Final answer:
Exposure therapy, an aspect of cognitive-behavioral therapy, is most often used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, as it targets the obsessions and compulsions characteristic of OCD. It typically involves controlled exposure to anxiety sources, alongside other treatments like medication or psychotherapy. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most often used treatment to help clients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is exposure therapy, sometimes combined with response prevention. This approach, part of a larger group of therapies known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), involves exposing the individual to the source of their fear or anxiety in a controlled setting, thereby reducing the obsessive-compulsive responses over time. While other treatments like psychotherapy, medication (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), and deep-brain stimulation exist, exposure therapy specifically targets the cycle of obsessions and compulsions characteristic of OCD.
CBT takes into account both cognitive processes and behaviors when providing psychotherapy, making it effective for a variety of psychological disorders. It is grounded in research, such as that by Abramowitz & Siqueland (2013), which supports its efficacy in treating OCD. Treatment plans often involve a combination of exposure therapy with other forms of interventions, depending on the severity and specifics of each case.