#exposure therapy? systematic desensitization?

[meltedmush]

tbh binghorse has been on my tl so much it doesn't even faze me anymore. nor any of the skin creatures really. kinda feels like you've made me immune to the horrors? thanks I suppose 😭

BWAHAHA MY PLAN IS COMING TO FRUITION (you’re welcome~! 🫶💖)

[fight-nights-at-freddys]

MASTER POST OF PROSHIP RESOURCES!!! <3<3

this is just for links (bc i just have No Way of formatting this properly), so for more in-depth stuffs and credits, head to the google doc, or the carrd !! :3c

Fiction ≠ Reality

Violent media -

Does Media Violence Predict Societal Violence? It Depends on What You Look at and When

Video Game Violence Use Among “Vulnerable” Populations: The Impact of Violent Games on Delinquency and Bullying Among Children with Clinically Elevated Depression or Attention Deficit Symptoms

Extreme metal music and anger processing

On the Morality of Immoral Fiction: Reading Newgate Novels, 1830–1848

How gamers manage aggression: Situating skills in collaborative computer games

Examining desensitization using facial electromyography:Violent videogames, gender, and affective responding

'Bad' video game behavior increases players' moral sensitivity

Fiction and Morality: Investigating the Associations Between Reading Exposure, Empathy, Morality, and Moral Judgment

Comfortably Numb or Just Yet Another Movie? Media Violence Exposure Does Not Reduce Viewer Empathy for Victims of Real Violence Among Primarily Hispanic Viewers

Fantasy Crime: The Criminalisation of Fantasy Material Under Australia's Child Abuse Material Legislation

Being able to distinguish fiction from reality -

Effects of context on judgments concerning the reality status of novel entities

Children’s Causal Learning from Fiction: Assessing the Proximity Between Real and Fictional Worlds

Reality/Fiction Distinction and Fiction/Fiction Distinction during Sentence Comprehension

Reality = Relevance? Insights from Spontaneous Modulations of the Brain’s Default Network when Telling Apart Reality from Fiction

How does the brain tell the real from imagined?

Meeting George Bush versus Meeting Cinderella: The Neural Response When Telling Apart What is Real from What is Fictional in the Context of Our Reality

loli/shota/kodocon -

If I like lolicon, does it mean I’m a pedophile? A therapist’s view

Virtual Child Pornography, Human Trafficking and Japanese Law: Pop Culture, Harm and Legal Restrains

Lolicon: The Reality of ‘Virtual Child Pornography’ in Japan

Report: cartoon paedophilia harmless

‘The Lolicon Guy:’ Some Observations on Researching Unpopular Topics in Japan

Robot Ghosts And Wired Dreams Japanese Science Fiction From Origins To Anime [pg 227-228]

Australia's "child abuse material' legislation, internet regulation and the juridification of the imaginationjuridification of the imagination [pg 14-15]

Multiple Orientations as Animating Misdelivery: Theoretical Considerations on Sexuality Attracted to Nijigen (Two-Dimensional) Objects

Positive Impact on Mental Health

Art therapy -

The effectiveness of art therapy for anxiety in adults: A systematic review of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials

Efficacy of Art Therapy in Individuals With Personality Disorders Cluster B/C: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of Art Therapy With Adult Clients in 2018 - What Progress Has Been Made?

Benefits of Art Therapy in People Diagnosed With Personality Disorders: A Quantitative Survey

The Effectiveness of Art Therapy in the Treatment of Traumatized Adults: A Systematic Review on Art Therapy and Trauma

The clinical effectiveness and current practice of art therapy for trauma

Writing therapy -

Optimizing the perceived benefits and health outcomes of writing about traumatic life events

Expressive writing and post-traumatic stress disorder: Effects on trauma symptoms, mood states, and cortisol reactivity

Focused expressive writing as self-help for stress and trauma

Putting Stress into Words: The Impact of Writing on Physiological, Absentee, and Self-Reported Emotional Well-Being Measures

The writing cure: How expressive writing promotes health and emotional well-being

Effects of Writing About Traumatic Experiences: The Necessity for Narrative Structuring

Scriptotherapy: The effects of writing about traumatic events

Emotional and physical benefits of expressive writing

Emotional and Cognitive Processing in Sexual Assault Survivors' Narratives

Finding happiness in negative emotions: An experimental test of a novel expressive writing paradigm

An everyday activity as treatment for depression: The benefits of expressive writing for people diagnosed with major depressive disorder

Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process

Effects of expressive writing on sexual dysfunction, depression, and PTSD in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse: Results from a randomized clinical trial

Written Emotional Disclosure: Testing Whether Social Disclosure Matters

Written emotional disclosure: A controlled study of the benefits of expressive writing homework in outpatient psychotherapy

Misc -

Emotional disclosure about traumas and its relation to health: Effects of previous disclosure and trauma severity

Treating complex trauma in adolescents: A phase-based integrative approach for play therapists

Emotional expression and physical health: Revising traumatic memories or fostering self-regulation?

Disclosure of Sexual Victimization: The Effects of Pennebaker's Emotional Disclosure Paradigm on Physical and Psychological Distress

Kink/Porn/Fantasies

Sexual fantasies -

A Critical Microethnographic Examination of Power Exchange, Role Idenity and Agency with Black BDSM Practitioners

Women's Rape Fantasies: An Empirical Evaluation of the Major Explanations

History, culture and practice of puppy play

What Exactly Is an Unusual Sexual Fantasy?

The Psychology of Kink: a Survey Study into the Relationships of Trauma and Attachment Style with BDSM Interests

Punishing Sexual Fantasy

Women's Erotic Rape Fantasies

Sexual Fantasy and Adult Attunement: Differentiating Preying from Playing

What Is So Appealing About Being Spanked, Flogged, Dominated, or Restrained? Answers from Practitioners of Sexual Masochism/Submission

Dark Fantasies, Part 1 - With Dr. Ian Kerner

Why Do Women Have Rape Fantasies

The 7 Most Common Sexual Fantasies and What to Do About Them

Sexual Fantasies

Pornography -

The Effects of Exposure to Virtual Child Pornography on Viewer Cognitions and Attitudes Toward Deviant Sexual Behavior

American Identities and Consumption of Japanese Homoerotica

The differentiation between consumers of hentai pornography and human pornography

Pornography Use and Holistic Sexual Functioning: A Systematic Review of Recent Research

Claiming Public Health Crisis to Regulate Sexual Outlets: A Critique of the State of Utah's Declaration on Pornography

Pornography and Sexual Dysfunction: Is There Any Relationship?

Reading and Living Yaoi: Male-Male Fantasy Narratives as Women's Sexual Subculture in Japan

Women's Consumption of Pornograpy: Pleasure, Contestation, and Empowerment

Pornography and Sexual Violence

The Sunny Side of Smut

Other -

Fantasy Sexual Material Use by People with Attractions to Children

Fictosexuality, Fictoromance, and Fictophilia: A Qualitative Study of Love and Desire for Fictional Characters

Exploring the Ownership of Child-Like Sex Dolls

Are Sex and Pornograpy Addiction Valid Disorders? Adding a Leisure Science Perspecive to the Sexological Critique

Littles: Affects and Aesthetics in Sexual Age-Play

An Exploratory Study of a New Kink Activity: "Pup Play"

Jaws Effect

The Jaws Effect: How movie narratives are used to influence policy responses to shark bites in Western Australia

The Shark Attacks That Were the Inspiration for Jaws

The Great White Hope (written by Peter Benchley, writer of Jaws)

The Jaws Myth [not a study BUT is an interesting read and provides some links to articles and studies]

Slenderman Stabbings

Out Came the Girls: Adolescent Girlhood, the Occult, and the Slender Man Phenomenon

Jury in Slender Man case finds Anissa Weier was mentally ill, will not go to prison

2nd teen in 'Slender Man' stabbing case to remain in institutional care for 40 years

Negative effects of online harassment

How stressful is online victimization? Effects of victim's personality and properties of the incident

Prevalence, Psychological Impact, and Coping of Cyberbully Victims Among College Students

Offline Consequences of Online Victimization

The Relative Importance of Online Victimization in Understanding Depression, Delinquency, and Substance Use

Internet trolling and everyday sadism: Parallel effects on pain perception and moral judgement

The MAD Model of Moral Contagion: The Role of Motivation, Attention, and Design in the Spread of Moralized Content Online

Morally Motivated Networked Harassment as Normative Reinforcement

When Online Harassment is Perceived as Justified

Violence on Reddit Support Forums Unique to r/NoFap

"It Makes Me, A Minor, Uncomfortable" Media and Morality in Anti-Shippers' Policing of Online Fandom

[sweetsuo]

as per usual, I wrote WAY MORE than was necessary cries. Sakura may be a bit ooc but i was trying to be consistent with the concept of him getting used to affection over time ;v; also color coded speech bc i wanted to try it out

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲

Suo Hayato x Sakura Haruka x Fem!Reader

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆! For the love of all that is mighty do not take this as actual psychological advice or a viable treatment for you! More of this disclaimer and information is after the fic.

cw. exposure therapy. systematic desensitization. cucking. fingering. edging. masturbation. use of 'she/her'. praise. pussy smacking. friendly competition. hair pulling. Genre & Syn. [ SMUT! ] Your boyfriend Sakura has always been shy and easily embaressed. You help the best you can until you're at the very last rungs of the desensitization ladder. Your bashful boyfriend offers that Suo help with the last demonstrations. wc. 7.2k thank you to zevie, dahlie, and adele who all beta'd this bitch for me!!!

Sakura’s sense of responsibility was always something you admired. He’d always been a natural leader, whether he wanted to admit it or not. He’d come a long way in Furin since he first arrived as a teen, and now even lead municipal patrol programs on his own while Umemiya handled teaching the next generation at the reform school. You had a crush on him ever since you met him as a server at Kotoha’s cafe. So after a long road to romance, you both finally got together once you were in your twenties. There was just one problem with your devoted boyfriend. 

Sakura always had such a volatile reaction to intimacy. Holding your hand and giving compliments were few and far between simply because he’d blow up red whenever he even attempted to. You thought it was charming, but it is impossible not to have some sort of strain on the relationship in a circumstance like this. You want cuddles! Affection! You know Sakura has the potential to give it and that he desperately does. He just needs a little help. So you research exposure therapy and come across something called ‘systematic desensitization’. Your boyfriend agreed to this without a second thought. He’d do anything for you and he knew he had to grow past his aversion to affection. 

After work, you talk with Sakura about intimacy and ask him if he’d be comfortable trying this out. You just wanted to try it out casually as Sakura was never afraid of intimacy, just uncomfortable by it. So first you both practice meditation and breathing techniques to calm down his heart and head. 

Then you compile a list of exposures. Thinking about intimacy, watching intimacy, engaging in intimacy. You ask about different types of intimacy to see which ones he is most comfortable with to least comfortable with. You set a strict rule with him that you both are to not engage in intimate acts until everything was done and good with. It’s hard to keep. You don’t compliment one another nor do you touch. Luckily, holding hands and minor touches like on the back or arm he is perfectly fine with at this point so that was alright to engage with. It was a trial in your will power!

