treating of phobias systematic desensitisation

Question 1

define systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

introduces the feared stimulus gradually

Question 2

define counterconditioning

Answer 2

when a client learns a different response to phobia

(when client learns to be relaxed instead of anxiety)

Question 3

what are the 3 processes involved in systematic desensitisation

Answer 3

anxiety hierarchy

relaxation

exposure

Question 4

define anxiety hierachy

Answer 4

list of situations related to a phobic stimulus arranged in order from least to most frightening

Question 5

what happens during the relaxation stage in systematic desensitisation

Answer 5

therapist teaches client to relax as deeply as possible

reciprocal inhibition - it is impossible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time so emotion one blocks another

Question 6

define reciprocal inhibition

Answer 6

it is impossible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time so emotion one blocks another

Question 7

explain what happens during the exposure stage

Answer 7

client is exposed to phobia while in a relaxed state

treatment is successful when client can stay relaxed in situations high on anxiety hierarchy