What is the goal of systematic desensitization in therapy?

The goal of systematic desensitization in therapy is to reduce fear of a stimulus. This therapeutic technique is primarily used to help individuals confront and overcome irrational fears or phobias. It operates on the principles of classical conditioning and involves the gradual exposure of the person to the feared stimulus while simultaneously employing relaxation techniques.

The process typically begins with the patient learning relaxation exercises. Then, they are gradually exposed to a hierarchy of fear-inducing stimuli—starting with those that provoke minimal fear and gradually working up to those that cause significant anxiety. As the individual practices relaxation in response to these stimuli, their anxiety diminishes over time, leading to a reduced fear response when encountering the stimulus in the real world.

This method emphasizes not just facing the fear, but doing so in a controlled and supportive environment, thereby enabling the patient to gain mastery over their fear response. By systematically reducing fear, the therapy can lead to improved functioning and a better quality of life for individuals who have been hindered by phobias.