Top instructor Dirk Hermans takes you through three days of the basic principles of one of the most effective therapeutic methods. During the course, exposure is presented as a transdiagnostic treatment principle, the core of which lies in reversing problematic avoidance. Obviously, the treatment of anxiety- and trauma-related disorders through exposure is primarily addressed, but we also broaden the application of exposure to other domains such as depression, eating disorder, grief, tinnitus, etc.

Target 

The course is ideally suited for basic psychologists and BIG registered psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists who want to orient themselves for the first time in the basics of exposure, or who want to refresh or expand their knowledge and skills around exposure.

Objective 

Upon completion of the course, the following goals will be achieved:

1. Knowledge of recent theoretical insights around exposure
2. Knowledge of exclusion criteria
3. Analyzing a case in order to draw up an exposure plan
4. Drawing up an adequate individual exposure plan
5. Knowledge of basic principles of exposure (in vivo, imaginary, interoceptive)
6. Being able to apply these basic principles according to recent insights
7. Determining the effect of treatment
8. Insight into personal attitudes regarding exposure

Content 

During this two-day course, both theoretical and practical aspects of exposure therapy are covered in detail. We discuss new theoretical insights and go extensively into the preparation of the exposure plan. This will include questions such as: what do we expose to and how do we design the exposure?

In addition, the implementation of exposure is discussed in detail, focusing on important topics such as motivating exposure, developing homework assignments, and focusing on avoidance. The application of exposure is also drawn more broadly to other issues, such as depression and eating disorders, so that participants learn how exposure can be used effectively in a variety of situations.

Finally, we discuss the position of the exposure therapist (e.g., own fears of performing exposure) and difficult ongoing exposure treatments. There is also extensive space for discussion of case material from participants.

Works

• Presentations 
• Role Play  
• Discussion  
• Exercise 

Accreditations

FGzPt

Literature 

Hermans, D. & Schruers, K. Exposure treatment: foundations and practice. Bohn Stafleu Van Loghum. 

Data

• Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.