A01

• What is systematic desensitisation (SD)?

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

  By teaching relaxation in the presence of phobic stimulus
• What principle does systematic desensitisation rely on?

  Classical conditioning
• 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. Anxiety hierarchy
  2. Relaxation
  3. Exposure
• What is an anxiety hierarchy?

  A list of anxiety-provoking situations ordered by fear
• How might a person with arachnophobia structure their anxiety hierarchy?

  Picture of a small spider to holding a tarantula
• What is the role of the therapist in creating the anxiety hierarchy?

  To collaborate with the client in its development
• What does reciprocal inhibition refer to?

  One emotion preventing another, like fear and relaxation
• What techniques might be used to achieve relaxation in SD?

  Breathing exercises or mental imagery techniques
• How can clients visualize relaxation during therapy?

  By imagining themselves in calming situations
• What is one drug that can be used for relaxation in SD?

  Valium
• What happens during the exposure phase of SD?

  The client is exposed to the phobic stimulus while relaxed
• How does the exposure process progress in SD?

  Starts at the bottom of the anxiety hierarchy
• When is treatment considered successful in SD?

  When the client stays relaxed at high anxiety levels