After about two months, you got through most of the list without a hitch step by step. Anytime Sakura was uncomfortable, he’d breathe deeply and slowly and try to focus on sounds around him as opposed to his internal dialogue. Pride overwhelmed you when he could engage in those acts with you without panicking! It also was a cute little game to see at what points he started to breathe slow to calm down. It added to his charms. 

It wasn’t until you got to things like kissing that you hit a bump in the road. You separated witnessing acts versus engaging in them versus seeing them through a screen. PDA like kissing is not super common out in public unlike holding hands, complimenting someone, or just being appreciative of someone. That’s when Sakura offered something unusual. 

In a mutter, the calico asked, “Why not ask Suo?” He shifted on your couch, arm draped over your shoulder and leg crossed. 

“Huh?”

“Don’t make me say it twice! Just. Text’im or somethin’...” His cheeks were red and you could tell he was focusing on his breathing by the rise and fall of his chest. The thought of you kissing his friend riled him up in a way he didn’t expect. He wasn’t anxious or uncomfortable by it. It was late so you weren’t even sure if Suo would be up. Then again, the martial artist did seem to have an odd sleep schedule. 

“Think he’s still at work?” You asked aloud, not really expecting an answer. It was about 11:00 at night now as you sent the first message.

“Nah. Pretty sure he gets done at 8.” Sakura tilted his head back, emptying his mind and counting the sounds in your apartment. His chest fizzed and bubbled. It wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt different from when he’d see PDA in the past. He retracted inside his mind, searching for where he recognized this pop-rock sensation. He already could tell he’d felt it before as you both moved through the ladders of exposure. Usually by the time he’d grown accustomed to something, he thought about you in that very act. That’s typically when the hot pink crackling began. 

That’s when it hit him. 

Porn.

Because romance movies had such an onslaught of different displays of affection, you had to go through multiple rungs at the same time. Once you could watch some cheesy chick flicks together, you had offered to watch porn. It wasn’t awkward because it was you. And of course, the first few times Sakura had to stop to take a walk. The lewd moans from your laptop being a bit too much for him to handle at first. Eventually he could sit through an entire clip with self-soothing techniques. He’d realized then that he’d be doing this with you. To you. The thought of touching your bare skin was tantalizing. And his chest bubbled all in the same way when he thought about you kissing Suo. 

Sakura let out a slow breath. 

“Oh! He responded!” You jolt, curling over your screen. Sakura peered over you, attempting to read upside down. The light of your phone illuminated your pretty cheeks in the dark of the living room. Even with the TV flickering colors, Sakura could see the tinge of pink. 

“What’d he say?” 

“Well, I gave him my address and he said he’d be right over...” Your voice trembled and your lips rolled together. 

The calico leaned forward, pressing his forehead to yours. His cheeks flushed at the act, but he’d grown somewhat accustomed to physical touch enough for him not to freak. “You don’t have to... ya know –“ He cleared his throat, “do any of that if you don’t want. Jus’ figured it’d be easier.” His voice is low and soft despite that obvious falter at the mention of an act. Sakura had always been such a sweet boyfriend. He cared more about you than he could even say. He wouldn’t have ever agreed to your little experimental scheme if he didn’t want to do better for you in the first place! So if anything made you uncomfortable, he’d be sure to fix it. Even if that meant sucker punching Suo. 

“No, no. Ah. I don’t know how to explain this,” You chuckled awkwardly, “But w-would it be bad to say it’s a turn on?” 

“A what?” 

Oh he was dumbfounded. Gob-smacked, even. 

You dropped your phone in your lap and pressed pretty digits against your warm cheeks, “You know in that one porn we saw with the girl who had the-“

“The flower on her h-hip?” Sakura completed your sentence, hand now coming up to his neck. 

“YEAH! How’d you know?!” You leaned into him, “I can’t believe you paid attention to that! I mean I can because you’re trying so hard!”

He flushed, searching for words amidst your excitement only to stutter, “I-it was hot.” 

The porn in question was a woman cucking her partner with another guy. It was a random video you clicked on at the time, but you were sucked in. It was hard to ignore the growing sensation between your legs when you watched. You were so enamored that you completely missed the hard-on your boyfriend sported while watching. Or that he masturbated to the sounds of your moans while you showered shortly after. 

“Do you think Suo would-“ You trailed off, considering the comfort of your boyfriend and his progress with sensitization. 

“He would,” Sakura muttered again, “Don’ worry ‘bout it.” He averted his eyes, sucked in air, then let it out in a stream, “We can ask. I’m good with it.” His romance detector might be over-reactive, but it almost was never wrong. He knew Suo had a thing for you from the way Suo teased you. Once in a while you’d take one of Suo’s MMA classes and he’d tease you about your form. Or sometimes the three of you would take Jou’s judo class. It was hard to miss the way Suo looked at you when you were pinned under him. It never quite irritated Sakura because he knew you were his and he’s known Suo was a good guy since high school. Plus, he actually didn’t mind watching someone more skilled than himself handling you in ways he didn’t know how to yet. Since then, Sakura knew he could spar a little more roughly with you. 

There was a knock at the door. You hopped up and down the hall to greet your guest. 

Sakura shifted his posture to sit upright, head tilted down, and hands folded at his lap. He breathed in and out. In. and out. He wasn’t nervous, surprisingly. He was excited. His body twitched at the chit-chat approached the hall. He didn’t think about the words, just took note of the sounds around him. Calm. Nothin’ to be nervous about. When weight shifted on the couch, he opened his eyes to Suo politely sat a cushion away. 

“You called a good teacher, Sakura.” Suo grinned, “Education is the best way to grow beyond nervousness~. We’re kissing, correct?”

You and Sakura sported matching blushes. You part your lips to answer. Sakura beats you to the punch, “The whole th-thing. If you want.” His brows are furrowed and his eyes shone with conviction you hadn’t quite seen yet.

Suo’s lips formed an ‘0’ before they settled into a wide grin, “You want to be cucked? That’s surprising!” There was no judgement in the words, simply a question. A teasing question, but still just a question. 

“Jus’ show me what to do,” Sakura whipped his head to the side in an attempt to hide the raging red raising to his ears. He pouted. Can’t deny something that’s true, though. Can’t deny the way his body reacted, either, with his jeans growing ever so slightly tighter. 

Meanwhile, you glanced between the two, sucking at your bottom lip nervously. You stood between them, fiddling the hem of Sakura’s T-shirt. It was big on you. Big enough to reach mid-thigh. It was thin as well. The fabric loosely folding at the pique of your nipples. Everything felt bare and real. Their exchange, this situation, it all was tangible now. Your own inexperience and insecurities had been helped as a byproduct of helping Sakura. You mimicked his steady, meditative techniques. 

“Are you comfortable with this, dear?” Suo’s gentle words drew you back to reality, “You seem like the nervous one, now.” He laughed musically. It broke the tension. 

Sakura’s hand covered yours, brows curving in concern, “If I kick his ass would that make you feel better?” 

You snort, holding back your own laughter. He was so sincere! “I’m okay. Just nervous. I uh... don’t have much experience myself. Missionary basically.”

“Oh my! I hope the foreplay was good,” Suo exclaimed. As soon as you grimaced, he understood, “Ah. None?” You shook your head. The auburn tutor let out a shoulder-slumped sigh, “Men can be so disappointing.” He gestured for you to step in front of him, your legs standing beside either of his. He leaned forward so that his hands could graze the sides of your thighs. Their touch gentle yet electric as they caressed up and then down. In one feel movement, he hooked his hands behind your knees and pulled you to a straddle onto his lap. Heat circled the shell of your ear as Suo whispered to you, “I’ll teach him right.” The corners of his lips curled mischievously, loving the way your pretty lashes widened. 

“We’ll start with the kiss.” Suo peered to Sakura, reading his reactions and posture for any objections. Sakura’s chest rose and fell in semi-controlled, audible heaves. His hands pressed onto his thighs, denim imprinting against Sakura’s palms. Pupils were dilated. Perfect. Suo now shifted his gaze to you. You, who had caught his attention from the very beginning. 

You had been friends with them since high school and left with sorrowful goodbyes for university. When you came back more beautiful than when you had left, Suo sorely regretted letting Sakura shoot his shot first. He was happy for his friend. You were a catch! And quite frankly, you were suited for one another. No other person would be as patient as you with Sakura’s intimacy issues. Sakura loved you for it, too. Everyone saw it and knew it. However. Every time you came to Suo, tears in your eyes over the lack of physical touch and words of love, he saw red. 

Suo thumbed over your lower lip, sticky with gloss. He brought it to his own lips, licking up the flavor. Mint. Divine favor of the God’s, was it? Surely, he was blessed with this opportunity tonight. He hummed contently upon the realization that you’d been staring. Just to give you a show, he licked his lips. When your thighs reflexively squeezed his, he chuckled. 

“Hand placement is important. You have to be observant of their reactions,” Suo’s hands first rested on your thighs. As they worked up, you felt an anticipatory roll in your stomach. They reached the crease of your hip, giving a gentle squeeze at the plush roll of flesh. The muscle of your thighs flex, resisting a grind at his touch. Hoping he wouldn’t notice was wishful thinking. He picked it up immediately. “Did you see that?” The tutor’s gaze didn’t leave your body and neither did your boyfriend’s, “That’s a good sign. Try it. Just like this –“ Suo gestured for Sakura to come closer, which he obliged. He took Sakura’s hand and placed it at the same spot. His thumb pressed into the crease of your thigh and hip while his digits squeezed the fat of your side. Your practically purred. Suo’s hand at your right and Sakura’s at your left. Both feeling the way your muscle restricted your naturally desired movement. 

“Oh.” Sakura exhaled, practically breathless from this interaction alone. Suo narrowed his eyes, amused at both of the reactions he elicited. 

“Then put your hand here –“ Suo guided Sakura’s hand to the back of your head, “Keep it there. A hand here is intimate if you enjoy eye contact.” He takes the hand guiding Sakura’s away and takes your chin between his thumb and index. His grip is strong, but not forceful as he tugs your head down. A suggestion to meet his gaze. When you do, you’re locked in. His eyes are warm and darkened honey, catching you like a fly in the half-lidded gaze. 

Sakura was enraptured. Suo didn’t even need to ask this time. Sakura saw it all. The shift in your posture and reaction of your body to their touches burned into his memory. You were a perfected movie reel played in slow motion across his mind. Heat singed his cheeks, digits, and most importantly, his lower abdomen. Maybe it was Suo’s subtle antagonism – how he’d slip a challenging glance to Sakura, that washed away some of Sakura’s bashfulness. He’d always be able to show face for a fight.  A gear had clicked into place. This was like a fight. A style to communicate and Suo was fluent. 

“Now you kiss.” Suo pulled you into him by the jaw, opposite hand gripping your hip. Your lips met, exchanging heat and gloss. Sakura weaved his fingers into the hairs at the nape of your neck. Reflexively, his fingers curled into a secure tug against Suo’s pull. You mewl, mouth opening as your head tilts back with the pull. Your whole body quivers. 

“Shit! S-sorry. Sorry. I didn’t mean to pull.“ The calico panicked, grip loosening. 

Suo moved his hand to lay on top of Sakura’s. To reinforce good form, the tutor curled the student’s fingers firm at the scalp, “She liked it. Didn’t you see?” And then he pulled.

