Imaginal Exposure Practice Log
Track your progress as you confront fears through guided visualization
Imaginal Exposure Practice Log
Track your progress as you confront fears through guided visualization
Imaginal Exposure Practice Log
Track your progress as you confront fears through guided visualization
Imaginal exposure is an evidence-based technique used in the treatment of PTSD, OCD, phobias, and generalized anxiety (Foa et al., 2019; Abramowitz et al., 2019). It involves vividly imagining a feared scenario in a controlled, repeated way until the anxiety response naturally decreases as your body gets used to the fear (a process called habituation). By confronting the fear in imagination rather than avoiding it, the brain learns that the feared outcome is either unlikely or manageable.
Use this log to track each imaginal exposure session. Before beginning, prepare a detailed script describing your feared scenario written in the present tense and first person (see writing an imaginal exposure script for help building it). During each session, find a quiet place, record yourself reading the script aloud, then listen to the recording repeatedly for the length of time your therapist recommends (often 45 to 60 minutes). Rate your anxiety at the start, peak, and end of each session using a 0 to 100 scale. Repeat regularly; over time your anxiety usually eases, and the key is learning that the memory is bearable rather than waiting for any one number to drop.
| Date | Duration (minutes) | Starting Anxiety (0-100) | Peak Anxiety (0-100) | Ending Anxiety (0-100) | Notes / Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
References
- Abramowitz, J. S., Deacon, B. J., & Whiteside, S. P. H. (2019). Exposure therapy for anxiety: Principles and practice (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., Rothbaum, B. O., & Rauch, S. A. M. (2019). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences: Therapist guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med-psych/9780190926939.001.0001
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Common Questions
What is the Imaginal Exposure Practice Log worksheet?
Imaginal exposure is an evidence-based technique used in the treatment of PTSD, OCD, phobias, and generalized anxiety (Foa et al., 2019; Abramowitz et al., 2019).
How do I use the Imaginal Exposure Practice Log worksheet?
Fill out this worksheet digitally or print it for use in session. You can save your progress with a Pro account. Take your time with each column — there are no right or wrong answers.
Is the Imaginal Exposure Practice Log worksheet free?
Yes. Like every worksheet on Therapy Resource, it is free to read, print, and download as a PDF, no account required. A Pro subscription adds online filling with saved progress, practice-branded PDF exports, and secure client sharing.
Can I fill out the Imaginal Exposure Practice Log worksheet online?
Yes. Switch the worksheet to "Type on Screen" mode to fill in the fields directly in your browser before printing. Pro members can also save their entries across sessions and export the completed worksheet as a branded PDF.
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