Carmelo has "astraphobia," which means he is terrified of storms. Ever since his well-meaning mother took him from the yard and shut him in a closet so that the lightning wouldn't frighten him, he has been petrified by the sight of looming clouds. This is not very helpful for someone who lives in the tropics where it storms frequently and Carmelo's new job requires that he move to Florida. What sort of therapy would be least traumatic and most helpful for Carmelo so that he can be comfortable in his new home?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization would be the best therapy for Carmelo because it involves gradually exposing him to feared stimuli while teaching him relaxation techniques. This would allow him to learn to tolerate storms without becoming overwhelmed by fear. Flooding, stimulus satiation, and aversive therapy could all potentially be traumatic for someone with anxieties related to storms.

Carmelo Has "Astraphobia," Which Means He Is Terrified of Storms