Reynaldo has an irrational fear of cats and has all the symptoms of a phobia. Knowing that some behavioral techniques are effective with fears of certain types, his therapist decides to bring a cat into the office. Which behavioral technique is the therapist using?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The therapist is using in vivo exposure, which involves direct, real-life exposure to the feared object or situation. Bringing a cat into the office is a form of in vivo exposure therapy. Imaginal exposure involves imagining the feared object or situation, virtual exposure involves exposure through computer simulations, and sudden exposure involves surprising the individual with the feared object or situation without warning, none of which are being used here.

Reynaldo Has an Irrational Fear of Cats and Has All