Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment designed to help people confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment. By gradually exposing individuals to the things they fear, such as spiders or public speaking, therapists aim to reduce anxiety and help them learn that these situations are not as dangerous as they seem. This process often involves starting with less intimidating scenarios and slowly working up to more challenging ones. The goal of exposure therapy is to help individuals gain confidence and develop coping strategies. Over time, as they face their fears, they can experience a significant decrease in anxiety, leading to improved quality of life and the ability to engage in activities they once avoided.