a person into doing exposure practices. In order to get the most out of treatment, it’s 
important that the decision to do exposure comes from the individual.
Your role in exposure therapy is to help brainstorm possible exposure practices, 
to provide support, to participate in exposure role-plays (for example, a simulated job 
interview), and to be involved in actual exposure practices when you’re asked to do so. 
For example, if your loved one fears attending parties, he may ask you to attend a party 
with him. If your loved one fears eating in restaurants, she may ask you to join her for 
a meal. In advance of any exposure practices, discuss with your loved one what he or 
she would like you to do in the situation (for example, provide reassurance, provide 
company, probe for anxiety-provoking thoughts, and so on).
SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
This chapter described a long list of guidelines for how to get the most out of your expo -
sure practices. Following is a list of the most important suggestions, in summary form.