A patient has severe anxiety about being in public places. Using the cognitive behavioral frame of reference, what would be the best intervention to incorporate with this patient?
a. Visualization exercises
b. Role play
c. Deep breathing
d. A trip to the mall
Answer: b. Role play. Since the patient has severe anxiety, going on an actual trip to a public
place might make the patient’s symptoms worse rather than better. Role playing provides the
patient with a safe environment in which to work through her abnormal thoughts and gives the
patient and the OT the opportunity to replace those thoughts with normal thoughts toward public
places. The patient might be ready for a trip to a public place after several successful role playing
sessions.