As individuals move up their hierarchy, confronting each fear with the support of a therapist, they use and strengthen coping strategies such as deep breathing and rational thinking. This helps in managing immediate anxiety and builds long term resilience and confidence. HIPAA compliant email offers a secure yet constant way to communicate with patients that can easily go hand in hand with in person therapy.
What are exposure hierarchies?
An exposure hierarchy is a tool used in cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals confront and manage their fears. It acts like a personalized guide, where a therapist helps someone list all the situations that trigger anxiety, arranging them in order from the least scary to the most terrifying. This approach isn't just about facing fears randomly; it's a carefully planned journey that takes place step by step.
A Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry journal article provided that exposure therapy “...is the most efficacious psychological treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), with 69% of patients experiencing clinically significant improvement (Eddy, Dutra, Bradley, & Westen, 2004).”
The main goal is to gradually reduce a person's anxiety through controlled exposure, allowing them to cope better with situations that once felt overwhelming. For example, someone with a fear of flying might start by talking about airplanes, then proceed to watch videos of flights, followed by visiting an airport, and eventually taking a short flight.
Why are regular updates necessary?
Regular updates to an exposure hierarchy ensure that the therapy adapts to the patient's changing needs and progress. When a therapist and patient regularly discuss and update the hierarchy, they can pinpoint exactly how far the patient has come in managing their fears and adjust the therapy to target remaining anxieties more effectively. This continuous adjustment keeps the therapy relevant and focused on achieving the best outcomes.
Effective communication allows both the therapist and the patient to be clear about the goals and aware of any new anxieties that may have emerged. Good communication also helps in refining strategies to cope with anxiety, making each step in the hierarchy as impactful as possible. When both sides understand each other well, the patient is likely to feel more supported and motivated to engage with the challenging aspects of therapy.
On the other hand, if there's a lack of communication, the therapy may not keep pace with the patient's actual needs. This can lead to the patient facing challenges that are either too difficult or not challenging enough, which can stall progress.
Using email to send exposure hierarchies updates
Email is a standout choice for mental health providers to communicate exposure hierarchy updates. It offers clear, written records of each step and upcoming plans, which patients can revisit anytime. This allows patients can read and respond to their schedule, fitting therapy seamlessly into their daily lives without the need for simultaneous availability.
There is also the matter of the private nature of email. Methods like HIPAA compliant email, especially when making use of software like Paubox API, offer both convenience and security. Regular email updates keep the patient actively engaged, encouraging reflection on their progress and ongoing participation in setting goals. Consistent and personalized contact helps patients feel cared for and supported as well as bolstering their commitment to the therapy.
See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
FAQs
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave.
Is consent needed to share treatment plans via email?
Yes.
What is considered PHI within an exposure hierarchy email chain?
Any protected health information (PHI) included in an exposure hierarchy email chain, such as diagnosis details, treatment progress, or identifiable patient data, is considered PHI.
Kirsten Peremore
