CN The Behavioural Approach to Treating Phobias

Counterconditioning
Teaching the patient a new association that counters their original association. Uses classical conditioning to associate the stimulus with relaxation and not fear

Relaxation

First thing is teaching the patient relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation

Desensitisation hierarchy

Gradually exposing the patient to the feared stimulus step by step, not all at once to prevent overwhelm. Diminishes anxiety as the patient gradually gets used to it

Flooding

Teaching the patient relaxation, then facing the fear head on by putting them with the feared stimulus until they are comfortable with it

There are two ways to treat phobias with the behavioural approach, both start with relaxation, then SD uses counterconditioning and the desensitisation hierarchy to expose them without overwhelming them, where flooding leaves them with the full stimulus immediately until they are comfortable