AO1

• systematic desensitisation

  counterconditioning where the sufferer can learn to relax in the presence of the phobic stimulus as it shows reciprocal inhibition as it is not possible to be afraid and relaxed simultaneously
• 3 processes in systematic desensitisation

  anxiety hierarchy

  relaxation

  exposure
• anxiety hierarchy

  a list of situations involving phobic stimulus ranging from least to most anxiety
• relaxation

  counterconditioning prevents conditioning they experienced through new conditioning and is based reciprocal inhibition as you can not be relaxed and feel anxious at the same time

  relaxation techniques are taught
• exposure

  the individual works through each stage of the anxiety hierarchy until they feel relaxed at the highest level of exposure to the phobic stimulus

  occurs across several sessions until exposed to highest anxiety
• how it is taught

  1. client is taught relaxation techniques by therapist such as deep breathing
  2. the client and therapist work to create an anxiety hierarchy of increasingly anxious situations
  3. over sessions, the client learns to associate the pleasant relaxation with the fear provoking situation
  4. once this is achieved, the client is encouraged to systematically progress up the hierarchy
  5. eventually, if successful, the client can associate the most fearful situation at the top of the anxiety hierarchy with the relaxed response
• flooding

  1. one long session where the sufferer is exposed to their most feared situation
  2. the session continues until the patient is fully relaxed
  3. the phobic response (and the release of adrenaline) has a negative effect
  4. as adrenaline levels naturally decrease, a conditioned stimulus response link can be created between the feared stimulus and relaxation
  5. sometime, the patients become relaxed due to exhaustion
  6. prevents avoidance through full exposure as the patient learns that the phobic stimulus is harmless
  7. and thus extinction occurs