A01

• What is systematic desensitisation (SD)?

  A behavioral therapy to reduce phobic anxiety
• How does systematic desensitisation aim to cure phobic anxiety?

  By teaching relaxation in the presence of phobic stimuli
• What is counterconditioning in the context of SD?

  Learning a new response to the phobic stimulus
• What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?

  1. Creating an anxiety hierarchy
  2. Teaching relaxation techniques
  3. Gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus
• What is the anxiety hierarchy?

  A list of anxiety-provoking situations
• How is the anxiety hierarchy arranged?

  From least to most frightening situations
• What might a person with arachnophobia include in their anxiety hierarchy?

  A picture of a small spider
• What is reciprocal inhibition?

  One emotion prevents another, like fear and relaxation
• What techniques might be used to teach relaxation?

  Breathing exercises or mental imagery
• What is the goal of the exposure process in SD?

  To expose the client to the phobic stimulus while relaxed
• What is flooding in the context of phobia treatment?

  Immediate exposure to a frightening situation
• How long do flooding sessions typically last?

  Two to three hours
• What is the main principle behind how flooding works?

  Clients learn the phobic stimulus is harmless
• What is extinction in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned response is extinguished without unconditioned stimulus
• Why might a client achieve relaxation during flooding?

  They become exhausted by their fear response
• What is important before a flooding session?

  Clients must give informed consent
• What choice do clients have regarding treatment?

  They can choose between SD and flooding