countercondition, replace the fear response with a calm response. based on the principle by Wolpe (1958): two competing emotions, e.g., fear and calmness, cannot exist at the same time (reciprocalinhibition).
step one of S.D: relaxation training
therapist teaches patient relaxation techniques such as controlled breathing. the patient must practice these until they knowthemoffbyheart.
step two of S.D: anxiety hierarchy
the patient and their therapist create an anxietyhierarchy from least fearful to most fearful situations regarding the phobicstimulus.
step three of S.D: gradual exposure/ the pairing process
the patient makes their way through the anxiety hierarchy, practicing their relaxation techniques as they go through. once the therapist believes they have a fullycalmresponse, they will move the patient onto the next stage until the hierarchy is completed.
