A client has a phobia of dogs and consults with a behaviour therapist. The therapist first teaches the client a muscle relaxation technique. Then they create a list of increasingly fearful situations involving dogs. Starting with the least feared situation, the therapist has the client imagine it and then use the client's relaxation training to eliminate any anxiety that arises. The therapist is using the general technique called ______________, and the list that they have created is an example of _____________.

Question

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The therapist is using systematic desensitization, a technique that involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation while teaching them relaxation techniques to cope with their anxiety. The list of increasingly fearful situations is known as a stimulus hierarchy, which organizes these situations from least to most anxiety-inducing.

A Client Has a Phobia of Dogs and Consults with a Behaviour