Systematic Desensitization (Noun)
Meaning
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The therapist used systematic desensitization to help the client overcome her fear of spiders by gradually exposing her to pictures of spiders while she was in a relaxed state.
- Through systematic desensitization, the patient was able to overcome his claustrophobia by slowly becoming accustomed to small enclosed spaces.
- Systematic desensitization proved to be an effective method for treating the woman's social anxiety disorder by gradually exposing her to social situations that made her uncomfortable.
- The psychologist employed systematic desensitization to treat a client's fear of flying by having them visualize themselves in a plane while listening to calming music.
- After several sessions of systematic desensitization, the boy was able to ride an elevator without experiencing anxiety.
Synonyms
- Desensitisation Procedure
- Systematic Desensitisation
- Desensitization Procedure
- Desensitization Technique
- Desensitisation Technique