Utilisation and predictors of use of exposure therapy in the treatment of anxiety, OCD and PTSD in an Australian sample: a preliminary investigation

BACKGROUND: Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is known to be an effective treatment for the anxiety and related disorders, with exposure therapy being a key component of this treatment package. However, research on the use of exposure therapy in clinical practice has presented mixed results, potentially due to differences in samples and training programs across countries. The present study aimed to extend upon existing research by examining the use and predictors of use of exposure therapy in a sample of psychologists working in clinical practice in Australia who treat clients with an anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: One hundred registered psychologists (M(age) = 40.60; SD = 10.78; range 23 to 71 years; 84% female) participated in an online study investigating their clinical practices. RESULTS: Results suggested that while the general use of exposure therapy is high, the use of disorder specific techniques was considerably lower, particularly for anxiety disorders and PTSD but not OCD. Psychology registration status and level of training were positively associated with use of exposure therapy as was the experience in treating anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that further or ongoing professional training may be required to optimize the use of disorder specific techniques. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-021-00613-7.