Learning: Systematic Desensitisation

Question 1

When was Systematic Desensitisation developed?

Answer 1

1950s

Question 2

Who developed Systematic Desensitisation?

Answer 2

South African psychiatrist Joseph Wolpe

Question 3

What are the 4 Stages of Systematic Desensitisation?

Answer 3

1. Functional Analysis
2. Anxiety Hierarchy
3. Relaxation Training
4. Gradual Exposure to Fear

Question 4

What happens during the ‘relaxation techniques’ phase of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 4

The patient is taught different relaxation techniques and breathing exercises (e.g. meditation) which suit them best

Question 5

What happens during the ‘anxiety hierarchy’ phase of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 5

The patient and therapist create a hierarchy discussing which is the least and most anxiety provoking

It is also at this time where the patient discusses the speed and ‘extremity’ of the desensitisation

Question 6

What happens during the ‘gradual exposure to fear’ phase of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 6

The patient gradually goes from the least anxiety provoking to the most anxiety provoking

Working through the agreed anxiety heirarchy, the phobic object is lowly and gradually introduced according to the scenarios agreed in the heirarchy. The therapist always works at the speed by the client

Question 7

How can gradual exposure to fear be done? Which method is the most effective?

Answer 7

In vitro – the client imagines exposure to the phobic stimulus.

In vivo – the client is actually exposed to the phobic stimulus.

In vivo is known to be the most effective.

Question 8

What happens during the ‘functional analysis’ phase of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 8

A conversations between the therapist and client to identify the nature of the anxiety and the possible triggers