You mouth opens in a moan. Always the opportunist, the fox juts in to slip his tongue past those pretty open lips.  He makes a point to invite the sleek muscle in your mouth to dance in the open. Hand at your chin now along your whole jaw, opening it for Sakura’s view. Saliva dribbles from the writhing dance onto the loaned shirt. Sakura’s glued to the slippery strand dribbling down and the way your lip-gloss glistened, smudged between your lips and Suo’s. Words dangle in his mind about your reactions. He gives a shy, tug to your hair now. It’s gentle, light, practically a tickle compared to the accidental first. 

You break contact with Suo with a giggle, “You can tug harder, I won’t break.” 

“Aren’t you brave~” Suo coos. His hand snaked up to your hair next to Sakura’s and with a firm tug, you’re a whimpering mess with your neck exposed.

Sakura’s heart lurched into his throat. For only a moment, fight or flight had kicked in. He released your hair from his grasp so that he could do a full scan. Suo wouldn’t do anything to legitimately hurt you. Rationally he knew that, but this was all so new. It wasn’t until he saw your hips sway with mindless need that it registered to him. You liked this. Sakura decided that he’d sit back and learn as a natural progression. 

Suo noticed the shift. It was hard not to considering that Sakura leaned back onto the arm of the couch, eyes fully on you. The teacher was now a performer on a stage and you were his lovely assistant. 

Hand in your hair tugs your head to the side, further exposing the smooth skin at your neck. He leans up so that your hands grip the fabric at his shoulders shakily. The wet tip of his tongue traces the lines at your throat. The position, the tilt of your head, everything was for Sakura’s perfect viewing. The calico could see every line of saliva made, illuminated by the flickering of the television. Your whimpers and whines, the way your body rolled against Suo’s every touch only reinforcing the act more. 

Maybe it was shameless of Sakura. Maybe your desensitization had worked some kind of wonder. Either way, Sakura was fully enraptured by the movement of your body. Any prior urge to look away or feel shy or ashamed had been washed away by the angelic sounds you made. Having a front row seat to your pleasure, seeing every reaction you made only made Sakura crave to see more. The bubbling fizz at the pit of his stomach flourished and without really thinking about it, Sakura began to unbuckle his belt. 

From the corner of your lust-lidded lashes, you peered hungrily at Sakura’s shivering fingers. Walls cinched on nothing but the thought of his arousal. You squirmed on the lap your straddled, uncaring of your previous attempts to look strong and controlled. 

“Is someone excited?” Suo teased as he followed your line of sight. Words rumbled off the curve of your jaw, eliciting another pitiful plea for satisfaction. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t dripping himself. You were so desperate to move forward, and Sakura was so desperate to watch. Their teacher and performer was more than willing to oblige. 

“Let’s take this shirt off, dear.” 

“Mhm,” You agree shyly. You take the hem of the shirt and begin to tug, but as you do, Suo’s hands grip your waist. He raised his hips and pulled you into a grind along the hardened shaft of his cock, hidden under trousers. You suck in air and flex your core to steady yourself as your legs and walls tremble. The act overrode your prior command, arms loosely resting on your head as the fabric of Sakura’s shirt hangs from your fingers. 

“Oh? I don’t think I said stop taking the shirt off. Did I Sakura?” Suo’s kind, cruel smile faces your boyfriend, allowing his input. He was helping, directing Sakura to play an active role in your satisfaction if he was just going to sit back and watch. 

Sakura all the while had his belt slipped off, jeans had been discarded onto the coffee table. The dampened circle of pre saturating the cotton front of his boxer briefs did nothing to hide the imprint of the thick shaft twitching against fabric. Suo didn’t show a reaction to it, but Sakura was well endowed to say the least. Your boyfriend groans, impatient for the next act to happen, impatient to learn how to better communicate with your body. “Don’ think so.” He responded simply, the gruff and awkward response has your shivering. 

You hurried now to yank the shirt off and toss it aside. Where it landed didn’t matter. Your arms cross over your chest as a sudden flurry of embarrassment overwhelms you. 

“T-take a deep breath, babe.” Sakura’s voice is now louder than the trash TV host in the background. You meet eyes, his desire to see you pleased overwriting his own carnal urges. The calico near choked on his spit when you shine a radiant smile to him in pride. You can’t help but feel proud now that he wished to coax you out of your own comfort. He leads and you imitate the pace of his deep breathing. Suo all the while takes your forearms, softly pulling them away from the bosom he so desired. 

Suo’s hands fall back to your waist. His mouth explores the curve of your breast as they rise and fall with each cycle. He’d work within the calming routine that you and Sakura had developed, moving his teeth and tongue slow to your pace. The nips of his front teeth causing your tempered exhales to turn to shudders. He guides you to a rhythmic grind. Each movement churning your shudders into pitchy pants. 

Sakura, who had been taking mental notes of each action that cause your reactions, now perked at the writhing of bodies. Inadvertently, he had synced his breathing to yours and in effect, vicariously poised himself in Suo’s spot. His own hips rocked with the air subtly and subconsciously. You were so gorgeous as you leaned back on display. Sakura practically could feel the twitch of your fingers on his knees as they did on Suo’s, desperate for steady contact. Sakura’s own tongue twitched as Suo’s circled your perfectly perked nipple. He wondered how much self-control Suo had to not just undress and fuck you like that. 

“Fuck. You’re so hot, baby.” Sakura’s hand reached for the hem of his boxers. 

Suo clicked his tongue in the way one does to scold a dog, “Sakura, I thought I was the teacher here? Shouldn’t you be paying attention to her?” He halted all movement, barely breathless while you heaved and greedily ground on him for more, “Pause, my dear.” You were broken from your own world, pouting at the man who commanded you to stop. Not that the command registered as serious. Defiantly, you tried to wriggle, but the clasp around your waist prevented further movement. “You both are needy little things, hm?” Suo smiled so very sweetly to you, “I said pause. Now be a good girl and try to stay quiet while I teach, alright?” 

The slick between your thighs drooled at the saccharine command. It had subtle authority behind it, numbing your mind to be pliable to his will. You hummed with a nod in response. He made note to reward your good behavior later. Reinforcement was important, after all. 

Suo’s smile now curled into something Cheshire, “Let’s move onto the next lesson.” He shifted, practically lifting you by your waist to a stand in front. Sakura listened, but his eyes traced the trail of wet lines down your thighs. His fingers gripped at the cushion – his own tempered restraint.

“Sakura,” He began, fingers working to remove his slacks, “Before you please yourself, you should be more imaginative with your lover.” Once the slacks were off, he began to unbutton his shirt. “Women more easily orgasm multiple times,” The shirt fell to the crease of the cushions, “so her cumming on your fingers first,” Suo cupped the silk-covered lips between your thighs, the pad of his middle finger pressing onto your throbbing hole. His cock jerked in response, yet he ignored it – leading by example. “Or cumming on your tongue first-” Suo licked a stripe from the line of your panties to your naval, “won’t deter her from cumming on your cock.” From below, his caramel gaze softened on you before another friendly challenge was poised to his student, “I can’t imagine a virgin like yourself lasting too long, so do what you can for her first before you’re spent. Otherwise, it might be someone else satisfying her desires.”

With subtle circles of his middle finger, he massaged you, testing how quiet you could be. Just because he gave a command didn’t mean he’d try for your disobedience. It was natural for him to play with his food before he ate it and you were a luxury dish he’d been waiting years to be seated at. His starved gaze feasted on your frame. Sakura had such a lovely, obedient girl. He wished you could be his to nibble on day in and day out. Jealousy wasn’t exactly the word for what Suo felt. He was happy for Sakura. But maybe... Sakura would let him dine on you while he learned which fork to use for what. Learning curves could take some time and it would be such a shame for you to run cold. 

“Then stop yappin’ and show me,” Sakura practically growled the words. He was willing to learn. He wanted to learn. He’d put all the work in to get to this point and he desperately wanted to see it through – see you through. Suo’s jabs felt no different from a spar. It was exciting to see who would please you best. Obviously Suo had the upper hand now, but later? In a month? Two months? He’d treat you so good that you wouldn’t be able to see straight.

Suo laughed like chimes at his friend’s fervor, “Let’s all get more comfortable, then. Take the boxers off.” While Sakura followed instruction, Suo hooked the crotch of your panties to pull them down. The knuckle of his index purposefully nuzzled across your clit as he did so. Your knees wobbled and your restrained voice broke free, but you stayed steady standing. Suo then took his own boxers off. 

Your shadow obscured his length from your vision, while Sakura’s laid bare in the light of the white static snow. Your tongue slides across your lips at the precum dribbles down the underbelly. He was a lot girthier than you initially thought he'd be, but you were certain you could lick him up and down all the same. Regardless of your fixation, your tutor had other plans. 

Suo shifted on the couch to sit upright. His back rested against the left arm and his right leg bent and propped against the back of it. He faced Sakura and Sakura shifted to mirror his posture on the opposite end. Suo tugged on your writs, “Put your back to my chest, dear.” And so you did. With his guiding hands along the outer sides of your hips, Suo positioned you how he pleased. Your head rested along his pecks, his steady heart beat loud and thumping. The mystery of his size resolved as his cock imprinted into the crease of your glutes, tip leaking pre at the base of your spine. His body was hot against yours. Against your back you could feel how tense his core was. He was restraining himself from moving while making it look natural. Your pussy throbbed at the idea of it – how he wanted to fuck you so bad but wouldn’t just yet. He was a gentleman. 

Drunk on the concept alone, you sway your hips against him, lascivious gaze watching for when he might break. In one short moment, Suo had your limbs restricted. Your right leg, which had been resting against his at the back of the couch, was now held up by the underside of your knee and against your chest. Your left leg was constricted by his and dangled over the edge of the couch. Suo’s left hand cupped, then smacked firmly onto your cunt. The sound sticky and loud over the TV static. He pressed his fingers onto you to sooth the sting. You cried out in both pleasure and pain only to be shushed. 

“You weren’t quiet the whole way through when standing~. Punishing disobedience is also the job of a teacher,” Suo’s voice bounced in delight at your pouting lip, “Did you think I forgot?” You shook your head. “Good girl. Now, be a good doll for a moment while Sakura explores” You nod, eyes wide on Sakura. 

Your breathing mimicked his naturally. The gentle ‘shhhh’ as he breathed out between his teeth. He relaxed his jaw as to not clench it. His shoulders wound back to release the tension there, too. Your smile inviting him over. You kept your hands to yourself, but pat the inside of your thighs to signal for him to come to you. Sakura in that moment thought of you more like seafoam. He feared that if he touched you the wrong way, you’d fizzle out beneath his grasp. Never-the-less, he knelt before you, taking up the cushion space between Suo and your legs. 

Suo nodded approvingly. The hand cupped over your sex moved up. He gave an overview of the parts on the off chance Sakura’s sex education had been lack luster, fingers grazing at each as he spoke. Your rested the back of your head onto his chest and closed your eyes. His voice so close to your ear and delicate touches along the labia majora and minora relaxing you. 

“I implore you to touch for yourself,” Suo chirped, hand now moving to trace shapes on your stomach. 

