desensitization technique
A therapist guides a patient through a desensitization technique using a model airplane.
Noun: A therapeutic method used in behavior therapy, particularly for treating phobias and anxiety-related disorders. The core principle involves the gradual, repeated, and controlled exposure of a client to a feared object, situation, or stimulus while they are in a state of relaxation. This process is continued until the previously associated anxiety response is significantly reduced or eliminated.
This term is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and behavioral science contexts. It describes a specific, structured therapeutic procedure. - The therapist employed a desensitization technique to help the patient overcome their intense fear of flying. - Systematic desensitization technique is a common treatment for specific phobias.
- The success of the treatment relied heavily on the careful application of the desensitization technique.
- Learning relaxation skills is the first step in this desensitization technique.
- Systematic desensitization: This is the full and most common name for the procedure. It emphasizes the step-by-step, hierarchical nature of the exposure.
- The desensitization technique can be implemented (in real life) or through imaginal exposure, where the client vividly imagines the feared scenario.
- Desensitisation technique: The British English spelling variant.
- Desensitisation procedure: A synonymous term, often used interchangeably.
- Systematic desensitization: The complete, formal name of the therapeutic method.
- Exposure therapy: A broader category of treatments that includes desensitization techniques.
- Exposure therapy (a broader category)
- Graated exposure therapy
- Systematic desensitization (the full term)
This term refers exclusively to a clinical, therapeutic procedure. It should not be confused with the general, non-clinical concept of becoming less sensitive to something (e.g., "desensitization to violence in media"), although the underlying psychological principle is similar. In a clinical context, it is a deliberate and guided intervention.
A therapist guides a patient through a desensitization technique using a model airplane.
- a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and other behavior problems involving anxiety; client is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished