Table of Contents
What is systematic desensitization PDF?
Systematic desensitization is used to treat extreme aversions through a combination of graded exposure and relaxation. It is an evidence-based behavioral intervention that is focused on helping clients overcome common fears or phobias. However, systematic desensitisation is not effect in treating all phobias. Patients with phobias which have not developed through a personal experience (classical conditioning) for example, a fear of heights, are not effectively treated using systematic desensitisation. Systemic desensitization involves three main steps. First, you’ll learn muscle relaxation techniques. Then, you’ll create a list of your fears, ranking them in terms of intensity. Finally, you’ll begin exposing yourself to what you fear. Systematic desensitization was developed by South African psychologist Joseph Wolpe. In the 1950s Wolpe discovered that the cats of Wits University could overcome their fears through gradual and systematic exposure.
What is systematic desensitization with example?
Example of systematic desensitization Your therapist might ask you to talk about birds in detail. As you feel more at ease with the topic, they may ask you to look at photos of birds while you focus on breathing deeply or practicing another relaxation technique. Systematic desensitization for anxiety can help break the cycle of worry by teaching relaxation strategies and exposing a person to the situation that they fear. This is done gradually so that a patient can slowly learn to cope with their fear. This process helps to break down the conditioned fear response slowly. Conclusion. Systematic desensitization therapy is a scientifically proven treatment method to successfully treat phobias and other anxiety disorders. Studies show the effectiveness of both real and VR exposure therapies. The patient needs to realise the issue and willingly seek help. Systematic desensitization is a type of exposure therapy based on the principle of classical conditioning. It was developed by Wolpe during the 1950s. This therapy aims to remove the fear response of a phobia, and substitute a relaxation response to the conditional stimulus gradually using counter-conditioning.
What are the main components of systematic desensitization?
There are three critical components to systematic desensitisation: 1) Fear hierarchy; 2) Relaxation training; 3) Reciprocal inhibition. Systematic desensitisation is a behavioral technique commonly used to treat fear, anxiety disorders and phobias. In this, the therapist relaxes the client and prepares a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli. The Client is interviewed to elicit fear-provoking situations. Systematic desensitization for anxiety can help break the cycle of worry by teaching relaxation strategies and exposing a person to the situation that they fear. This is done gradually so that a patient can slowly learn to cope with their fear. This process helps to break down the conditioned fear response slowly.