Therapies

Question 1

Outline briefly systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

Behavioural therapy where people are gradually desensitised to a feared object or situation. Done by gradual exposure from the least up to the most feared situation, it’s based on the idea of counterconditioning ie teaching a behaviour that is incompatible with the fear response (reciprocal inhibition)

Question 2

First step of systematic desensitisation

Answer 2

Patient is taught muscle relaxation techniques

Question 3

What is a hierarchy?

Answer 3

A series of anxiety provoking situations constructed by therapist and patient

Question 4

Describe ‘in vivo’ and ‘in vitro’

Answer 4

In vitro (covert) is imagining situations 
In vivo (real life contact)

Question 5

What is meant by ‘counterconditioning’?

Answer 5

Unlearning a phonic association and replacing with a new association of relaxation

Question 6

Describe flooding

Answer 6

Behavioural approach which involves immediately exposing as object to a patient with a phobia. Aims to remove phobia by patient eventually becoming exhausted and unable to remain in a state of anxiety.