Defense mechanisms were originally conceptualized as ways to avoid unpleasant affect and discomfort that resulted from conflicting motivations.
[8] Similar ideas are expressed by early humanistic theory: "Whether the stimulus was the impact of a configuration of form, color, or sound in the environment on the sensory nerves, or a memory trace from the past, or a visceral sensation of fear or pleasure or disgust, the person would be 'living' it, would have it completely available to awareness…he is more open to his feelings of fear and discouragement and pain...he is more able fully to live the experiences of his organism rather than shutting them out of awareness.
"[9] Traditional behavior therapy utilizes exposure to habituate the patient to various types of fears and anxieties,[10][11] eventually resulting in a marked reduction in psychopathology.
In this way, exposure can be thought of as "counter-acting" avoidance, in that it involves individuals repeatedly encountering and remaining in contact with that which causes distress and discomfort.
Some examples include: Perhaps the most significant impact of EA is its potential to disrupt and interfere with important, valued aspects of an individual's life.