Which of the following best describes the three-step process involved in systematic desensitization for treating phobias?

• A. The client learns relaxation techniques, creates an anxiety hierarchy, and gradually confronts feared situations while remaining relaxed.
• B. The client is exposed to the most feared stimulus first, then taught relaxation, and finally asked to avoid the stimulus.
• C. The client discusses their fears, receives medication, and is encouraged to ignore anxiety-provoking situations.
• D. The therapist uses punishment, reinforcement, and modeling to change the client's behavior.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique used to reduce phobic reactions by gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation while teaching relaxation skills.
2. Identify the first step: the client learns relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety responses.
3. Recognize the second step: the client and therapist collaboratively create an anxiety hierarchy, which is a list of feared situations ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking.
4. Note the third step: the client gradually confronts the feared situations starting from the least anxiety-provoking item on the hierarchy, while applying the learned relaxation techniques to remain calm.
5. Understand that this gradual exposure combined with relaxation helps the client reduce their fear response over time, which is the core principle behind systematic desensitization.