. I love your inspirational phrase. Glad that you and your son are working on OCD together. Here is a playlist that may help you. kzbin.info/aero/PL1lUhuKpYUYqeYEMpq99fWkjLMxFR4ySU.

[@iamsofia3782]

Wow I'm glad I watched this video before starting exposure, because I would've done it completely wrong. Thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am glad you watched too. 😊

[@koshadillztv]

happy to be listening today. thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Happy that you were here. 😊

[@officervkyadav3220]

Thanks Paige pradko ma'am..it is very helpful

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 🙏❤️

[@ashleypeverett4833]

That was fantastic. I am achieving some great success with exposure therapy however I see now that it is really only in one context. Now I need to mix it up. Thanks so much I’m sure this is live changing

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome 😊

[@rommelreckoblad2771]

Got your massage doc.. is very helpful...

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I’m so glad to hear that.

[@arjunmrao4039]

Beautiful video..such detailed explanation and analysis, such wonderful specific information .. in depth knowledge to heal and completely eliminate eradicate OCD & ANXIETY ..THANK YOU ..

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[@arjunmrao4039]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy You know what madam .. I am re watching it again .. It's So Good effective ..such wonderful finely crafted intricate tips ..to take our healing to the next stage ..

[@ciarabates9546]

Regarding violating our expectations...it’s AWESOME when that happens and I can feel my brain learning from those experiences because when a fear pops up my brain slowly says “yeah, but remember we did that one time and didn’t panic/handled panic”. What about when we are afraid of a panic attack and that’s exactly what happened? I was doing well in terms of my exposures. I was driving alone out of state! Then I had a really intense panic attack at a stoplight by my house recently and I feel like I’m back to square one because my brain and body are now wracked with fear regarding the possibility of going through that again in that spot.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Sometimes we will have a bad exposure experience. We have to get right back on the horse. You will have to drive past that spot again and again. Recent research by Dr. Michelle Craske has shown that even bad exposure experiences help our brain learn that we can manage, even during difficult experiences and panic situations. I hope I encouraged you to hang in there...you are doing an incredibly good job!

[@Bassfather410]

I found it very interesting you said that cbt actually is working against exposure therapy bc that’s usually the only way I can get through exposures. I will have to try really hard at this. I also take benzodiazepines for panic so I will have to learn to leave those too.

[@uzmaijaz7821]

Paige dear I must say you are Wonderful therapist. You are doing a great job

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, Uzma. I appreciate it.🙏❤️

[@denisf.1744]

Hi Paige,i think all your videos,and information can be very helpfull thank you,love Denny😘🙏

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, Denny. 🙏❤️

[@randallkarp581]

Paige, I have been suffering with depression and anxiety for more than 8 years over a distressing financial loss. All of this started with a panic attack. I have seen numerous psychiatrists and therapists over the years. For the past few years I felt that exposure therapy was and is the right treatment for me, however I could not find any mental health care workers who have experience with this technique. I have read numerous books. I started with Edna Foa and I thinks she knows this area well. You have added several tips in this video that I will add to my exposure techniques. I am very grateful. Thanks. I want to add one additional though and get your opinion. Three months ago I eliminated all artificial sweeteners from my diet. I have read that these products can interfere with serotonin and brain function. Over the last 3 months I have noticed a marked improvement in my mood and an elimination of negative thoughts. I actually think this action has been a BIG help. Again, thanks for everything.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much for your comments. I love Edna Foa and have several of her books that she coauthored. And yes, the research is strong about artificial sweeteners. I planned to do a video in the future about gut health and how that impacts our mental health since over 90% of our serotonin is produced in our gut. Eliminating foods like artificial sweeteners and soy sauce and other foods, along with taking prebiotics and probiotics can make a huge difference in improving our mood. Thank you so much for such an informative comment. So glad you are doing better. 😊

[@twigityful]

Ur videos are amazing 🙏🏻🌸💞

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 🙏❤️

[@biengfunny2354]

That's why my anxiety keep on coming back, and I do relaxing, specially if going to deference places or location because Thanks doc, very important information.😅

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I’m glad you discovered that. 😊

[@sadra1368]

