Behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce anxiety using classical conditioning. This is done by learning a new response to the phobic stimulus (counter-conditioning)
Reciprocal inihibition
It is impossible physically to feel afraid and relaxed at the same time. One feeling prevents the other
Steps to systematic desensitisation
the anxiety hierarchy, relaxation, exposure
The anxiety hierarchy
where they rank the phobic situation from least to most terrifying
Relaxation
An individual is taught relaxation techniques, such as breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation techniques or mental imagery techniques. Relaxation and biological stress are physically opposite responses. You can't move through your anxiety hierarchy until you have achieved relaxation
Exposure
Exposing the patient to their phobic situation while relaxed. The patient starts at the bottom of the fear hierarchy and when the patient can remain relaxed in the presence of the least feared stimulus they can gradually progress up the hierarchy until they are completely relaxed in the most feared situation
Flooding
A behavioural therapy which exposes the individual to the anxiety inducing stimulus immediately. The person is unable to avoid their phobia and through continuous exposure, anxiety levels eventually decrease. As exhaustion kicks in for the individual, they may begin to feel a sense of calm and relief which creates a new positive association to the stimulus
