The fact that you cannot be relaxed and agitated at the same time best illustrates the central concept in Joseph Wolpe's theory of

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Joseph Wolpe's theory of reciprocal inhibition is based on the idea that one cannot experience two opposing emotions or reactions simultaneously, such as being relaxed and agitated at the same time. This concept is central to his therapeutic techniques, such as systematic desensitization, where a relaxed state is used to inhibit anxiety by gradually introducing and associating the anxiety-producing stimulus with relaxation.  Wolpe observed that the nervous system cannot be relaxed and agitated at the same time because incompatible processes initiated by the nervous system cannot be activated at the same time.

The Fact That You Cannot Be Relaxed and Agitated at the Same