“S-sure,” Sakura stammered. He pet the trimmed pubic hair, tracing the shape of your labia gently and carefully. The slick that stuck to the curled hairs had him swallowing saliva hard. The veins of his cock pulsed, drawing out precum to drool onto your folds. “You’re so damn p-perfect.” You opened your eyes to look up to wonder-filled irises. He looked as if he’d found the garden of Eden. If you hadn’t been told to be quite, you’d thank him, but seeing you like this was thanks enough to your loving boyfriend. 

“Past this,” Suo interrupted, “is the clit.” His index and ring finger separated your lips, reveal the apple beneath. In anticipation, it pulsed and you bucked. Both men huffed a single laugh in response. Suo in satisfaction and Sakura in admiration. Suo’s middle finger pulled at the hood to reveal the plump nerve. “You have to be gentle with it at first. Too much stimulation and she might not enjoy it. Some people do, though.” He rose his fingers to your mouth and watched as you welcomed them into your maw. Tongue lapped at the digits, hungrily accepting whatever it could. “Oh? Someone has a fixation~ How cute!” Suo teased, swirling his index around your tongue. 

“Mmm,” You respond, eyes trailing the saliva strand that connected you both as his fingers left your lips. At your back was a thick, heavy throb. You wondered how he kept such composure at times like this. He always had a level head. Meanwhile you were swimming in sweet arousal. 

Suo took newly sodden digits to your clit, the tip of his index finger tracing circles around the bud but not yet on it. Your back arcs and a loud whine reverberates in your throat. 

Sakura swallows, bristling at the sounds you made. His hand hovers above you, uncertain about what to do next. Suo chuckles deeply, jostling you against his chest. The fox spreads you open, index and middle finger running down and around your entrance before coming back together to tease over the sensitive maw and bud. You crane into the touch, pitiful in your attempts to get them in. Your walls shiver with every rotation. He’s such a cruel tease! Suo is slow, deliberate, repeating the same motion. Your whines grow in volume and pitch until you’re practically on the verge of tears. 

Your boyfriend tilts his head, mind switching gears. A hand cups your cheek and his focused eyes hone right onto yours, “Breathe, baby. Everythin’s okay. Ya look so fuckin’ perfect  right now, too.” His voice is low, husky, mixed with both sympathy and hot honied lust. His praise urged you on. You gifted him your loveliest smile in return. 

“Check if she’s ready, Sakura~.” Suo instructs, “Gently work a finger in and tell me what you feel.“ His lips rest at the shell of your ear and then he presses a kiss to your temple, muttering just for you to hear, “You’re doing so well, my dear. If he says you’re ready, do you want me to fuck you?” The question was innocuous. You shiver, mind melting away to an unfamiliar space. Dazed, you peer up to him then to Sakura. You nodded, teeth gnawing at your lower lip. Suo stops his caresses, the pads of his fingers resting and pressing into your clit. There was no rub or stroke. It was curious, but the purpose was soon discovered.

Sakura mimicked his teacher, pressing two fingers past your lips. He held his breath, hips swaying to rut into air as your tongue and lips worked his digits. His composure was shot, face aflame and muscles trembling. 

Suo cleared his throat, garnering Sakura’s attention and snapping him back to reality. Right. Attention on you. Another deep breath. His fingers retreat from one maw to the other. He paws at you so delicately at first, uncertain but determined to draw out the same moans as his teacher. At first his pam is down. It’s uncomfortable at first and you scrunch your nose. 

“Palm up,” Suo corrects quickly, noticing your expression, “About two knuckles in and you’ll feel it.” 

When you look up to him, his half-patched gaze is glued to your pussy. His cock pulsates against your ass, body still as tense as it was before. If he even let loose a bit, he’d lose it all. He’s resisting so much. 

Sakura’s obedient shift in position has you gasping. He’s pawing into you and against you gummy wall. Sakura didn’t question what he should be feeling. He felt it as soon as he worked his way into you, just as teacher taught, “Sh-she’s-“ he swallows hard, “drippin’.” 

You press your back into Suo, desperately trying to work your hips to ride Sakura’s calloused hand. Years of hard community work, fighting, and building paying off in the form of  the textured drawl of his digit. 

“Tsk, tsk, not yet.” Suo grips at your waist, his legs pressing against yours to keep you still in their spread. Sakura had stopped his strokes, thick finger left motionless inside you. You whine and pout and throw your head to the side. A laugh came from behind you, “You can keep going, Sakura. She’s being good now. If she tries to fuck your hand again, just stop until she’s still.”

You huff, frustrated. 

Both men shared a look, silently in agreeance to continue. The calico learns through your reactions what strokes work you best. Actually, the reactions of your pussy herself rattles him to the core. She quivers and quakes when he strokes you right, gently prodding the sponge-like tissue inside. You cry out, every fiber of your being trying to keep your body steady. 

If you faltered, Suo held you firm. Suo moved one hand back to press at your clit. It wasn’t overwhelming. It was a pressure to work with Sakura’s quickening pace. Each stroke against your inner wall striking like a lighter while the press against your nerve sparked with kerosine.  You’re moans grew into loud cries. Without the ability to work against Sakura yourself, all of your energy went to your lungs. The neighbors would be bitching in the morning, for sure. 

The violent pull of your muscles was more than you could control as you sprinted toward the edge of the cliff, ready to dive for sweet release. You held your breath, body still writhing as your lower back arched with all its might. Just as you were about to jump – Suo ripped Sakura’s wrist away.

“F-fuck! Why?! No, no, no, no, put it back please! Please? More?” You crane your neck to plead with him, gasps and trembling body pointed to the wrong-doer. 

“What’s the fun in that?” Suo teased with a triumphant grin, “I said it’s easier for women to have multiple orgasms. That doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives.” 

You pout petulantly, “Please Suo? Sakura? I-I-” 

Just as tears squeezed from the corners of your eyes, Suo lifted you by your thighs. “Since you asked so sweetly,” He angled your trembling frame until you were poised against the absolutely soaked head of his cock, “You wanted me to fuck you, did you not?” His chest began to rise and fall in quickening pace. Your pleaded left him like crackling class, “What if I wanted to feel you cum around me, darling? I’ve been so patient.” He kissed away the tears and turned his attention to Sakura, “Watch and learn, dear student.”

Sakura leaned back, eyes wide at all that transpired. His throat was dry. Yeah. Yeah. He wanted that. It hit him hard, but in that very moment, Sakura realized that he’d never be able to get you to beg and pant and cry like that by himself the first go around. His shy ass would have done everything you wanted and more. He would have gotten you there. He wasgetting you there. But shit, did you look so stunning when you begged. He covered his mouth with his free hand. He leaned into the opposite arm, giving his close friend enough room to fuck his girlfriend how you deserved. 

“Match my pace, Sakura.” Suo’s challenge rang clear and concise, “Perhaps if you last longer than me, I’ll let you have her next.” 

Sakura perked. He spat into his hand, saliva mixing with your slick. Challenge on.  “Pretty sure my stamina’s better than yours, Suo.” 

You gripped Suo’s forearms, the back of your head craned so your lips met Suo’s exposed throat. You needed something, anything, to occupy your mouth as he lowered you onto him. He was long. Much longer than you estimated. His tip split you and your mind drained of any and all thought. He filled you up comfortably, your pussy and his size forming to each other. It was then you realized Suo was losing composure. 

He began to sigh heavy, prettily. He was gaging how far into you he was by the way Sakura fucked his own fist. You’re heavy lidded gaze latched onto your boyfriend, piecing it all together. He started from his tip and slowly slid his hand down, matching it to how deep Suo sank into your greedy cunt. 

Suo began to rock his hips into yours.  At first it was slow. Every time he nearly pulled out only to thrust back into you with such force, you thought he was in your throat. The slapping stick of your sobbing hole against him matched with the smack of Sakura fucking himself. 

The intensity of his duochrome hues burning at your very core. Being able to see him, him able to see you – it was a blessing gifted from whatever deity gifted you all this moment. He was imagining being in Suo’s spot, fucking into you, holding you hostage at the edge. 

The fox bit into your shoulder, no longer caring of Sakura’s matching speed. His thighs beat into yours, cock searing its very shape into you. It reduced you to shuddering, shivering smithereens. A sheen of sweat licked at all your bodies. Your stomach rolled with increasing tension, a string held taught at each end. You held on for as long as you could, really you did. For every heavy thrust up, you bucked. Suo’s head struck at just the right spot. Again. And again. And again. 

It built from your core to your throat to your head, burning you up until you couldn’t see straight through the smoke. Your toes curled and your nails bit into Suo’s arm. He hissed at first only to breathlessly laugh. The sound grounded you. 

Suo bit into your shoulder, eyes now hard on Sakura. He hadn’t cum yet. Impressive. Even more impressive that you hadn’t yet despite your begging for that delectable finish. He was devouring you whole, memorizing your every sound. He’ll dream about the way your pussy felt cinching around him until his death. Suo was a greedy man at heart, despite how much he cared for you both. He wanted you to beg for his approval - to call his name more. He wanted you to remember him through it all. 

Sakura’s thick cock rolled through his fingers. His abs tensed as he withheld his own finish. Like hell he’d lose when you were on the line. You tear-stained lashes, your breasts jostling with each thrust, and not to fucking mention that he could see the curve of Suo’s cock massaging at your belly – it made Sakura wish he had a camera. Porn was nothing compared to this. Seeing you get your guts rocked burned into Sakura’s psyche. 

“F-fuck Suo, you gonna let her cum or what?!” Sakura growled. Their eyes locked and like two apex predators lapping at the same spring, they struck a bargain.

“Pretty girl~” Suo sighed hoarsely, “Do you – h’ah – do you want to cum?” He fucked you hard and steady. His controlled pace held you right where he wanted. With the way you clamped around him so desperately, he knew you were holding it just for him, too. You weren’t in your body anymore anyway. You’d been fucked to purgatory without passage to heaven or hell. Mentally you were fucking them both. Their synchronicity thread the three of you together in both sensation and in spirit. Surreal. It was surreal. 

“My dear,” Suo’s hand moved to your throat, palm resting at the front while his index and thumb gripped your jaw again. He pulled you to look him in the eye, “Do you want to cum or no? I can leave you like just like this if you don’t answer.” 

His threat invaded your headspace, ripping your back to your body and back to clarity. Your legs shook with a violence, your belly and sides and arms trembling as you withheld yourself from orgasm. All you could do was nod as your throat had become sore from sound. 

“Get ready~. Your pace now!” Suo let your boyfriend have a taste of control for desert. 

Now Suo fucked you to Sakura’s increasing pace. Not only did he match pace, but he match ferocity and depth. Your cunt was the same as Sakura’s very fist, linking you to his heavy handed masturbation.

The burn of your muscles, the chill of sweat, the cigarette burn pleasure clawing at your cervix all coalesced. Your toes curled and you pressed Suo’s hand harder to your throat til you felt dizzy. Each pound and pulse of your finishing show worth an eye-rolling encore. Hot and thick, Suo coats your insides. Each pulse of his cock followed by the cinch of your walls in argument. Against your stomach, Sakura painted his own mark. His growling ‘fuck’ a sweet chorus against your mind. 

The three of you panting together, letting the soothing snow of the television calm your nerves. Once you all had caught your breath, Suo grabbed his shirt, ready to catch his cum from seeping out of you and onto the couch as he pulled out. You shuddered, muscles too weak from exertion to even attempt to help. 

