David suffers from "coulrophobia," or a pathological fear of clowns. Rather than search for the deep-seated anxiety or childhood conflict that triggered this fear, David's therapist opts to desensitize David and allow him to be relaxed and calm in the presence of clowns, and perhaps even attend a circus. David's therapist is using a __________ approach.

Question

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The therapist is focusing on changing David's behavior by desensitizing him to his fear, which is a characteristic of the behavioral approach. The psychodynamic approach would involve searching for underlying conflicts and the Gestaltist approach involves focusing on the here and now experience. The interpersonal approach involves improving one's relationships with others.

David Suffers from "Coulrophobia," or a Pathological Fear of Clowns