In vivo flooding consists of:

In vivo flooding refers to a therapeutic technique used in the context of exposure therapy, where an individual is confronted directly and fully with the anxiety-provoking stimulus in a real-world setting. This approach aims to help the person experience the feared situation without the typical avoidance behavior, facilitating a process where they can confront and overcome their anxiety.

By engaging with actual anxiety-evoking events, individuals can face their fears head-on, rather than relying on imagined scenarios or graduated exposure techniques where they are gradually introduced to their fears. This method encourages the individual to process their emotions in the moment and learn that their fears may not be as threatening as they initially perceived.

The success of in vivo flooding hinges on the intensity and actual presence of the feared object or situation, leading to a quicker desensitization than other methods that involve imagination or gradual exposure. This direct confrontation is essential in enabling individuals to break the cycle of avoidance that perpetuates their anxiety.