by Looking for the best books on exposure therapy to help you finally face—and conquer—your anxiety, OCD, or PTSD? I’ve rounded up three standout choices, comparing them so you can quickly find what fits your needs best.
Below, we’ll dive into a clear comparison, including pros and cons, major differences, and a handy comparison table.
📊 Best Books on Exposure Therapy: Comparison Table
| Feature | Exposure Therapy for Anxiety | Stop Obsessing! | Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Authors | Abramowitz, Deacon, Whiteside | Foa, Wilson | Foa, Hembree, Rothbaum |
| Audience | Clinicians, advanced learners | Individuals with OCD | Therapists, individuals with PTSD |
| Format | Clinical Guide | Workbook (self-help) | Therapist Manual |
| Main Focus | Anxiety disorders broadly | OCD-specific ERP | PTSD-specific exposure therapy |
| Practicality | Theory-heavy, comprehensive | Highly practical, exercises-based | Structured, therapist-led protocol |
| Best Used For | In-depth clinical understanding | OCD self-treatment | Guided PTSD therapy sessions |
| Price |  | | |
📘 Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice
Authors: Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Brett Deacon, Stephen Whiteside
This book is a deep dive, blending foundational theory with the latest “inhibitory learning” models. It’s ideal if you’re a clinician or advanced learner seeking detailed explanations and flexible techniques across anxiety disorders. While comprehensive, it might feel overly technical if you prefer simple, practical advice.
📗 Stop Obsessing! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions
Authors: Edna Foa, Reid Wilson
If OCD specifically is your challenge, this workbook provides straightforward, step-by-step ERP strategies. It’s accessible, easy to follow, and perfect for individuals aiming for a structured self-help approach. However, its narrow OCD-specific focus may not meet your needs if you’re dealing with broader anxiety or trauma.
📙 Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Emotional Processing of Traumatic Experiences
Authors: Edna Foa, Elizabeth Hembree, Barbara Rothbaum
This therapist manual is tailored specifically to PTSD. It covers the structured, evidence-based protocol for Prolonged Exposure (PE), designed to help you gradually confront trauma-related memories and situations. It’s ideal if you’re working closely with a therapist, though less suited for independent self-help due to its specialized format.
✅ Pros and Cons
Exposure Therapy for Anxiety
- ✅ Deep theoretical coverage, up-to-date methods
- ✅ Broad scope covering multiple anxiety disorders
- ❌ Technical, heavy reading for beginners
Stop Obsessing!
- ✅ User-friendly workbook format, easy to follow
- ✅ Practical, ERP-specific exercises for OCD
- ❌ Limited to OCD, lacks broader anxiety coverage
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
- ✅ Detailed, structured PTSD protocol
- ✅ Therapist-approved and evidence-backed
- ❌ Less suited for independent use, PTSD-focused only
| Feature | Exposure Therapy for Anxiety | Stop Obsessing! | Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | |
| Authors | Abramowitz, Deacon, Whiteside | Foa, Wilson | Foa, Hembree, Rothbaum |
| Audience | Clinicians, advanced learners | Individuals with OCD | Therapists, individuals with PTSD |
| Format | Clinical Guide | Workbook (self-help) | Therapist Manual |
| Main Focus | Anxiety disorders broadly | OCD-specific ERP | PTSD-specific exposure therapy |
| Practicality | Theory-heavy, comprehensive | Highly practical, exercises-based | Structured, therapist-led protocol |
| Best Used For | In-depth clinical understanding | OCD self-treatment | Guided PTSD therapy sessions |
| Price | | | |
🧩 Major Differences
Scope & Audience
- Exposure Therapy for Anxiety addresses multiple anxiety disorders, targeting clinicians or highly motivated learners.
- Stop Obsessing! is solely OCD-focused, offering practical ERP self-help methods.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD exclusively targets PTSD treatment, requiring therapist guidance.
Format & Approach
- Exposure Therapy for Anxiety provides theoretical frameworks and clinical guidance.
- Stop Obsessing! offers hands-on, workbook-style exercises.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD follows a therapist-led manual with structured sessions.
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Author:
Paul Wellness is an expert in exposure therapy, social anxiety, and stress management, offering real-world advice and evidence-based strategies to help you live your fullest life.
Now you’re equipped to pick the book best suited to your journey with exposure therapy. Whether tackling anxiety broadly, OCD specifically, or PTSD trauma recovery, these resources offer the right balance between theory and practical guidance.
Ready to take the next step? You’ve totally got this!
