Optimizing Exposure Therapy

In 2014, Craske, Treanor et. al. published “Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach”¹, a widely-cited paper. In May of 2022, the same research group published a major paper updating their model: “Optimizing exposure therapy with an inhibitory retrieval approach and the OptEx Nexus.”²

In this 2-hour webinar, Dr. Treanor presents the updated model for optimizing exposure therapy in the context of associative learning. In the updated model, the term “inhibitory learning” is replaced with “inhibitory retrieval.”

The webinar includes:

• empirical evidence supporting the model
• limitations of the current evidence
• current theories regarding associative change
• the importance of identifying the unconditional stimulus
• the importance of identifying conditional stimuli and "occasion setters"
• the importance of expectancy violation
• associative learning theories for feared outcomes that occur far in the future
• the impact of safety signals on extinction learning
• several examples of exposures for disorders such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and PTSD.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be able to identify the principles of associative learning models of exposure therapy (e.g., expectancy violation).
2. Attendees will be able to discuss the importance of correctly identifying the unconditional stimulus and principal conditional stimulus. 
3. Attendees will demonstrate a foundational knowledge of application of associative learning models to anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD.