Systematic desensistitation for phobias

• What is systematic desensitisation?

  It is a type of behavioural therapy based on classical conditioning.
• What is the main goal of systematic desensitisation?

  To remove the fear response of a phobia and substitute it with a relaxation response.
• What is counter conditioning in the context of systematic desensitisation?

  It is the process of replacing a fear response with a relaxation response.
• What are the three phases of systematic desensitisation?

  1. Teaching relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises)
  2. Creating a fear hierarchy
  3. Gradually working through the fear hierarchy
• What relaxation techniques are taught in the first phase of systematic desensitisation?

  Deep muscle relaxation and breathing exercises.
• What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of phobias?

  It is when one response is inhibited because it is incompatible with another response.
• Why is relaxation important in treating phobias?

  Because fear involves tension, which is incompatible with relaxation.
• What does a fear hierarchy involve?

  • A list of stimuli ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking
  • Numerical values assigned to each stage (1-100)
  • Structure for the therapy process
• How does a patient progress through the fear hierarchy?

  By starting at the least unpleasant stimuli and practicing relaxation techniques as they go.
• What happens if a client becomes upset during the therapy?

  They can return to an earlier stage to regain their relaxed state.
• What indicates that systematic desensitisation therapy has been successful?

  When the imagined or confronted situation fails to evoke any anxiety.
• How does the perception of a spider differ for someone with a phobia?

  A small, stationary spider may be seen as modestly threatening, while a large, rapidly moving spider is highly threatening.
• When is therapy considered complete in systematic desensitisation?

  Once the agreed therapeutic goals are met, not necessarily when fears are completely removed.
• What are the two methods of exposure in systematic desensitisation?

  • In vitro: client imagines exposure to the phobic stimulus
  • In vivo: client is actually exposed to the phobic stimulus