A patient arrives in your office with a severe fear of spiders. You treat this patient by gradually introducing her to snake images, snake toys, and eventually live snakes in order to show her that nothing bad happened in the presence of these objects. You are using the therapeutic technique called
A) cognitive therapy.
B) systematic desensitization.
C) operant conditioning.
D) multidimensional therapy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The therapeutic technique described in the scenario is systematic desensitization. This technique involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled manner, with the guidance and support of a therapist. As the person becomes more comfortable and relaxed in the presence of the stimuli, their fear response gradually diminishes. This approach is often used in the treatment of specific phobias, such as a fear of spiders.

A Patient Arrives in Your Office with a Severe Fear