Using Exposure Therapy to Help Manage Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Overeating
At the UC San Diego Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR), we employ a variety of therapeutic interventions to help individuals reduce binge eating and overeating. Among these methods, exposure therapy is a key approach that targets both the physiological sensations and cognitive experiences associated with highly craved foods. A mental health professional guides the exposure therapy process, ensuring it is conducted correctly and providing a supportive environment for patients as they confront their fears. What is Exposure Therapy? Exposure therapy is a well-established treatment method used to address anxiety, phobias, and eating disorders. The core principle of exposure therapy is to help individuals confront and reduce their unwanted responses to specific stimuli by gradually exposing them to these triggers in a controlled and safe environment. For instance, if someone has a fear of spiders, a clinician might begin by showing them pictures of spiders, then move on to videos, and eventually have them observe a real spider. This gradual exposure helps the individual become desensitized to the fear-inducing stimulus, reducing their anxiety…