-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
guidelines (Mind/Body)
systematic desensitization
psychospiritual approaches
definition
Type of behavioral therapy involving counterconditioning treatment of fear responses:
Wolpe developed a modified or shortened Jacobson relaxation technique based on his theory that the state of muscular relaxation is incompatible with anxiety. Once the patient is in relaxed state, the feared stimulus is repeatedly presented in order to desensitize the fear or anxiety associated with the image. The lowered state of arousal in relaxation-trained patients may prevent the autonomic response to the phobic stimuli, or the calm state perceived by the relaxed patient may lead to a change in attitude toward the feared object or situation. (Zahourek, p. 34)
image: Start by imagining a scene you're just a little afraid of and then use relaxation techniques and affirmations to overcome the fear. When you're able to stay relaxed throughout the entire scene, you're desensitized to it. Then move systematically to another scene that is a little scarier, and visualize yourself coping with it until you're comfortable. Continue with as many as 20 scenes, until you can stay relaxed contemplating even the most stressful situations. (Fanning, p. 173)
process: (1) learn relaxation skills so your body knows what it feels when it's deeply relaxed; (2) visualize increasingly frightening scenes (make a list of items and rank them in a hierarchy) and use relaxation skills to keep calm; (3) start using new coping skills in real life situations. (Fanning, p. 184)
uses: anxiety, phobias, fear of public speaking, panic attacks (preventive rehearsal works better than trying to apply visualization technique in the middle of panic attack!)
see:
anxiety and depression (has precautions for this technique)
behavior modification
footnotes