I have feelings when I read or hear misinformation about exposure therapies (often coming from well-meaning but misinformed therapists). This comes from a place of protection and desire for people who are suffering to have access to (and not fear) the very thing that can help them reclaim their lives from the vice grip of fear and anxiety. I have spent over 15 years helping people recover from phobias, obsessions and compulsions, and painful traumatic memories. I have witnessed some of the most incredible healing journeys and transformations, and all of it was made possible by exposure therapies.
Individuals with a history of traumatic events are reporting more frequent trauma reminders and symptoms during this pandemic: increased intrusive thoughts and/or nightmares; insomnia and disrupted sleep; increased uneasiness, anxiety, and fear; mistrust and emotional detachment or numbing; feelings of sadness and/or overwhelming guilt or shame. There are several reasons why pandemic could be associated with a greater frequency of trauma reminders and trauma-related symptoms. Take heart, as this pandemic will not last forever, and neither will your uptick in symptoms.