“N-now onto aftercare,” The martial artist sucked in air and let it out in a stream, “Could you run the bath? I think our little darling here is too tired to stand.” 

Warning con't. Consult a licensed therapist or psychologist if exposure therapy interests you as there are specific rules and regulations to the practice that a professional will know more than some schmo on tumblr. If done incorrectly, exposure therapy can reinforce and worsen phobias, trauma, and rituals so it is incredibly, incredibly important to seek a professional. Contact your insurance, your pcp, your therapist, whomever you need to refer you to a specialist if you are interested in exposure therapy.

It can be beneficial for PTSD, OCD, anxiety, phobias. Do your research on pubmed as pubmed is a proper and peer reviewed source for any type of medical information. If you need assistance navigating pubmed I would be happy to help as while I do not have a license for therapy nor a Psy.D., I at least have a degree in psych/neuro to know how to find reliable resources. The least I can do is offer help with finding proper peer-reviewed literature.

[oldfacesnewdawnoffical]

Agoraphobic Barkface is so interesting idk ever since I read it it’s all I can think about. Does their agoraphobia stem from any event in their life? It probably won’t be shown in the story but as a person who has agoraphobic tendencies it’s just like melted into my mind and I need to know about them

I’d like to be able rewrite some of the Super Editions from canon, alongside a few entirely new ones (on characters such as Monarchmask, Sol, maybe Snowtuft, etc) so perhaps we’ll get a Voleface SE someday where I can go into heavier detail ;)

While it’s not shown in Ignite, Voleface’s agoraphobia does in fact stem from some events in his life!

I’ve always read Barkface as someone who is very externally calm and collected, but on the inside is wracked with anxiety and near-constant worry, trying to alleviate his own sense of fear by offering a helping hand to others… though perhaps that was just my own projection coming into play. But even still, I wanted to dig into that a little deeper when it came to constructing Purrheale Voleface!

His agoraphobia developed properly much later on in his life, after the death of their brother, Shrewclaw, though it definitely had some warnings before it’s eventual drop. He had some difficulties when it came to regulating his anxiety (especially when it came to his family; his parents died very early on in his life), and had a period of time in his life where he would steal and abuse herbs in an attempt to make himself calm. His agoraphobia is also regulated mostly to large crowds; he tends to stay in his den often, regularly avoids Gatherings, and tries not to put himself in or near crowds. Magpietail is also a huge help to him.

Prior to her death, he was also getting help from Purrheale Sagewhisker of the Fenland! They worked on exposure therapy together, alongside systematic desensitization. He’s really struggled in the aftermath of her death, but, well… the Moorswept won’t have to deal with crowds for a while.

[camellasstory]

Overcoming Driving Anxiety with Hypnosis: A Guide to Finding Peace on the Road

Many individuals experience driving anxiety, a distressing condition that can significantly impact daily life. Whether it stems from past accidents, fear of traffic, or general anxiety disorders, the fear of driving can be paralyzing. Fortunately, hypnotherapy offers a promising solution for those seeking relief from driving anxiety. This blog explores how hypnosis can effectively alleviate fears and empower individuals to regain control on the road.

Understanding Driving Anxiety

Driving anxiety manifests differently for each person. Some may feel overwhelmed by highways or congested roads, while others fear losing control of the vehicle or experiencing a panic attack while driving. These fears can be debilitating, leading to avoidance behaviors that limit daily activities and independence.

Common Symptoms of Driving Anxiety

Symptoms of driving anxiety can include:

Increased heart rate

Sweating or trembling

Hyperventilation

Feeling trapped or unable to escape

Negative thoughts or catastrophizing

Impact on Daily Life

Driving anxiety can severely impact daily routines, job prospects, and social activities. It may also lead to feelings of isolation and frustration as individuals struggle to navigate their fears.

Hypnosis: A Powerful Tool for Overcoming Driving Anxiety

Hypnotherapy is gaining recognition as an effective treatment for various anxiety disorders, including driving anxiety. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnosis aims to reframe negative thought patterns and desensitize individuals to anxiety triggers associated with driving.

How Hypnosis Works

During a hypnotherapy session focused on driving anxiety, a trained therapist guides the individual into a relaxed state. This heightened state of relaxation allows the subconscious mind to become more receptive to positive suggestions and imagery.

Benefits of Hypnosis for Driving Anxiety

Targeted Approach: Hypnosis targets the root cause of driving anxiety, addressing underlying fears and triggers.

Behavioral Changes: Hypnosis promotes behavioral changes by instilling confidence and reducing anticipatory anxiety.

Long-term Relief: Unlike quick-fix solutions, hypnotherapy offers sustainable relief by empowering individuals to manage anxiety independently.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Many individuals have found relief from driving anxiety through hypnosis. For example, Sarah, a client of Florida Hypnotherapy, struggled with freeway driving due to a past accident. After several hypnosis sessions, she reported feeling calm and in control, allowing her to resume daily commuting without fear.

Hypnosis Techniques for Overcoming Driving Anxiety

Visualization and Relaxation Techniques

Visualization techniques during hypnosis sessions help individuals imagine themselves driving calmly and confidently. Combined with relaxation exercises, these techniques reduce physical tension and mental distress associated with driving anxiety.

Cognitive Restructuring

Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns related to driving. Through hypnosis, individuals learn to replace fear-based thoughts with positive affirmations and realistic perceptions of safety.

Gradual Exposure Therapy

Hypnotherapy may incorporate gradual exposure to driving situations that trigger anxiety. This systematic approach allows individuals to confront their fears in a controlled environment, gradually building confidence behind the wheel.

Choosing a Hypnotherapist for Driving Anxiety

Qualifications and Experience

When seeking hypnotherapy for driving anxiety, it's essential to choose a licensed and experienced hypnotherapist. Look for professionals who specialize in anxiety disorders and have a successful track record of treating driving phobias.

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, discuss your specific fears and goals with the hypnotherapist. This allows them to tailor the treatment plan to address your unique needs and concerns effectively.

Commitment to Treatment

Successful outcomes often require commitment to regular hypnotherapy sessions and practicing relaxation techniques outside of therapy. Consistency and patience are key to achieving long-term relief from driving anxiety.

Conclusion: Embracing Freedom Behind the Wheel

Driving anxiety should not limit your ability to live life fully. With the power of hypnosis, individuals can conquer their fears and reclaim independence on the road. Whether you fear highways, busy intersections, or specific driving scenarios, hypnotherapy offers a personalized approach to overcoming anxiety and achieving peace of mind while driving.

If you're ready to take the first step toward overcoming driving anxiety, contact Florida Hypnotherapy today. Our experienced hypnotherapists are dedicated to helping individuals like you build confidence and embrace the joy of driving once again.

Remember, with hypnosis, the journey to freedom behind the wheel begins with a single session. Take charge of your driving anxiety today and experience the road to recovery with hypnotherapy.

[kdwellness01]

Best Therapy for Social Anxiety in Ontario

Social tension problem, otherwise called social fear, is a pervasive emotional wellness condition portrayed by an extraordinary feeling of dread toward social circumstances. It can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making even everyday interactions seem daunting. Fortunately, there are effective therapies available for social anxiety in Ontario. This blog explores the best therapeutic options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Group Therapy, and highlights key resources and practitioners in the region.

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety involves a persistent fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed in social situations. Common symptoms include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

What is CBT? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating social anxiety. It focuses on identifying and challenging anxiety-inducing negative thought patterns and beliefs. By restructuring these thoughts, individuals can alter their behavior and emotional responses.

How Does CBT Work? Cognitive Restructuring: This involves identifying irrational beliefs and replacing them with more realistic ones. For instance, “People are generally understanding and won’t judge me harshly” takes the place of “Everyone will laugh at me if I speak up.”

Behavioral Techniques: These include gradual exposure to feared social situations to reduce avoidance behaviors. This might involve starting with less intimidating scenarios and gradually working up to more challenging ones.

CBT in Ontario Ontario has numerous skilled CBT practitioners and clinics. Notable resources include:

The Mindfulness Clinic: Located in Toronto, this clinic offers specialized CBT for social anxiety, combining it with mindfulness techniques for better outcomes. Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre: Based in Hamilton, this center is known for its evidence-based treatments and experienced therapists.

Exposure Therapy

What is Exposure Therapy? Exposure Therapy is a specific type of CBT that focuses on directly confronting feared social situations. The objective is to decrease the trepidation reaction through rehashed openness.

How Does Exposure Therapy Work? Systematic Desensitization: This involves creating a hierarchy of feared situations and gradually exposing the individual to them, starting from the least to the most anxiety-provoking.

In Vivo Exposure: Practicing real-life exposure to feared situations, such as giving a presentation or attending a social gathering, under the guidance of a therapist.

Exposure Therapy in Ontario Several clinics and therapists specialize in Exposure Therapy for social anxiety:

Group Therapy

What is Group Therapy? Bunch Treatment includes a little gathering of people with comparative issues who meet routinely to examine their encounters under the direction of a specialist. It provides a supportive environment to practice social skills and reduce feelings of isolation.

How Does Group Therapy Work? Supportive Environment: Participants share their experiences and support each other, which helps reduce feelings of isolation and stigma.

Social Skills Training: Group settings provide a safe space to practice and improve social interactions.

Feedback and Insight: Receiving feedback from others can provide valuable insights and different perspectives on one’s social interactions.

Group Therapy in Ontario

Ontario offers several reputable group therapy programs for social anxiety:

The Social Anxiety Institute of Ontario: Offers specialized group therapy sessions focused on social skills training and exposure exercises. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Located in Toronto, CAMH provides group therapy programs led by experienced mental health professionals.

Additional Resources

Online Therapy Options For those who prefer remote treatment, online therapy platforms such as MindBeacon and Inkblot Therapy offer virtual CBT and other therapeutic options tailored to social anxiety.

Self-Help Books and Resources Books like “The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook” by Martin M. Antony and Richard P. Swinson, both based in Ontario, provide practical exercises and insights for managing social anxiety.

Support Groups Organizations such as Anxiety Canada and Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario offer support groups and resources for individuals struggling with social anxiety.

Conclusion Overcoming social anxiety is a challenging but achievable goal with the right therapeutic approach. In Ontario, residents have access to a variety of effective treatments, including CBT, Exposure Therapy, and Group Therapy. Whether through in-person sessions or online platforms, seeking help from skilled professionals can lead to significant improvements in managing social anxiety and enhancing overall quality of life.

[ayushsinghedu368]

HYPNOTHERAPY — A Complete Guide

Hypnotherapy, a powerful tool for harnessing the subconscious mind, has gained significant recognition in recent years for its effectiveness in treating various mental and physical health issues. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the depths of hypnotherapy, exploring its origins, mechanisms, benefits, techniques, and misconceptions.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes hypnosis to induce a state of heightened awareness and suggestibility in individuals. Through this trance-like state, the hypnotherapist can access the subconscious mind to address deep-seated issues and facilitate positive changes.

History of Hypnotherapy

The practice of hypnotherapy traces back to ancient civilizations, where hypnotic techniques were used in healing rituals. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that hypnosis gained scientific interest, thanks to the pioneering work of Franz Mesmer. Since then, hypnotherapy has evolved into a well-established therapeutic modality.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

Hypnotherapy operates on the principle that the mind and body are interconnected, with the subconscious mind influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By accessing the subconscious, hypnotherapy aims to identify and address underlying issues contributing to various conditions.

The Role of the Hypnotherapist

A skilled hypnotherapist serves as a guide, leading the client into a state of hypnosis through relaxation techniques and verbal cues. Once in trance, the hypnotherapist can deliver therapeutic suggestions tailored to the individual’s needs, promoting positive changes in thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.

Benefits of Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy offers a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical well-being:

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Hypnosis induces deep relaxation, allowing individuals to release tension and anxiety stored in the body. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can reframe negative thought patterns and promote a sense of calm and inner peace.

Overcoming Phobias and Fears

Through systematic desensitization and exposure therapy, hypnotherapy can help individuals confront and overcome irrational fears and phobias. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can reframe negative associations and instill confidence and resilience.

Pain Management

Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in alleviating both acute and chronic pain by modulating the perception of pain signals in the brain. Through imagery, visualization, and suggestion, hypnotherapy can reduce pain intensity and improve coping mechanisms.

Improving Sleep Quality

Hypnotherapy can address underlying factors contributing to sleep disturbances, such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia. By promoting relaxation and positive visualization, hypnotherapy can help individuals achieve deep, restorative sleep.

Common Techniques Used in Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy employs various techniques to induce trance and facilitate therapeutic change:

Progressive Relaxation

Progressive relaxation involves systematically tensing and relaxing muscle groups to induce a state of deep relaxation. By releasing physical tension, individuals can enter a trance-like state more easily.

Visualization

Visualization techniques utilize the power of imagery to evoke positive emotions and beliefs. By imagining desired outcomes, individuals can reprogram their subconscious mind to manifest their goals and aspirations.

Regression Therapy

Regression therapy involves revisiting past memories and experiences to uncover unresolved issues contributing to present-day challenges. By addressing root causes, individuals can achieve profound healing and transformation.

Read Also — The History of Hypnotherapy as a healing practice

What to Expect During a Hypnotherapy Session

Initial Consultation

Before beginning hypnotherapy, clients undergo an initial consultation to discuss their goals, concerns, and medical history. This allows the hypnotherapist to tailor the sessions to the individual’s needs and ensure a safe and effective therapeutic experience.

Induction Process

The induction process involves guiding the client into a state of hypnosis through relaxation techniques and focused attention. This may include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization.

Deepening Techniques

Once in trance, the hypnotherapist may use deepening techniques to deepen the hypnotic state and enhance suggestibility. This may involve counting down from a number or using soothing verbal cues to induce a deeper state of relaxation.

Suggestion Therapy

During the hypnotic trance, the hypnotherapist delivers therapeutic suggestions tailored to the individual’s goals and objectives. These suggestions bypass the critical faculties of the conscious mind and directly influence the subconscious, facilitating positive changes in thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.

Conditions Treated with Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can address a wide range of conditions, including:

Smoking Cessation

Weight Loss

PTSD

Chronic Pain

By targeting the underlying psychological factors contributing to these conditions, hypnotherapy can promote long-lasting healing and transformation.

Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Despite its proven effectiveness, hypnotherapy is often surrounded by misconceptions:

Loss of Control

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis does not involve surrendering control to the hypnotherapist. Individuals remain fully aware and in control during hypnosis and can terminate the session at any time.

Unconsciousness

Hypnosis is not synonymous with unconsciousness or sleep. Rather, it is a state of heightened awareness and focus, similar to daydreaming or deep meditation.

Memory Alteration

While hypnosis can enhance memory recall, it does not involve altering memories or implanting false memories. Individuals retain full control over their memories and perceptions during hypnosis.

Finding a Qualified Hypnotherapist

When seeking hypnotherapy, it’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist:

Certification and Training

Look for a hypnotherapist who has received formal training and certification from reputable institutions. This ensures that they have the necessary skills and expertise to provide effective and ethical treatment.

Client Testimonials

Reading client testimonials and reviews can provide insight into the hypnotherapist’s effectiveness and approach. Look for testimonials from individuals who have achieved positive results and felt supported throughout their journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypnotherapy offers a holistic approach to healing and transformation, tapping into the power of the subconscious mind to promote positive changes in thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. By addressing underlying issues and harnessing the mind-body connection, hypnotherapy can help individuals overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and live fulfilling lives.

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Understanding Fear and Its Impact on Human Growth

Fear is an innate and powerful emotion that serves as a protective mechanism, warning us of potential dangers and helping us to navigate through threatening situations. However, while fear can be beneficial in certain circumstances, it can also hinder our growth and development as human beings if left unchecked. From affecting our mental health to shaping our mindset, fear plays a significant role in how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

The Nature of Fear

At its core, fear is a primal response triggered by the perception of a threat, whether real or imagined. This response activates our body's fight-or-flight mechanism, preparing us to either confront the threat or flee from it. Physiologically, fear prompts the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which elevate heart rate, increase blood pressure, and sharpen our senses, all in an effort to help us survive.

While fear can be a crucial survival tool, it can also become overwhelming and debilitating when experienced excessively or irrationally. Chronic fear and anxiety can lead to a range of mental health issues, including panic disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, persistent fear can interfere with our daily functioning, impacting our relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.

Fear and Growth Mindset

One of the ways in which fear impedes our growth as human beings is by fostering a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, individuals believe that their abilities and intelligence are static traits that cannot be changed. They may avoid challenges or risks out of fear of failure, preferring to stick to what is familiar and safe.

Conversely, a growth mindset is characterized by the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, view setbacks as temporary setbacks, and are more resilient in the face of adversity.

Harnessing the Power of the Mind

Our minds function in many ways like muscles—they can be strengthened through regular exercise and challenged to grow beyond their current limitations. By confronting our fears and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can expand our mental capacity and develop greater resilience. This process involves reframing our thoughts and beliefs about fear, viewing it not as an obstacle to be avoided but as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.

Cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as exposure therapy and mindfulness meditation, can help individuals confront and manage their fears in a controlled and systematic manner. By gradually exposing themselves to feared stimuli or situations, individuals can desensitize their fear responses and learn to cope more effectively with challenging emotions.

Moreover, cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance can foster a more positive mindset and reduce the impact of fear on mental health. Rather than berating ourselves for perceived weaknesses or shortcomings, we can embrace our imperfections as opportunities for growth and learning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fear is a complex and multifaceted emotion that influences our thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. While fear can serve as a valuable survival instinct, it can also hinder our growth and development if left unchecked. By cultivating a growth mindset, confronting our fears, and adopting strategies to manage anxiety, we can harness the power of our minds to overcome obstacles and reach our full potential as human beings. Fear may always be a part of the human experience, but it doesn't have to define us—it can be a catalyst for growth and transformation if we learn to embrace it with courage and resilience.

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Unlocking Tranquility: ABA Autism Therapy in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety

In the intricate world of autism, individuals often grapple with anxiety, creating unique challenges for both themselves and their caregivers. One approach that has shown promising results is the integration of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Autism Therapy. This powerful combination can provide individuals with autism a structured and effective means of managing anxiety.

Understanding ABA Autism Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Autism Therapy is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach aimed at enhancing socially significant behaviors. It focuses on understanding the principles of learning and behavior, systematically applying interventions to bring about positive changes. ABA Autism Therapy forms a solid foundation for addressing anxiety in individuals with autism by fostering adaptive behaviors and reducing maladaptive ones.

The Intersection of ABA and CBT

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized psychological intervention that targets the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When integrated with ABA Autism Therapy, CBT becomes a potent tool for addressing anxiety. ABA provides the structure and reinforcement necessary for CBT strategies to take root, creating a synergistic approach that aligns with the unique needs of individuals with autism.

Identifying Anxiety in Autism

Recognizing anxiety in individuals with autism requires a nuanced understanding of both the common signs of anxiety and the unique expressions seen in the autism spectrum. ABA Autism Therapy plays a crucial role in this process by facilitating systematic observation and analysis. By identifying specific triggers and behaviors associated with anxiety, caregivers and therapists can tailor CBT interventions more effectively.

Implementing CBT Strategies in ABA Autism Therapy

a. Behavioral Modification Techniques: ABA Autism Therapy incorporates behavioral modification techniques as part of CBT strategies. This involves reinforcing positive behaviors and providing clear consequences for maladaptive ones. Consistent reinforcement enhances the effectiveness of CBT interventions, fostering a positive connection between thoughts and behaviors.

b. Social Stories and Visual Supports: ABA Autism Therapy often utilizes social stories and visual supports to convey information and expectations. When applying CBT, these tools can be adapted to address anxious thoughts and behaviors. Creating personalized stories that depict successful coping mechanisms and using visual schedules for anxiety-inducing situations can empower individuals with autism to manage their anxiety effectively.

c. Gradual Exposure: ABA's systematic approach aligns seamlessly with CBT's gradual exposure techniques. By gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled manner, ABA Autism Therapy allows for the desensitization of triggers. This step-by-step process, combined with the principles of CBT, helps individuals build resilience and adapt their responses to anxiety.

d. Cognitive Restructuring: ABA Autism Therapy aids in cognitive restructuring by addressing cognitive distortions commonly observed in individuals with autism. CBT interventions within ABA can target specific cognitive patterns, helping individuals reframe negative thoughts and develop more adaptive thinking patterns. This integration fosters long-term resilience against anxiety triggers.

Collaboration between Therapists and Caregivers

The success of ABA Autism Therapy with integrated CBT strategies relies on a collaborative effort between therapists and caregivers. Communication is key in sharing insights, tracking progress, and implementing consistent strategies across various environments. Caregivers play a pivotal role in extending the benefits of therapy beyond clinical settings, reinforcing learned skills and coping mechanisms in the daily lives of individuals with autism.

Conclusion:

In the intricate tapestry of autism, ABA Autism Therapy emerges as a guiding light, providing a structured pathway for addressing anxiety through the integration of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The marriage of these two approaches holds immense promise, offering tailored interventions that resonate with the unique needs of individuals with autism. As we navigate the complex terrain of anxiety within the autism spectrum, the synergy between ABA and CBT becomes a beacon of hope, unlocking the potential for tranquility and improved quality of life.

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Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Services

Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy in Kondapur emerges as a highly effective and holistic approach to addressing various mental health issues. Rooted in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, CBT goes beyond traditional methods by incorporating a comprehensive perspective that considers the interplay of thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and environmental factors. This integrative approach has gained popularity for its versatility and success in treating a wide range of psychological conditions, making it a cornerstone in behavioral therapy services.

Understanding Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy:

Holistic Assessment:

CBT begins with a thorough assessment of an individual's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and the environmental factors influencing their mental health. This holistic evaluation ensures that treatment targets the root causes rather than just addressing symptoms, a key aspect of comprehensive behavioral therapy services in Hyderabad.

Cognitive Restructuring:

A core component of CBT involves identifying and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. Through cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to replace negative or irrational thoughts with more realistic and positive ones. This process empowers them to develop healthier perspectives, aligning with the goals of behavioral therapists for adults.

Behavioral Interventions:

CBT incorporates behavioral interventions to modify harmful behaviors and reinforce positive ones. Techniques such as exposure therapy, behavioral activation, and systematic desensitization help individuals confront and overcome challenges, showcasing the versatility of behavioral therapist counseling in Hafeezpet.

