A therapist is using systematic desensitization to treat a client with a snake phobia. It is likely that her first step in treatment will be to ask the client to

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Systematic desensitization typically involves gradually exposing the client to the feared stimulus in a controlled and safe manner. Asking the client to hold a snake, which is a highly aversive and anxiety-provoking activity, is not likely to be the first step. Asking the client to avoid thinking about snakes, while potentially helpful as a coping strategy, is not an active exposure technique. Therefore, the most likely first step in treatment would be to ask the client to look at a picture of a snake, as this is a relatively low-level exposure that can be easily controlled and manipulated to increase the client's comfort level. This exposure would be repeated until the client no longer experiences significant anxiety, at which point the therapist would move on to more challenging exposures.

A Therapist Is Using Systematic Desensitization to Treat a Client