What is an audio exposure?

In treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, we explore many avenues for exposures to reduce distress around our client’s fears.  One interesting technique is known as a “loop tape.”  This exposure is basically an audio immersion to your greatest fears.

The genius of this technique is that you remain fully safe the whole time you are experiencing intense anxiety.  You are simply leaning into your fear, but at some point, your nervous system realizes that there is no actual harm befalling you or anyone else.  The exposure remains fully imaginary.  

The best audio tapes are narratives spoken by the OCD individual themselves.  An example of an OCD obsession is “What if I am pregnant?”  A non-OCD sufferer might have this thought once a day, or maybe once an hour if there is some likelihood that this is actually the case.  However, an OCD individual with this fear will live with this thought as a near constant humming in the background for the second half of every menstrual cycle (whether or not they have even had intercourse).  

So we would create an audio recording wherein the individual with OCD describes the fearful thought, but then lets it spiral into details of how it could have happened and describes in detail their emotional reactions and physical sensations. The client may say in the recording, “I know I am pregnant and that makes me feel nauseous and lightheaded.  I am shaking and I am terrified about what this will do to my life.”  The client needs to record their interpretation of what this actualized fear means about them as a person, as well as their core fear about the worst case scenario. 

Like all exposures, the client has to be ready for the distress level that this recording might create.  If the fear is too powerful, we may start with just recording a gentler version.  

Once the loop tape is recorded, the audio exposure becomes homework.  The client is asked to listen at least 45 minutes a day for a week.  The more the client is able to listen, the more quickly they will start to be desensitized. 

If you are interested in treating your OCD and would like to work on an audio exposure or other forms of Exposure Response Prevention with an ERP Coach or Therapist, please reach out to our team at Kairos Wellness Collective.