Emotion Regulation:

Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy places a strong emphasis on teaching individuals how to regulate their emotions effectively. Through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and emotional expression, clients learn to manage stressors and develop resilience in the face of adversity, an integral part of behavioral & language therapy center programs.

Environmental Considerations:

CBT recognizes the impact of environmental factors on mental health. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify and address external influences that may contribute to psychological distress, creating a more supportive and conducive living environment, a crucial aspect of comprehensive behavioral therapy services in Hafeezpet.

Individualized Treatment Plans:

One of the strengths of CBT lies in its adaptability. Therapists tailor treatment plans to each individual's unique needs and circumstances, ensuring a personalized and effective approach to mental health improvement, a hallmark of behavioral therapists for adults.

Integration of Technology:

In the digital age, Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy often integrates technology, utilizing online platforms, mobile applications, and virtual therapy sessions to enhance accessibility and continuity of care, furthering the reach of behavioral & language therapy center initiatives.

Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy represents a dynamic and evolving approach to mental health that goes beyond symptom management. As research and clinical experience continue to inform the field, Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy remains at the forefront of effective and person-centered mental health care, benefiting those seeking behavioral therapy services and the expertise of behavioral therapists for adults.

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What is Systematic Desensitization?

Systematic desensitization therapy is a behavioral therapy intervention used to treat anxiety, phobias, OCD, and PTSD. It is predicated on the idea that the client has learned a conditioned aversive response (usually fear or digest) to a specific stimulus (Pavlov,1960 [1927], Skinner 1963), and that this association can be broken by counterconditioning (Wolpe 1958;1964).

The stimulus may be a specific situation,such as meeting new people, in the case of arachnophobia. It could also be places, sounds, sights, and events associated with a traumatic experience with PTSD.

Systematic desensitization uses counter conditioning to teach a client a new response to the stimulus using relaxation techniques during graded exposure to the stimulus. In this way, the original fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The technique is called systematic desensitization, as the counter conditioning graded exposure proceeds systematically through three phases.

1. The client learns relaxation techniques that will counter condition their response to the aversive stimulus.

2. The therapist and client collaborate to produce a hierarchy of the client's intensity of response to the stimulus at different levels of exposure to the stimulus.

3. The client is desensitized to the stimulus through systematically graded exposure to the stimulus and practices relaxation techniques to counter their aversive fight-or-flight response during the exposure.

These easier way to explain this approach is to use real-life examples, which are presented.

Who Developed Systematic Desensitization

Joseph Wolpe (1958; 1964) developed this approach based on his theory of reciprocal inhibition, which found that two polarized emotional responses cannot coexist simultaneously.

In other words, nobody can experience anxiety yet be relaxed at the same time. Wolpe developed his approach when working with veterans suffering from PTSD after second World War.

He used Pavlov's research on classical conditioning (Pavlov, 1960 [1927]) to develop counter conditioning during graded exposure to aversive stimuli that were preventing the veterans from re-entering normal civilian life. With PTSD, specific stimuli, such as sounds, smells, words, and places, had become associated with traumatic experiences.

Wolpe paired a graded exposure to these stimuli with relaxation exercises. Because of the process of reciprocal inhibition, he found the veterans could not feel afraid and relaxed at the same time. He used graded exposure to the stimuli to avoid overwhelming his patients and reinforcing their aversive responses.

Exposure Therapy, Flooding and Systematic Desensitization

While systematic desensitization is based on counter conditioning using reciprocal inhibition, exposure therapy uses graded exposure to the stimulus while positively reinforcing tolerance of anxiety, until the anxiety is gradually extinguished.

Meanwhile, flooding exposes the client to the feared stimulus directly in one session, so that anxiety floods the nervous system, and then reduces until it becomes extinguished.

The proxy with graded exposure is that rising anxiety may be experienced as intolerable, and the client may discontinue therapy. Also, flooding may be experienced as traumatic,lead to further psychological harm, and the termination of therapy.

2 Real-life Examples and Case Studies

The following 2 real-life examples are the easiest way to explain how systematic desensitization works.

1. Systematic Desensitization & Phobia Treatment

Arachnophobia is a relatively common phobia of spiders. When treating this, or any other phobia, the therapist and client would produce a list of scenarios about the feared object or situation and the client would then rate their anxiety levels in each situation on scale of 1 to 10.

These stimulus responses scenarios are ordered from the least intense at the lowest level (1) up to the most intense (10) at the top.

At the start , the therapist might simply discuss spiders and then lead the client through a relaxation practice. Next, the therapist introduces pictures of spiders, and again leads the client through a relaxation practice.

The next step could be watching spiders on video, plus practicing relaxation. With each greater exposure, the therapist is careful not to overwhelm the client. The client's usual fear response is gradually replaced by an increasing sense of relaxation, from in vitro (controlled conditions) to in vitro (real-life) exposures.

Graded exposure are always accompanied by relaxation. Steps could include exposure to a realist plastic spider in the room, then in their hand. Next, a dead spider and asking the client to touch it a stick , then with their hand. After that, the client could be exposed to a transparent container, then the spider with a stick.

Finally, at the highest grade of exposure, they could be in a room alone with a dead spider, then with a spider in a container for a short period, and even a live spider they can trap and remove. This will equip the client with the skills necessary to deal with spiders in real life rather than feeling disabled by their phobia.

With today's technology, it's possible to use what's called VRET, which stands for virtual reality exposure therapy. This is an in-vitro form of systematic desensitization. VRET permits clients to work through each level of their anxiety hierarchy with the added safety and control of virtual reality. VRET can also be conducted remotely or as homework between sessions.

2. Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (OCD)

OCD can often involve a fear of contamination with germs or pathogens. In such cases, systematic desensitization can be very useful intervention. Clients with OCD may experience severe anxiety and panic should they have to use a washroom outside the home, for example. They may manage this by indulging in compulsive hand washing until their skin is raw or even avoid using the washroom altogether, leading to additional health problems.

The principles for dealing with a fear of contamination are broadly similar to those used to overcome phobias,as in our arachnophobia example above. Instead of using a spider, use pictures of objects your client perceives as contaminated or dirty.

Clients with OCD fear contamination from different things, so first, identify the objects and situations they fear most and factor that into a systematic desensitization intervention using the relaxation techniques and worksheets provide below.

2. Examples of Hierarchy

Different hierarchies are used to design a systematic desensitization intervention. One is for use with phobias and the other with OCD.

Ask your client for an example of an object or situation they avoid on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 causing mild discomfort and 10 being panic. For example, if they have a phobia of spiders, then looking at a picture of a spider may make them uncomfortable, say a 2 or 3 while being in a room with a spider may induce panic, scoring 10.

When you initially expose your client to their fear, start at a level that causes some anxiety, but it does not overwhelm them. Then, you ask them to practice their preferred relaxation technique to ease the anxiety until they feel more comfortable and can tolerate the exposure.

Phobia

Step-byStep Guide For Psychologist

This guide takes you through the systematic desensitization process using six steps. These steps should be applied during exposure of increasing intensity, which can be planned ahead using hierarchy worksheets above, and relaxation techniques and worksheets below.

1. Psychoeducation

Educating your client about the aim of systematic desensitization, the methods, and the science behind them is essential. It will assure the client that although treatment will be uncomfortable at times, in the long-term, the approach has a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness.

2. Establishing hierarchy

After securing the client's willingness to process and agree to treatment, help your client to identify anxiety- provoking or triggering situations. Establish a hierarchy of anxiety/triggers with the assistance of our hierarchy worksheets for phobias and OCD.

3. Design intervention

Use the information obtained from the hierarchy worksheets in our graded exposure worksheets to design a systematic desensitization intervention tailored to your client's specific needs.

4. Relaxation practice

Before proceeding with any graded exposure, invite your client to learn a relaxation practice. Different clients may find one easier or more effective than another. You can choose from progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or guided visualization. We will describe each below.

5. Treatment plan

Establish the treatment plan with specific dates and times and assure your client they can stop the exposure whenever they need to. It is important that the client feels completely in control of the process and does not endure any trauma that will intensify their problems.

6. Begin

You are now ready to begin. Look at the free worksheets below that detail a six-step systematic desensitization process, beginning with talking about their aversive stimuli, sharing related images, then guided visualization, videos, and finally distant real-life exposure.

The final step would be a real-life supervised exposure to the situation, generating the most intense anxiety.

7. Maintain

To maintain the counter conditioning achieved between sessions, offer your client our Systematic Desensitization Homework Worksheet for use between sessions.

4 Techniques For Your Therapy Session

The following techniques describe relaxation exercises you can use during your session and explain how to plan a graded exposure would with your client.

Handy Relaxation Techniques

1. Progressive muscle relaxation

This exercise has been adapted from a free relaxation exercise offered by the British mental health charity, MIND.

First, the client needs to be comfortable, sitting with their back straight and feet touching the floor, then follow this script.

"Beings by clenching your toes as much as you can for a few seconds, then releasing them. Notice the difference between the two feelings. Then, tense your muscles and take a deep breath in,cans relax as you breath out."

Use this script to move up the body to tense and relax calves , thighs, stomach, shoulders, and hands, asking them to clench and relax each muscle group in turn. You can also add the following.

"Take time to notice any part of your body that feel tense, tight, or tired. Repeat this if you still feel tense until you relax."

The NHS's Every Mind Matters has an audio guide to relaxing your body on Your Tube that you can share with your client to guide them through this exercise between sessions.

For other versions of this technique, please visit our article on progressive muscle relaxation.

2. Guide visualization: a calm place

Alternatively, you can guide your client through a visualization that engages all five senses are take them to a calm place. The Beach is a free pdf which is a script by Dr Prentiss Price of the Counseling and Career Development Center at Georgia Southern University that you can download for and adapt as you wish.

Deep breathing

This practice will be especially useful for clients when they face real-life exposure, whether intentional or unintentional as it can be practiced discreetly in any situation.

Ask the client to simply breath in deeply through the nose to a count of three, and then out through their mouth to a count of three. Sometimes, holding the belly and counting as the breath rises and falls can be especially comforting and relaxing.

Designing your graded exposure plan

Using our Guided Exposure Worksheet, you can design your client's gradual exposure to the aversive stimuli, meaning the object or situation they fear or avoid.

We share additional stages worksheets specifically designed for systemic desensitization sessions of increasing intensity below.

4. Useful Worksheets To Help Clients

These four worksheets describe specific methods for gradually exposing your client to aversive stimuli while counting anxiety by practicing relaxation.

Each worksheet describes a six-step process and how to use the anxiety rating scale.

1. Systematic Desensitization: From Discussion to Images

2. Systematic Desensitization: From Guided Visualization to video

3. Systematic Desensitization: Exposure at a Distance

4. Systematic Desensitization Homework

The homework sheet is provided to maintain the counter conditioning response between sessions. After each session, where you have used any of the first three worksheets, give the client a printed copy of the homework sheet, and show which exercise they must practice.

Helpful Videos On The Topic

This entertaining video describes the origins of systematic desensitization therapy and how it works. Share this with a client who is considering trying the intervention.

2. Systematic Desensitization and Flooding

The video below describes how systematic desensitization works, and the difference between this gradual , controlled approach and the total immersion used during flooding.

The pros and cons of each technique are also discussed.

Tools From Positive Psychology.com.

