4.3: Treating phobias

Question 1

Describe systematic desensitisation as a method of treating abnormality (3 marks)

Answer 1

Systematic desensitisation involves:

1. Teaching the client deep muscle relaxation (relaxation training)
2. The client and therapist constructing an anxiety hierarchy
3. The gradual exposure to the anxiety hierarchy, as the therapist helps the client to work their way up the hierarchy while maintaining this deep relaxation

Question 2

Describe systematic desensitisation as a method of treating abnormality (3 marks).
Systematic desensitisation involves teaching the client deep muscle relaxation (relaxation training), the client and therapist constructing an anxiety hierarchy and the gradual exposure to the anxiety hierarchy, as the therapist helps the client to work their way up the hierarchy while maintaining this deep relaxation.

Answer 2

At each stage, if the client becomes upset they can return to an earlier stage and regain their relaxed state