eneral

sychology

Systematic Desensitization

Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic procedure based on a classical conditioning framework. Wolpe (1958) is one of the primarily developers and promoters of this technique. Usually, systematic desensitization is used to treat anxiety reactions. Certain cues in the environment elicit anxiety or fear. The fear can be altered by conditioning an alternative response to those cues that are incompatible with fear. Most often, systematic desensitization employs deep muscle relaxation. The basic idea behind this therapy is that a person cannot be afraid and relaxed at the same time.

The basic steps of systematic desensitization are described below:

1) Rapport--the therapist and client talk together. Hopefully, the client will come to trust the therapist and the therapist can acquire and understanding of the clients problem.

2) The client will be exposed to a relaxation treatment.

3) Hierarchy of fear-producing stimuli--the client with the therapist's help will develop a series of stimuli from the most to the least fear arousing. For example, a snake phobic client may find a picture of a snake less arousing than observing a snake in in captivity.

4) While they are relaxed the client will be exposed to the least fear-producing stimulus in the hierarchy. If the client remains relaxed the next most intense stimulus is introduced. This procedure is repeated until relaxation is maintained in the presence of the most intense stimulus.
 

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