Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias

Question 1

Systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

• The behavioural approach argues that a phobia is learnt from the environment

• Systematic desensitation works through using classical conditioning to unlearn a phobia.

• The client is taught relaxation techniques to use in stressful situations e.g. deep breathing exercises/ Muscle relaxation

• Hierarchy of anxiety –the client works with the therapist to make a graded scale of feared events from the least anxiety producing through to the most anxiety producing event

• Gradual exposure - Reciprocal inhibition – use relaxation before exposure to the feared event as it not possible to be calm and anxious at the same time

• The client will continue through each stage till they are relaxed throughout all stages – they can return to early levels if not completely relaxed

• Treatment could be conducted In-vitro – imagining the feared event or in-vivo - by being exposed the feared stimulus in a real life setting

Question 2

Flooding

Answer 2

• Based on classical conditioning to un learn the phobias

• Exposed immediately to object and try to use the
relaxation techniques learnt until they feel calm

• They experience high levels of anxiety and remain till
fear response is exhausted – usually lasts 2-3 hours

• The client learns to associate phobic stimulus with relaxation rather than fear.