"From Panic to Peace: My Journey of Healing through Exposure Therapy"

"Every time I stepped foot into TJ Maxx, Homegoods, or any similar store, my mood would instantly shift, my palms would become sweaty, and my heart would race. I felt an overwhelming urge to leave, yet I couldn't understand why these reactions were happening.

Then, I received a candle as a gift for my new apartment. As soon as I smelled it, I was transported back to the same intense emotions I experienced whenever I entered those stores.

Thankfully, I confided in my therapist about this peculiar connection. Together, we embarked on a journey to unravel the root cause of my distress. Through our discussions, it became clear that the scent in those stores and the fragrance of the gifted candle were an exact match to the scent that permeated the air when I was sexually assaulted.

With this revelation, my therapist and I decided to explore exposure therapy as a means to overcome my fears. Exposure therapy, a guided therapeutic approach, aims to help individuals confront their fears and reduce avoidance behaviors by gradually exposing them to the feared objects or situations.
During our sessions, we employed various exposure therapy methods. We deliberately surrounded myself with the triggering scent when I felt mentally prepared, and I would sit with it while journaling or intentionally creating new, positive memories associated with the smell.

It is essential to note that exposure therapy should only be undertaken under the supervision of a licensed therapist trained in this specific treatment modality.
I am immensely grateful for the entire process, as I now understand the cause of my reactions and have acquired strategies to guide myself through them. As time progresses and I engage in more exposure exercises, my reactions diminish little by little. I am currently in the process of forging new, positive associations with the scent that once haunted me."
Exposure therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for for me in overcoming my fears and traumatic experiences, and its impact can be further amplified when combined with equine-assisted psychotherapy programs.

At Hearts Landing Ranch, a sanctuary for rescued horses, I discovered a remarkable synergy between exposure therapy and the healing power of these majestic creatures.

As I reflect on my transformative journey, I am grateful for the profound impact of exposure therapy and the healing synergy found at Hearts Landing Ranch. Their equine-assisted programs not only provided me with a path towards recovery but also opened doors to a life of newfound strength, connection, and inner peace."

​~HLR- Client