Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2019.525

Therapeuts’ Beliefs about Exposure Therapy

Ivanka Živčić-Bećirević orcid.org/0000-0002-8295-0223 ; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Letters, Department of Psychology, Rijeka
Ines Jakovčić orcid.org/0000-0002-9096-7279 ; University of Rijeka, University Council Centre, Rijeka, Croatia
Gorana Birovljević ; University of Rijeka, University Council Centre, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy of exposure therapy, which is why this approach is considered the primary option in the treatment of most anxiety disorders. Despite this fact, in practice this approach is not used enough. Apart from the reluctance of clients to expose themselves to discomfort, therapists’ negative attitudes to exposure therapy also contribute to this. The aim of this study is to examine therapists’ attitudes toward exposure therapy and differences in beliefs according to type and level of psychotherapeutic education as well as experience with using this type of therapy. 226 therapists of various psychotherapeutic orientations and education levels participated in the study. The participants filled in a short online questionnaire which contained the Therapist Beliefs about Exposure Scale. The results show that behavioural-cognitive therapists and those who apply exposure therapy in their work have a more positive attitude toward its use in comparison with therapists of other psychotherapeutic orientations and those who do not use exposure therapy in their work. Among behavioural-cognitive therapists, accredited therapists, supervisors, and supervisees have a more positive attitude than therapists with lower levels of education. It may be concluded that knowledge and positive beliefs about exposure therapy encourage the application of this technique, while positive experiences of its application support and strengthen positive beliefs about it. It is suggested that within the training in behavioural cognitive therapy more effort should be invested into recognizing and altering potential dysfunctional beliefs about exposure therapy.

Keywords

Exposure therapy; Therapists’ beliefs; Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Hrčak ID:

232536

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/232536

Publication date:

31.12.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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