It'd be extremely helpful if you could make a video about ERP for pure O (which I am having!). Since the triggers and compulsions are present but in disguise, it is pretty challenging to make ERP effective for that case. For instance, I have made a few sentences that by reading them I help myself becoming anxious, but after a few times repeating them, they are not triggers any more for me, although OCD is still there!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I agree, that is a video that I would love to make. I am looking for a new person to do my graphics and then your suggestion would be on my list. But, I agree that this can be tricky to create effective ERP exposures for pure O. Thank you for your suggestion. 😊

[@explorateurisaac2884]

Hello! I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your genuine interest in the well being of anxiety sufferers. You have such a calm and soothing voice as well. May I please ask you something: Can you please give us your view on the new views regarding ERP. For example, Dr. Micheal Greenberg has quite a different view on ERP than the traditional ERP we are all aware of. It's a bit confusing and his articles are very interesting. I am really looking forward to videos in which you address ERP and Rumination through Dr. Greenberg's perspective. Thank you so much Paige for also keeping up with the latest research. It means so much to us anxiety and OCD sufferers. 😃😊❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I love that you asked about Dr. Greenberg. I did make a video talking about his writings and perspective. I like his ideas, but also know that some people have a difficult time doing what he suggests. I have a similar technique, but, I add a mindfulness step in my I. A.M. technique. I am all about what works and realize that what works on one person may not always work on someone else. I will leave you the link to both videos. Let me know what you think after watching both. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH-uZKaqndeWr7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV6rfI2EnZ1rmrM

[@ahmedvirus123]

Much appreciated❤

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you ❤️

[@robes2883]

Mrs. Pradko helped me and my wife a lot with defeating Pure OCD and anxiety issues. Not a single word can show how grateful I am for her videos.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much for your comment. That feels so good to hear and motivates me to do more.🙏❤️

[@angelrude2967]

Hi Dr. Paige! I wanted you to know that your advice was life-changing for my son. Yes, he still struggles with anxiety and possibly always will, but he has dramatically improved his ability to cope with it. He is leaving for college in 2 weeks, and I'm confident that he will succeed. This was a kid that 2 years ago was wearing 2 hoodies, 2 pairs of pants, gloves and a mask-just to get through his day. He was typing with his feet, for heavens sake. But with patience and ERT he is walking around the house this summer with no shirt and shorts. Comfortable! Thank you for your advice! We are eternally grateful ❤

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Angel. What wonderful news about your son’s road to recovery. Thank you so much for sharing your son’s story as his story will inspire and motivate others. I am so thankful that he is able to go to school and live his life. If he needs more support during college, I would advise him to reach out to a therapist that specializes in OCD, and I have an online course that can help him continue his progress if he is interested. Here is the link: www.paigepradko.com/ocd. Wishing you both the very best as you both enter this new stage of life.🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@blue-gx5tm]

Great video, this completely changed my perspective! I had always thought the "run towards anxiety" mantra was an attempt to build confidence with a sense of almost bravado.. but in the moment of panic it never made sense to me because we are too terrified to convince ourselves to believe it. Now it sounds like we want to bring on the anxious response in the moment of panic, because the stronger the anxiety response is, the more effectively it will rewire our neural pathway which ultimately is the secret to full remission of panic. I guess given all of this new information, we should focus on calming the body in our daily lives (to reduce our sensitivity and heal our nerves like we would care for and heal a broken leg, as Dr Claire Weekes used to explain) .. ...BUT in the moment of actual panic, we want to do the opposite, we want to have it roar as ferociously as possible without trying to calm ourselves... knowing that the panic won't last and the second it begins to retreat we have accomplished a key victory and the brain will rewire itself to reward us. And so we must follow the anxiety as it retreats, and win back pieces of our lives at every battleground where the very same anxiety used to haunt us.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I love the way you express yourself and hope you are a writer. I get motivated just reading your comment. There are 2 popular theories regarding exposure therapy supported by neuroscience. Inhibitory learning theory and Emotional Processing theory. Inhibitory learning (the more recent theory) suggests that the anxiety level is not as critical as we previously thought it was in the Emotional Processing theory. What is more important is the variety of exposures and keeping the brain surprised and learning while also learning to tolerate anxiety at any level. Emotional processing theory suggests that anxiety level is important and one should stay in the exposure and track the level of anxiety until it comes down by at least 50%. Both theories are used in practice, both have merits. I borrow from both models in practice, leaning more recently to Inhibitory learning. But, it does help my clients to not think of anxiety as “bad”, but rather wanting to feel the anxiety as you are correct, the neurons have to be activated and fired up to rewire and make new connections. If we fear anxiety, then the brain stays in fight or flight longer and that association gets stronger. So, how do we experience high anxiety and even panic and not be afraid. What a challenge it is. But, this is exactly what we want to do. We want to be in an anxious state, and want it or at least not be concerned about it and act as if we are perfectly fine with it. Our brain learns through the exposure, we do not stay in fight or flight long because we give our brain the message that we are welcoming the anxiety or are at least indifferent to it. As a result, new safety learning happens, new neuropathways of safety are created, and we learn to tolerate anxiety. All of this takes an attitude of willingness, self compassion and courage.

[@samantechsamy9168]

really helpful to me 🙏

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching 🙏😊

[@manojajacob8769]

Thank you Dr paige

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome!

[@davidkimani2888]

God Bless you for this videos.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. So glad you like them.☺️

[@arjunmrao4039]

Your Latest Video uploaded recently made me rewatch this particular video again.. Great Refresher Madam.. Thank You..

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

There is a lot of information on that particular video. Hope it didn’t overwhelm you. Always love hearing from you, Arjun.

[@arjunmrao4039]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy No way madam, does that overwhelm us in anyway, actually we need to be thankful to you for providing us with such wonderful indepth information .. And thereby help us make our recovery complete & comprehensive.. Today the Covid Positive cases in our state alone is 40,000 with 550 deaths.. One good thing is that its raining from the last 3 days and our state has cooled down from the summer heat

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am wondering if vaccinations are still being made available to people in your area? It seems that we are finally turning things around in my area since the majority of people were vaccinated. Stay safe, Arjun. It will get better soon.

[@lacoppola1]

Thanks for you videos. I was diagnosed with Pure o two years ago, I’m 52. I was doing good after some therapy, but stopped because I was doing good, but then all of a sudden I had an intrusive thought that took me in a downward spiral. Reading Stopping the noise in your head and watching your videos has been helpful. I’m trying to get in with my therapist, so your videos have been a tremendous blessing. With pure o when you use strategic erp should you just think about the thought and not say anything to yourself to calm yourself down, so the amygdala gets fired up?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, with an intrusive thought, we can have the thought on purpose by saying the thought, a word, imagine an image, listen to a recording...anyway to bring the thought to mind several times a day. Then, float over the anxiety and do nothing to calm yourself. It gets easier as you go.

[@shantanu3231]

She is giving us so much of value and education, and that too she is it on a pro bono basis, for which therapists charge thousands of dollars, thank you mam for being a Samaritan.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching and I am happy to share🙏❤️

[@lucascantino393]

Thank you Doctor Paige , exposure every ten minutes made me take an incredible leap.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That’s wonderful, Lucas! Great job!

[@lucascantino393]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy The good job is all yours, thank you again.

[@lastylehustle]

Breakthrough content for me. I have been dealing with Panic with Agoraphobia for 30 years on and off

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I’m so glad it was helpful. I’m so sorry that you have been dealing with this for 30 years. I have a new program with support included that can help you with panic and agoraphobia. www.paigepradko.com/agoraphobia

[@EK-xz8ig]

My son faints at the sight or even talk of injury or medical traumas, we are looking into exposure therapy. We'll keep these points in mind during the process, thank you for the info!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry that your son is suffering from this condition. Yes, he will need exposure and response prevention treatment, ERP. I specialize in treating people with different forms of health anxiety. I had received so many inquiries for help that I decided to record my treatment methods. This course could be very helpful for your son and it covers several types of exposures that he will need to incorporate into his treatment. You can find out more here: www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety

[@rommelreckoblad2771]

doc, Exposed therapy is very very effective, I already applied it to me and it makes me feel in control on my self.. I learned that after accepting this anxiety welcome it.. It cool down my worries.. And my Brian telling me I'm ok.. It really work for me doc.. Thanks again on this video doc..

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome, Rommel. Thank you for such a positive comment.🙏❤️

[@allyg8846]

For topic suggestions, I would love to see more on toilet anxiety especially when the panic sensation does cause actual stomach issues to spike as well. This led to agoraphobia for me. I’m working on it with my Dr but it doesn’t seem like there is much info on this specifically. Even just to make people not feel so alone would be lovely.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

This is a great suggestion for a video and a very common symptom of anxiety. I am glad you are working on exposures.

