Word: Counter Conditioning
Definition:Counter conditioning is a method used in psychology where a person learns to respond differently to a situation or stimulus that previously caused a negative reaction. Instead of feeling fear or anxiety, the person learns to feel calm or happy in the same situation.
Usage Instructions: - Type: Noun - Context: Often used in psychology, therapy, and behavioral training. - How to use: You can use "counter conditioning" to describe a technique used to change a person's response to a stimulus.
Example: 1. "The therapist used counter conditioning to help the child overcome their fear of dogs by rewarding them with treats when they were near a dog." 2. "Counter conditioning can be effective in treating phobias and anxiety disorders."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced discussions, you might talk about specific techniques of counter conditioning, such as "systematic desensitization," where a person is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation while practicing relaxation techniques.
Word Variants: - Conditioning (noun): The process of training or learning a new behavior. - Counter Condition (verb): To apply counter conditioning to change a response.
Different Meanings:While "counter conditioning" specifically refers to a psychological process, "conditioning" on its own can refer to any process of training or developing a habit.
Synonyms: - Behavioral modification - Desensitization - Exposure therapy (related term)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "counter conditioning," you might hear phrases like: - "Face your fears," which is similar in the sense of confronting what makes you uncomfortable. - "Condition oneself," which refers to training oneself to behave in a certain way.
In Summary:Counter conditioning is an important concept in psychology that helps people change their reactions to things that make them anxious or afraid.