Systematic desensitisation

• Systematic desensitisation


  • If a person can learn to relax in the presence of the phobic stimulus they will be cured
  • A new response to the phobic stimulus is learned - phobic stimulus is paired with relaxation instead of anxiety
  • This is called counterconditioning
• The anxiety hierarchy


  • First step of SD
  • Put together by client and therapist
  • List of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety arranged from least to most frightening
  • E.g. for arachnophobia, putting a picture of a small spider at the bottom and holding a tarantula at the top
• Relaxation


  • Second step of SD
  • Therapist teaches client to relax as deeply as possible
  • Relaxation replaces fear - reciprocal inhibition
  • Breathing exercises, mental imagery techniques
  • Can be achieved alternatively through drugs such as Valium
• Exposure


  • Third step of SD
  • Client is exposed to phobic stimulus while in relaxed state
  • Takes place across several sessions, starting at the bottom of the anxiety hierarchy
  • Moving up the hierarchy, treatment is successful when the client can stay relaxed in situations high up on the anxiety hierarchy