Exposure Hierarchy

Exposure hierarchies are a basic CBT tool for the treatment of anxiety. Use the Exposure Hierarchy worksheet to gradually introduce your clients to feared stimuli. Begin by creating a list of anxiety-producing situations, and estimating the severity of anxiety that they produce. Then, you will work with clients to slowly expose them to these situations, beginning with the least anxiety-producing stimuli and ending with the most anxiety-producing stimuli.

To learn more about behavioral activation and the correct use of an exposure hierarchy, check out our treatment guide: Treating Anxiety with CBT.