D3c3 Clinical psychology and phobias

Question 1

How a clinical psychologist treats phobias

Answer 1

Medication, though not frequently- it’s a short-term treatment
Systematic desensitisation
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Flooding- though not common
Hypnotherapy
Psychodynamic-based therapies- not common

Question 2

Cognitive behavioural therapy/ Exposure-based CBT

Answer 2

Very popular with clinical psychologists. It uses twin approach of treating thoughts and behaviour. Involves identifying negative automatic thoughts and trying to replace them with less negative ones. It involves changin client’s thinking patterns and systematically lowering fear response, very similar to systematic desensitisation. It works best for specific phobias, where the phobia is about something that can be isolated for treatment (e.g small spaces, dentists) rather than social phobias

Question 3

Process of exposure therapy/ CBT

Answer 3

1) Understand what phobia is about, so it can be focused on. E.g knowing if phobia of dogs is from fear of biting/ catching a disease
2) develop hieararchy of fears
3) work with client to overcome each stage of fear

Question 4

Hypnotherapy

Answer 4

Involves helping client get into relaxed state, called an altered state of awareness. In this state, they are not focusing on everyday problems, but have heightened level of awareness where they can accept suggestions from therapist. The therapist can make suggestions about overcoming the phobia

Question 5

Psychodynamic-based therapies

Answer 5

focus on understanding the phobia