The way people think phobias develop is so condescending Most people who have phobias of, say, dogs, didn't get them from being spoiled sheltered children who never even saw a dog until adulthood but heard scary stories about them
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It's the exact opposite - it's a pattern established by *actually being attacked by angry dogs* often enough for you to become familiar with that fear
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Actual exposure therapy relies on anticipation and control "Okay so here's the button, it plays audio of a barking dog when you push it, here's the slider to turn the volume up or down, whenever you're ready" It RELIES ON THE CONCEPT OF A TRIGGER WARNING
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Giving you findings conscious awareness and control of your exposure to the trigger is how you gain resilience against it Doing the opposite - putting you in an environment where exposure is random, unpredictable and nonconsensual - *strengthens the trigger*
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Replying to @arthur_affect
There is a problem when people are unwilling to start with even the level zero exposure. When you suspect that the level fear (it translates to other discomforts too by the way) they are willing to take on is zero fear. Basically they don't want to experience any discomfort now.
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Replying to @szymon12463
Honestly? That's fine There are plenty of phobias that are of things it is rational to be afraid of and avoid, for which there is no benefit If someone wants to stay afraid of sharks their whole life what are they missing out on
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Replying to @arthur_affect @szymon12463
Should I pressure them into pursuing exposure therapy so they can swim in the open ocean someday Even though swimming in the ocean is legitimately dangerous (even if sharks are an exaggerated danger), plenty of plenty die that way, and many people live happy lives never doing so
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Replying to @arthur_affect
Well obviously that depends on one basic question - is it reasonable to expect they will be able to avoid said discomfort most of their lives, or will this strategy cripple them and make them dependent on external support. Fear of dogs - you don't absolutely need to overcome.
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Replying to @szymon12463
I am saying that exposure therapy is a difficult and costly procedure that only works if you put in the effort to do it right "Natural", stochastic exposure to traumatic events is not "exposure therapy", it is the exact opposite - it causes be reinforces phobias
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Replying to @arthur_affect
And I am not saying you're wrong. I was merely sharing my perspective, which I believe shows that there is a spectrum here. Dogs or swimming is one thing. I know, but won't talk about, people who are on the other side of the spectrum and who I experience schadenfraude about.
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Okay, your perspective is wrong It's a lazy POV from people who are safe who don't care about the welfare of people who aren't It's like confusing the idea of a vaccine for COVID-19 from demanding people just tolerate infection by the disease
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Replying to @arthur_affect
WHAT about my perspective is wrong. Without this crucial detail you are just angry that I don't agree.
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Replying to @szymon12463 @arthur_affect
it's fine to not want to experience discomfort. there is no need to force yourself to do anything lol
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