Overcoming Snake Phobia with Systematic Desensitization
How can individuals combat their phobias using a therapeutic method?
Andre is maintaining a deep state of relaxation as he visualizes looking at a picture of a snake, then viewing a snake through a window, then watching a snake from across the room, then observing a snake at arm's length. In this example, Andre is using _____ to decrease his snake phobia.
A) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
B) Exposure Therapy
C) Systematic Desensitization
Answer:
Andre is utilizing Systematic Desensitization, a therapeutic method that helps individuals to gradually face and overcome their fears.
Systematic Desensitization is a therapeutic technique developed by Joseph Wolpe that aims to help individuals reduce their anxiety responses to specific phobias or fears. This method involves creating a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations related to the fear-inducing object or situation, in this case, snakes, and pairing them with relaxation techniques.
The process begins with the individual imagining or confronting the least anxiety-provoking scenario related to the fear, such as looking at a picture of a snake. As the person becomes more comfortable and relaxed in this situation, they gradually move up the hierarchy, facing more anxiety-provoking situations like viewing a snake through a window, observing a snake from a distance, and eventually being in close proximity to a snake.
By associating each step of the hierarchy with relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, the individual learns to stay calm and composed in the presence of the fear-inducing stimuli. This process helps in desensitizing the individual to their fear and reducing the associated anxiety responses.
In Andre's case, he is using Systematic Desensitization to confront his snake phobia by visualizing interactions with snakes at increasing levels of proximity while maintaining a deep state of relaxation. Through systematic exposure and relaxation pairing, Andre can eventually overcome his fear of snakes and control his phobic responses.