[@allyg8846]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you!! This snuck up on me as long-undiagnosed medical trauma/PTSD that spun into panic attacks about not making it to a restroom in time....b/c I got sick to my stomach at a Dr appt last year. That led to full agoraphobia. What a mess. I had a hard time finding info about this overall & felt alone & embarrassed for a long time but then finally found a great therapist! Then Covid happened so it is hard to do exposure therapy safely - at least around where I live. For now I am driving & sitting in parking lots in my car but I'm getting further & further so I'll take that as a win for now!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Good for you, Ally. Any exposures, including sitting in parking lots is progress. Small steps, daily exposures...keep up the good work.

[@wiam7575]

I did it and didnt know that its a therapy i was just done with panic attacks and they went awy in 5 days cuz yhey were so intense i had 2 or three and one during sleep just because i decided to expose myself as i started fearing going out and having pani attacks and dying outside my house but here i am its worth it if smne gave me this advice to become free i will do it even tho it scary but its harmless i would rather have 100 panic attack a day and be free for the rest of my life than waiting for a one to come

[@wandersonmeireles6499]

Thanks

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

🙏☺️

[@zzzz546]

@paige Thanks for the great video . I am not claer on these challenges I face 1. What will happen when you get panic attack after going to grocery shopping. Very much possible for the PPL with contamination fears 2. Doing Exposure before bed can cause Anxiety might hamper your sleep and catastrophic 3. What about the fears which do not suite Exposures , like Automatic General Negative thought which includes self efficacy related and for Pure O 4. You say do not do any CBT technique . But you mention again Relabel your thoughts 5. What about anxiety and distress caused by exposure and effecting our work or study which inturn have catastrophic fears 6. What about associated disorders like Depression and feeling negative

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

What great questions. I would like to answer these in one of my Q & A videos because many may have the same questions. Thank you.

[@abidabilal6208]

Veryyyyyy good video

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

So nice. Thank you so much.

[@nicolas_-_-_]

Hello! Thank you!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching 🙏❤️

[@its_kuro]

Great stuff cant wait to try and apply some of these to my exposure therapy routine. I'm currently working on agoraphobia which took away my ability to drive and be outside. I'm walking up the street from where I live and trying to just get further when I can. Going to try and shake things up by going a different way tomorrow. I like the idea of having my exposures be varied as I feel like my agoraphobia is just outside being the main issue then things like driving, stoplights, waiting in line, all coming as secondary issues to the main issue of being outside and away from home.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so glad that you are out there everyday working on expanding your exposures. Try to mix things up every day....it really helps. 🙏❤️

[@georgia3465]

How are your exposures going ??

[@its_kuro]

@@georgia3465 They're going great!

[@georgia3465]

@@its_kuro are you still agoraphobic? If not, what would you say helped the most ?

[@its_kuro]

@@georgia3465 I am but my available space has gone from being entirely housebound to now I'm going to the grocery store every week, biking outside 4x a week, even went to the dentist! I feel like my life is still incredibly small compared to regular people but I have infinitely more space than I used to. The biggest thing to my success was getting a bike, it has really unlocked so much for me in life. I try to bike 4x a week and push the boundary when I'm feeling capable. Best thing about the bike is if it gets scary I get to pump all that fear into going faster on the bike, exertions helps relax the body.

[@shantanu3231]

Please do a video on reading OCD, as it is the most insidious form of OCD and lot of kids and adults suffer in their academics due to compulsive checks and Ritualziing behaviours.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, I include reading and re-reading with my lessons on ocd checking. I will add this to my KZbin list. Here is a free self assessment for OCD: www.paigepradko.com/ocdquiz. If you ever need more in-depth help for ocd, I offer a course that uses reading ocd- rechecking and re-reading and run through examples on how to do ERP in those ocd subtypes here: www.paigepradko.com/ocd

[@clementeen]

Thank you Paige, this information may be very triggering and hard hitting for those of us who have anxiety, panic disorder and/or agoraphobia. But it’s very insightful and I am so grateful for all y our videos. How can I book an e-session with you?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Nadine. I apologize if the video is triggering anxiety. Hopefully I will improve as I go. If you would like to contact me, please go to PaigePradko.com.

