Systematic desensitisation

• Systematic desensitization (SD) is based on the idea that phobias are learnt via classical conditioning.
• • The process of SD is that over a period of time the conditioned fear response to the conditioned stimulus changes to a learnt response of relaxation.
• • This is called counter conditioning, as it is impossible to feel both fear and relaxation at the same time (as they are opposing feelings), so the aim is that relaxation prevents the fear. This is called reciprocal inhibition.
• 1. Anxiety hierarchy: Created by patient and therapist.List of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety arranged in order from least frightening to most frightening.
• Relaxation: patient taught relaxation techniques: breathing meditating. Patient uses imagery to imagine themselves in relaxing surronding. Drugs such as valium can also help relaxation
• Exposure: patient is exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state. This will take place over several sessions when the patient can maintain a level of relaxation with the phobic stimulus they move up to the next level.