How is the technique implemented?
Systematic desensitization is a form of exposure and response therapy that can be used to help a clients build a response to negative thoughts. By evoking negative past cognitions, this technique sets the stage for a client to react appropriately. Repeated exposure to a stressful event or thought gives the client a chance to develop an appropriate response while minimizing the damages of those thought since they are occurring so frequently. The process of desensitization generally occurs in three stages. The first stage requires that the client becomes proficient in some sort of relaxation (see aforementioned deep breathing technique). Second, the client and counselor work together to create and anxiety hierarchy. And lastly, provoking negative stimuli and working towards developing a positive coping mechanism.
What type of situation can the technique be applied to?
Desensitization is primarily used with trauma victims such as rape victims or soldiers coming back from war. The technique can be used for lighter issues such as phobias as well to help minimize the fears of particular situations.
What is your opinion of the technique?
This technique when employed correctly can help eliminate many of the unpleasant traumas of PTSD and related issues. For this, I think that this technique can be incredibly beneficial (especially for things like phobias that are generally of a lower magnitude). That being said, I think it can be incredibly dangerous to continuously expose an individual to a traumatic or difficult occasion as it may just worsen the situation.
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