[@troybock2026]

Paige, I've suffered from panic attacks for 36 yrs now, ever since I was a teenager. I only have them when I travel. I have not been outside of my county for several yrs. avoidance has been the thing for me so I can cope. I totally agree with what you're saying but you make it sound so easy. Just go have an exposure.... basically what your saying is go have a panic attack. That's so difficult for me. I honestly believe this will work! I believe flooding will work! In theory it's genius! However , I'm really struggling on making myself have a panic attack... I really think my biggest problem is fear of the panic attacks. With that being said , can you give me advice or tips on making myself have these voluntary exposures?? Thank you so much for any help you can give me! Love your videos!!

[@davidbond7195]

You might want to try interoceptive exposure first. Try hyperventilating or raising your heart rate to simulate a panic attack. She has a video on interoceptive exposure you should check it out

[@estherweekes7571]

I know exactly what you mean. I also have had panic attacks and agoraphobia for 30+ years and letting myself have a panic attack has been excruciating in the past. I think that the gradual approach is the way to go for people like us. Also I have started to repeat to myself that "I can stand the panic sensations. I can stand the rapid heart beat. I can stand feeling dizzy or faint. Most of all, I can stand that horrible pang of panic". So now I just imagine myself grinning and bearing it, holding on to a wall or something, just going through it. I actually swear alot in my mind.🤣

[@LokiOfWinterfell]

Any updates?

[@ismelyshannon1208]

Hi Paige. I enjoyed your video and found this information very helpful. Do you have strategies for developing self-worth. I am working with a few clients who all seem to struggle with this as the core issue.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Developing self-worth is certainly an internal struggle and challenge, isn’t it. When working with a client that describes themselves as having low self-worth, I am curious to find out why. Is this a depressed person that has high expectations of themselves that they just cannot seem to meet? Is this a person that feels they cannot measure up? Is there perfectionism going on…expecting perfection from themselves but not others? Have they always felt like this…how long…when did those thoughts and feelings begin? Is there a trauma history? Do they feel validated only by external sources…what about internal validation? After gathering their history, I begin to do values work with them. What do they value? I use ACT therapy using their values and strengths as a guide and I will build on their strengths. If there are negative thoughts that come out during session, we will work on identifying their inner critic and how their inner voice may be trying to help them…but going about it in the wrong way. As you can see…there is no easy answer to change someone’s internal view of themselves. ACT therapy is my go to therapy here…but I do my best to bring about insight from many different areas. If the client is depressed and/or has a trauma history, this therapy will proceed at a slower pace and the therapeutic relationship and trust will be much more important to their progress than any technique. Connect, listen, stay curious, ask questions and trust yourself.

[@ismelyshannon1208]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you so much for the feedback Paige.

[@johnfourteensix4910]

Hi Paige, Thank you so much for all of the excellent content. I have been binge watching to try and gain information to assist my son who has severe OCD. Question on #4, not using CBT until ERP is completed. Do you mean not using it in the MIDDLE of an exposure session or until a person has completed ERP therapy overall. Hopefully this isn’t a stupid question; I just want to get this right since between ourselves and therapists not well-versed in OCD, we’ve made many mistakes.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi John. I am so glad you asked. I did a lengthy radio interview this morning, and I cover a lot of information about OCD treatment if you would like detailed information. I did not specifically mention that piece of research. In the last several years, research has come out where we have learned that cognitive therapy (trying to change our thoughts) makes ERP Exposure Response Prevention, less effective. I have changed my way of treating clients since I learned about this research from Michelle Craske (Inhibitory Learning Theory). I even have a video where I talk about using Cognitive Therapy as an option in treatment for Pure O that I wish I could correct. I will upload the interview later today on my KZbin channel. It covers quite a bit of information. I wish your son the best.

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Exposure never got rid of fear and panicking for me. I would get upset or have life stressful events and fear would return. I am going to try this. Although, the fear is usually weaker when it returns.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

If the fear is weaker when it returns, that is a sign that you are making progress. Exposures are difficult and do take time. 😊

[@syedasehrish8781]

Thanks alot paige for these extremely beneficial tips. I have been doing erp but one thing that is unusual in my case is that i feel heaviness in chest right after i expose myself to intrusive thoughts and it lasts throughout the day. It goes away when I'm busy doing some work right after that i again start feeling heaviness and sharp pain in chest. This is my 4th day of therapy and I have developed sleep anxiety too. I want to ask for your suggestion upon should i try calm myself or let my brain learn to handle it all on its own? because it has ruined my routine and i can't do anything peacefully.

[@RareGem369]

Whats erp?