For many people, the holiday season brings late nights, big dinners, random snacking, and sleep that’s all over the place. Clients often come back in January saying their anxiety has “returned.” In reality, what they’re feeling is usually a very normal physiological response to circadian disruption, irregular eating, and blood-sugar swings. Here, we're going to explain the science behind these changes, and some simple pointers to help bring things back into balance. Late Nigh

The holiday season is marketed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration — yet clinicians know that December often brings a completely different emotional climate. Research consistently shows that the weeks leading up to Christmas are associated with increased financial stress , heightened loneliness , interpersonal strain , and rising anxiety  (MacDonald et al., 2022). Many clients arrive in session feeling overwhelmed, overstretched, and wondering why they’re “not copin

As VR becomes more common in clinical settings, the real question is no longer “Does VR work?”  but “How do we use VR in the most effective way?” Fortunately, decades of exposure-science research gives us clear, practical principles. When paired with VR, these strategies become even more flexible and accessible. This article outlines how inhibitory learning research translates into day-to-day VR exposure , with no speculation beyond what has been established in empirical stud

For years, heart rate has been the go-to physiological marker for anxiety. Simple, accessible… but also limited. Anyone who has worked with anxious clients knows heart rate doesn’t always tell the full story — especially in subtle or chronic anxiety states. Now, a new wave of research is pointing toward something much more powerful: electrooculography (EOG)  and electrodermal activity (EDA)  as real-time, reliable biomarkers of anxiety. And the implications for clinical pract

Goal setting isn’t just a motivational tool — it’s a biological process. Every time a client defines a goal, takes a step toward it, or achieves it, their brain’s reward system engages. For clinicians, understanding this system helps explain why  exposure therapy works best when progress is visible, measurable, and personally meaningful. The Brain’s Reward Circuit At the heart of goal pursuit lies a finely tuned neural network known as the mesolimbic dopamine system . This pa

Exposure therapy can be challenging for clients — and for clinicians too. One of the most effective ways to maintain structure, motivation, and clarity is through goal-directed exposure . Using concrete checklists and milestones transforms the process from something abstract (“face your fears”) into something measurable, encouraging, and collaborative. Why Goal-Setting Matters Goals give exposure therapy direction. They help clients see progress, sustain motivation, and reduc

In the world of exposure therapy, the task is simple in theory: let clients face their fears, allow new learning, and help them realise that the previously dreaded situation is manageable. With virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), we are offered a powerful way to simulate feared situations in a safe, controlled space. But simply putting on a headset isn’t enough. What makes VRET effective is presence  — the sense of “being there” in the virtual environment. What is Presen

One of the hardest parts of therapy isn’t just getting clients into sessions— it’s keeping them engaged between sessions , committed to homework, and consistent in their practice. This holds especially true in exposure-based treatments for phobias and anxiety: the more a client uses  the tools and practices the exposures, the stronger the learning and the greater the chance of lasting change. In the world of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), engagement and adherence ar

When we think of phobias, images of spiders, heights, or public speaking often come to mind. But there’s a growing group of fears that...

Think phobias are all about spiders, heights, or public speaking? Think again. The world is changing, and so are the fears your clients...

Exposure therapy has long been considered the gold standard for treating specific phobias and social anxiety. Traditionally, this has...

When working with clients struggling with phobias or anxiety disorders, one of the most common barriers to effective exposure therapy is...

Avoidance is one of the most defining features of anxiety disorders. For people with phobias, it often starts small: skipping a flight,...

When Anna first came to therapy, she described her panic as if “her body was betraying her.” A fear of flying left her chest tight, her...

Anxiety and phobias don’t always disappear once treatment ends. For many clients, maintaining progress after therapy is a challenge....

In today’s world, many clients turn to their phones when anxiety strikes. They scroll through articles, watch videos, or search for ways...

Schools are busy places. Counselors are stretched. Teachers are juggling lesson plans, meetings, and student needs. Finding enough time...

Anxiety and phobias don’t just influence how someone reacts in specific situations — over time, they can shape how a person sees...

In therapy, it’s not uncommon for clients to say, “But that’s just who I am.” They might describe themselves as someone who’s always...

Imagine this: An adult client walks into the therapy room. They describe a pounding heart, stomach pain, and an overwhelming fear of...