You’re not looking for another therapist who doesn’t quite get it. You need someone who understands that your intrusive thoughts aren’t just “worry” and your compulsions aren’t just “habits.”
Our exposure therapy doesn’t just manage symptoms—it rewires how your brain responds to fear. Research shows 80-90% effectiveness for specific phobias, 60-80% improvement for PTSD, and 60-70% response rates for OCD when you commit to the process.
Imagine walking into situations that once paralyzed you with confidence. Picture your mind quiet, free from the endless loop of “what if” thoughts that have controlled your days for too long.
The Anxiety and OCD Institute brings nationally recognized expertise directly to Lewisville residents. Our clinicians aren’t just trained in exposure therapy—many of us have lived through the same struggles you’re facing right now.
We’re not your typical therapy practice. Our team includes published researchers, advocates, and specialists who’ve shaped international treatment guidelines. When you work with us, you’re getting access to the same level of expertise typically found only at major medical centers.
Lewisville families have unique stressors—from the rapid growth in our community to the pressure-cooker environment many professionals face in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We understand these local dynamics because we serve this community every day.
First, we map out exactly what’s keeping you stuck. Not surface-level symptoms, but the core fears driving your avoidance patterns. We identify your specific triggers, compulsions, and the situations you’ve been avoiding.
Next comes the systematic exposure work. Think of it like physical therapy for your anxiety—we start small and build your tolerance gradually. You’ll never be surprised or forced into anything. Every step is collaborative and voluntary.
Between sessions, you’ll practice exposures on your own. Research shows the most dramatic improvements happen when clients complete 60-100 exposures combined with response prevention. It sounds like a lot, but each one builds on the last, creating momentum toward genuine freedom.
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We offer both traditional in-person exposure therapy and innovative virtual reality options. VR exposure therapy is particularly effective for phobias, PTSD, and social anxiety, allowing you to practice in controlled environments that perfectly simulate real-world triggers.
For Lewisville residents, this means you can work on your fear of flying without leaving town, practice public speaking in virtual auditoriums, or confront trauma-related triggers in a completely safe space. The technology creates immersive experiences that your brain processes as real, leading to genuine habituation.
Our intensive four-day treatment option is perfect for motivated clients who want accelerated results. Instead of spreading treatment over months, you’ll spend four consecutive days mastering the skills that create lasting change. Many clients see dramatic improvements in this concentrated format that traditional weekly therapy simply can’t match.
Exposure therapy shows remarkable effectiveness for specific phobias, with studies demonstrating over 90% success rates for people who commit to and complete the treatment process. This makes it often the only therapy necessary for specific phobias.
The key is systematic, gradual exposure combined with response prevention. We don’t throw you into the deep end—we build your confidence step by step. Whether you’re dealing with fear of heights, flying, animals, or medical procedures, the process remains consistent and highly effective.
For Lewisville residents, this means you can overcome phobias that have limited your life for years, often in just 6-12 sessions. The results are typically long-lasting because you’ve actually rewired your brain’s fear response, not just learned coping strategies.
Prolonged exposure therapy is specifically designed for PTSD and trauma, while regular counseling often avoids directly addressing traumatic memories. PE involves systematically confronting trauma-related memories, situations, and triggers in a controlled, therapeutic environment.
The treatment includes both imaginal exposure (revisiting trauma memories in session) and in-vivo exposure (gradually approaching trauma-related situations you’ve been avoiding). This direct approach helps your brain process the trauma properly instead of staying stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
Research consistently shows 60-80% improvement rates for PTSD with prolonged exposure therapy. It’s recommended as a first-line treatment by major organizations including the American Psychological Association and the Department of Veterans Affairs because it addresses the root cause of PTSD symptoms, not just surface-level coping.
Virtual reality exposure therapy creates realistic social situations where you can practice without real-world consequences. You might give presentations to virtual audiences, attend simulated parties, or navigate challenging social interactions—all while building confidence in a controlled environment.
The VR technology tricks your brain into responding as if the situation is real, creating genuine learning experiences. Your heart rate increases, palms sweat, and anxiety peaks just like in actual social situations. But because you’re safe, you can stay in the situation long enough for habituation to occur.
For social anxiety, this is revolutionary because you can practice the exact scenarios that terrify you without risking real embarrassment or judgment. Most clients see significant improvements in their comfort with social situations after just a few VR sessions, with 70-75% showing meaningful progress in treating social anxiety through exposure-based approaches.
Most people notice initial improvements within the first month of consistent treatment, though the timeline varies by condition and individual commitment. Specific phobias often improve significantly within 6-12 sessions, while social anxiety and panic disorder typically require 12-16 sessions.
PTSD treatment with prolonged exposure usually involves 8-15 sessions, and OCD may require 12-30 sessions over several months. The key factor isn’t just session count—it’s your willingness to complete exposure exercises between sessions.
Research shows the most dramatic results happen when clients complete daily exposure practices at home. Those who commit to this level of engagement often see substantial, durable benefits after 60-100 total exposures. The intensive format we offer can accelerate this timeline significantly for motivated individuals.
Your first session focuses entirely on assessment and education, not exposure work. We’ll gather detailed information about your anxiety, discuss your treatment goals, and explain exactly how exposure therapy works. You’ll learn relaxation techniques and ask any questions you have.
Actual exposure exercises typically don’t begin until your third or fourth session, after thorough preparation. We want you to feel completely informed and ready before starting any exposure work. No surprises, no pressure, no forcing you into situations you’re not prepared for.
During assessment, we’ll map out your specific triggers, avoidance patterns, and compulsive behaviors. This creates a personalized treatment plan that targets your unique situation. Many Lewisville clients appreciate this collaborative approach because it puts you in control of your healing journey from day one.
Many major insurance providers cover exposure therapy as it’s considered an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. Coverage varies by plan, but most policies include mental health benefits that apply to specialized therapy services.
We’re out-of-network providers but can provide detailed superbills for insurance reimbursement. Many clients find their out-of-network benefits cover a significant portion of treatment costs. We also accept HSA, FSA, cash, and credit card payments for maximum flexibility.
The investment in specialized exposure therapy often pays for itself quickly. When you consider the cost of years of ineffective treatment, missed work opportunities, and reduced quality of life, intensive exposure therapy with proven results becomes a smart financial decision for your long-term wellbeing and success.
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