Positive Psychology.com has additional free worksheet for managing anxiety. Try our Anchor Breathing worksheet to help clients ground themselves when they experience anxiety, and or STOP the PANIC worksheet to manage panic attacks.

Our Positive Psychology Toolkit also contains useful tools to support your Systematic Desensitization treatment plan, including The Consequences of Experiential Avoidance psychoeducation tool. This explains how avoiding feared situations or objects intensifies distress in the long term

17 Positive Psychology Exercises-If you're looking for more science -based ways to help others enhance their well-being, this signature collection 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.

A Take Home Message

Systematic desensitization is highly effective, evidence-based behavioral therapy intervention for clients who avoid certain situations, whether this is because they experience phobias, OCD, PTSD.

It differs from graded exposure and flooding because it is based on the principle of reciprocal inhibition, which replaces an aversive response, such as anxiety with learned relaxation.

Importantly, the client is always in control of the intensity of exposure, which avoids further trauma and the compounding of avoidance behaviors

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Conquer Social Anxiety with CBT: Your Path to Confidence and Freedom

Introduction

Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you're one of the many individuals who struggle with the fear of social situations, rest assured that help is available. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a highly effective and evidence-based approach for managing and overcoming social anxiety. In this blog post, we will explore what social anxiety is, how CBT works, and how it can empower you to lead a more fulfilling, confident, and socially active life.

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations. Individuals with social anxiety often experience excessive worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social settings. These fears can lead to avoidance of social situations, which, in turn, can hinder personal and professional growth and limit opportunities for meaningful social connections.

CBT: The Gold Standard for Social Anxiety

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a widely recognized and effective treatment for social anxiety disorder. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. CBT aims to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to social anxiety. Here's how CBT can help you overcome social anxiety:

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: CBT starts by helping you become aware of your negative thought patterns. These may include catastrophic thinking (assuming the worst will happen) or cognitive distortions (exaggerated beliefs about social situations).

Challenging and Restructuring Thoughts: Once you've identified these negative thoughts, CBT guides you in challenging and restructuring them. You'll learn to replace irrational fears with more realistic and balanced thoughts.

Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a core component of CBT for social anxiety. This involves gradually exposing yourself to feared social situations in a controlled and systematic way. Over time, this desensitizes you to the anxiety and helps you build confidence.

Developing Coping Strategies: CBT equips you with practical coping strategies to manage anxiety in real-time. These strategies may include relaxation techniques, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises.

Behavioral Experiments: CBT encourages you to test your negative beliefs through behavioral experiments. By challenging your fears in a safe and supportive environment, you can gather evidence that contradicts your anxious thoughts.

Skill Building: CBT teaches essential social skills such as assertiveness, effective communication, and conflict resolution. These skills can boost your confidence and improve your ability to navigate social situations.

Benefits of CBT for Social Anxiety

CBT offers numerous benefits for individuals with social anxiety:

Empowerment: CBT empowers you to take control of your anxiety and build the skills necessary to face social situations with confidence.

Lasting Change: CBT focuses on long-term change, helping you develop strategies that can be applied throughout your life.

Improved Quality of Life: Overcoming social anxiety can lead to a more fulfilling life, with improved relationships, career opportunities, and a greater sense of well-being.

Reduction in Avoidance: With the help of CBT, you'll gradually reduce your avoidance of social situations, allowing you to participate more fully in life.

Personal Growth: As you conquer social anxiety, you'll likely experience personal growth and a stronger sense of self.

Conclusion

Social anxiety can be a significant barrier to leading a fulfilling life, but it's a challenge that can be overcome. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers a proven path to managing and ultimately conquering social anxiety. Through the identification and restructuring of negative thought patterns, gradual exposure to feared situations, and the development of coping strategies, CBT equips you with the tools you need to thrive socially. Don't let social anxiety hold you back; seek help from a qualified therapist trained in CBT, and take the first step toward a more confident and fulfilling life.

Source - CBT for Social Anxiety

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What are the Best treatment for claustrophobia patients?

The treatment for claustrophobia patients typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches that aim to help individuals manage and overcome their fear of confined spaces. Here are some of the best treatments for claustrophobia:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for claustrophobia. It involves working with a therapist to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to confined spaces. Exposure therapy, a specific form of CBT, gradually exposes individuals to their fear in a controlled and supportive environment to desensitize their anxiety response.

Relaxation Techniques:

Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help individuals manage anxiety and panic when faced with confined spaces.

Systematic Desensitization:

Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic approach that involves gradually exposing individuals to situations or scenarios related to claustrophobia, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and progressing to more challenging ones. This gradual exposure helps individuals build confidence and reduce their fear.

Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy:

VR therapy is an emerging treatment option that uses virtual reality technology to simulate confined spaces in a controlled and safe environment. It allows individuals to gradually confront and overcome their fear through exposure therapy.

Medication:

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage severe anxiety symptoms associated with claustrophobia. Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Support Groups:

Joining a support group for individuals with claustrophobia can provide a sense of community and shared experiences. It can also offer practical tips and emotional support.

Self-Help Strategies:

Individuals can practice self-help strategies, such as using positive affirmations, challenging irrational thoughts, and gradually exposing themselves to confined spaces in a controlled manner.

Hypnotherapy:

Some people find hypnotherapy helpful for addressing phobias like claustrophobia. A trained hypnotherapist can guide individuals through relaxation techniques and suggest positive changes in thought patterns.

Professional Guidance:

Seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, is essential for diagnosing and treating claustrophobia. They can tailor treatment approaches to an individual's specific needs.

It's important to note that treatment success can vary from person to person, and the choice of treatment should be tailored to the individual's preferences and the severity of their claustrophobia. Some individuals may find relief with self-help strategies, while others may require more intensive therapy or medication. Consulting with a mental health professional is a crucial step in determining the most suitable treatment plan for claustrophobia.

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Can phobias successfully be cured by therapy?

Yes, phobias can often be successfully treated and, in many cases, effectively cured through therapy. The most common therapeutic approach for treating phobias is called exposure therapy, which is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Here's how it typically works:

Assessment: The first step in treating a phobia is to assess the nature and severity of the phobia. A therapist will work with you to understand your specific fears, triggers, and the extent to which the phobia impacts your life.

Education: You and your therapist will discuss the phobia and its underlying causes, as well as how it affects your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Understanding the phobia is an essential step in managing it.

Exposure: Exposure therapy involves gradually and systematically exposing you to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe environment. This exposure can be in the form of imagination (imaginal exposure) or direct confrontation (in vivo exposure). The exposure is usually done incrementally, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and progressing to more challenging ones.

Response Prevention: During exposure, you learn to manage and reduce your anxiety and fear responses. Your therapist will help you develop relaxation techniques and coping strategies to use during exposure exercises.

Cognitive Restructuring: You'll work on changing irrational and negative thought patterns related to the phobia. This helps shift your perspective and reduce the anxiety associated with the phobia.

Homework Assignments: You may be assigned homework to practice what you've learned during therapy sessions. This reinforces the skills and strategies you've acquired.

Gradual Desensitization: Over time, exposure therapy aims to desensitize you to the feared object or situation, reducing your anxiety response until it becomes more manageable.

Maintenance and Relapse Prevention: Once the phobia is effectively treated, therapy may include strategies to maintain your progress and prevent relapse.

It's important to note that the success of therapy for phobias depends on various factors, including the individual's willingness to engage in treatment, the severity of the phobia, and the specific therapeutic approach used. Many people experience significant improvement or even complete resolution of their phobias through therapy.

However, not everyone will respond to treatment in the same way, and some individuals may require ongoing support. Additionally, if there are underlying mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, these may need to be addressed as well.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a phobia, it's advisable to consult a mental health professional or therapist who specializes in treating phobias. They can assess your specific situation and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you overcome your fears and improve your quality of life.

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Treatment For Social Anxiety Disorder

There are various treatment for social anxiety disorder, including psychological therapy (in person or online), medication and lifestyle modifications. Your GP will be able to help you decide the most effective course of action for yourself.

Social Anxiety Disorder can often be treated effectively using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicines, which help increase levels of serotonin in your brain to alleviate depression and anxiety.

Medication

Feeling shy or uncomfortable in social situations is natural; for those living with social anxiety disorder, however, these feelings are intense and interfere with daily life. Unfortunately, social anxiety disorder often goes misdiagnosed and untreated; leading to depression, eating disorders or substance use disorders as potential outcomes.

Medication may help alleviate symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder. Beta blockers, in particular, are effective at decreasing performance anxiety by limiting an adrenaline surge that causes symptoms like shaking hands or voice, sweating and fast heartbeat. Antidepressants may also prove useful when used alongside cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

CBT is an approach that helps individuals modify their negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations while practicing in-person social skills. CBT may be conducted individually or as group therapy and includes acting, role-playing, videotaping and observation. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), an approach which differs from CBT by directly challenging negative beliefs instead of changing their content, may also be effective for treating social anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy--or talk therapy--can be an invaluable asset in treating social anxiety disorder. Individual, family and group therapy all can be extremely helpful; just make sure that the therapist you work with has experience treating anxiety disorders.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you recognize and modify negative thoughts that cause anxiety, as well as practice behaviors to relax more effectively. CBT for social anxiety disorder typically includes skills training and exposure exercises (like practicing what to say before an uncomfortable conversation), systematic desensitization techniques - gradually exposing yourself gradually to situations which trigger anxiety in a safe setting - as well as systematic desensitization techniques which gradually expose you to situations that cause discomfort over time.

Lexapro and Zoloft antidepressants can help improve mood and ease symptoms of social anxiety disorder by altering certain chemicals in your brain. Although results of antidepressant use often take several weeks to kick in, beta-blockers may help manage physical symptoms like shaking, sweating and rapid heart rate in some people with social anxiety disorder. Medication can be taken alone or combined with talk therapy; always inform your physician of any medications being taken prior to beginning therapy sessions.

Support groups

Mental health organizations and clinics may provide social anxiety disorder support groups as part of their services. Group therapy typically entails regular meetings (once or more per week) during which people collaborate together to form new relational patterns and responses to situations that raise anxiety in social interactions; the sessions may be led by one or more therapists.

Attending group meetings can be daunting for even the most socially confident of individuals, so for a smoother experience it may help to ask a friend or family member for support in getting there or sitting through part of it with you. They could offer their car service or sit alongside you throughout the meeting.

Some support groups exist online via forums and social media, while others meet face-to-face either in local communities or a virtual space. Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy sessions help participants realize that negative thoughts and emotions regarding social situations don't pose as great a threat as initially anticipated.

Self-help

Social anxiety disorder makes interacting with others both intimidating and frightening, which may prevent you from leading a full life. If your anxiety is impeding your experience of happiness, seek treatment with a mental health provider; the American Psychiatric Association offers help finding one in your area.

Medication used to treat anxiety can help alleviate its symptoms and help people function more comfortably in social situations. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are commonly prescribed antianxiety drugs; they typically take several weeks or months before showing their full effects; other options like Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) can also be effective; finally Benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax) or Clonazepam (Klonopin) may provide quick relief of severe anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy -- commonly referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder or CT-SAD -- can be effective alone or combined with medication in treating social anxiety disorder. It teaches individuals how to change negative beliefs and behaviors about social situations and gradually work up to facing them in a safe environment.