Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias

Question 1

Systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

Behaviour therapy used to treat phobias/anxiety disorders
Client is gradually exposed to phobia a step at a time so it’s not overwhelming until phobia is extinguished
Most popular form of behavioural therapy

Question 2

4 steps of systematic desensitisation

Answer 2

1 - teach patient how to relax
2 - out together de-sensitisation hierarchy with series of images and scenes
3 - work through hierarchy gradually by visualising while relaxing
4 - hopefully would have mastered fear

Question 3

Flooding

Answer 3

Immediate exposure to phobia
No option to avoid situation as anxiety levels have to decrease and patient is relaxed - result on extinction
Fear response has a time limit
Sometimes takes one lesson sometimes more