Discover how deliberately facing your fears—rather than avoiding them—can actually diminish their power. Learn a practical six-step approach to overcome anxieties using exposure therapy techniques.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

**Lena:** Hey there, welcome to today's episode! You know what's funny? I was literally just talking to my friend yesterday about how she's terrified of getting into elevators after getting stuck in one. She avoids them completely now.
**Miles:** Oh wow, that's actually a perfect example for today's topic. Fear is such a powerful emotion, and it's fascinating how our instinct is often to just avoid whatever scares us.
**Lena:** Right? It feels like the natural thing to do. If something scares you, stay away from it!
**Miles:** Exactly, but here's the counterintuitive part—avoiding fears actually makes them worse over time. The NHS even points out that gradually exposing yourself to what you're afraid of is one of the most effective ways to overcome fear.
**Lena:** That seems so backward though! You're saying I should deliberately put myself in situations that terrify me?
**Miles:** Well, yes—but in a structured, gradual way. It's called exposure therapy, and it's about teaching your brain that the situation isn't actually dangerous. Your body's "fight or flight" response is getting triggered when it doesn't need to be.
**Lena:** That makes sense. I guess fear is really just a response, not reality. So how do we actually start facing our fears without completely freaking out?
**Miles:** That's the key question! Let's break down a practical six-step approach that can help anyone start overcoming their fears, no matter how big or small they might seem.