Systematic desensitisation

• What does SD stand for in the context of treating phobia?

  Systematic desensitization
• What is the goal of systematic desensitization?

  To gradually reduce phobic anxiety
• How does a person learn to relax in the presence of a phobic stimulus?


  By practicing relaxation techniques
• What is the relationship between phobic stimuli and anxiety in systematic desensitization?

  Phobic stimuli are paired with relaxation instead of anxiety
• What is the term for learning a different response to a phobic stimulus?

  Counterconditioning
• What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitization?

  Hierarchy, relaxation, and exposure
• What does the anxiety hierarchy represent in systematic desensitization?

  A list of situations related to the phobia
• How is the anxiety hierarchy arranged?

  From least to most frightening situations
• What might a person with a fear of heights identify in their anxiety hierarchy?

  Looking down from a tall building
• How does relaxation help in systematic desensitization?

  It helps to counteract anxiety responses
• What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of relaxation?

  Relaxation prevents anxiety from occurring
• What techniques might be used to promote relaxation?

  Breathing exercises and visualization
• How can clients learn to imagine themselves in relaxing situations?

  By using guided imagery techniques
• What is the role of exposure in systematic desensitization?

  To gradually face phobic stimuli in a controlled manner
• What is the final step in systematic desensitization?

  Exposure to the phobic stimulus
• How does the client progress through the anxiety hierarchy?

  By staying relaxed while facing each situation
• What happens when a client successfully stays relaxed in the presence of a phobic stimulus?

  They move up the anxiety hierarchy
• What is the significance of the client's ability to stay relaxed during treatment?

  It indicates successful treatment progress
• What is the outcome of successful systematic desensitization?

  Reduction of phobic anxiety
• How does systematic desensitization help clients with phobias?

  By teaching them to relax in anxiety-provoking situations
• What might a client do to reinforce their relaxation skills?

  Practice relaxation techniques regularly
• How does the presence of lower levels of phobic stimuli affect the client's progress?

  It allows them to move up the hierarchy
• What is the ultimate goal of systematic desensitization?

  To eliminate phobic responses