aims of SD
– treat phobias thru process of counter conditioning
- principle of CC to relearn association to phobic stimuli
replacing the fear response w relaxation (reciprocal inhibition)
main components of SD
- relaxation techniques
- therapist n client work for anxiety hierarchy
- gradually work thru using technique due to RI, In Vitro In Vivo
- move onto next step, mastered move on, graduated exposure
relaxation techniques
Relaxation techs should first be mastered before moving on
- mental imagery: thinking and imagining yourself in your happy place somewhere you feel safe n relax in times of stress
- progressive muscle r: squeeze muscles from feet to shoulders n exhale n let go of your muscles exert stress
anxiety hierarchy
from least fearful to most fearful
ranges from talking about an object to a picture of it and the fear in close proximity each one causes more anxiety than last
work through hierarchy
client gradually works through hierarchy 1st least fearful stimuli, at each anxiety provoking sit using RT, DUE TO RECIPROCAL INHIBITION should after a while be able to visualize situation while relaxed. Process can be IN VIVO(irl) OR VITRO(ima)
graduated exposure
client moves onto next step, relaxing while visualizing stimulus, once mastered client moves on. Therapy moves at pace decided of client. Treatment is successful when client can relax in a sit on AH, METHOD SHOULD BE GENERALIZED TO SIMILAR STIMULI OUTSIDE OF THERAPEUTIC ENVIRO
