How to do systematic desensitization therapy?

The method of systematic desensitization therapy is also called the reciprocal inhibition method, which is mainly used to treat some psychological diseases. Through such treatment, it can overcome the patient's neurotic anxiety and fear symptoms. There are many forms of systematic desensitization therapy, such as rapid desensitization, contact desensitization, automated desensitization and emotional imagery desensitization.

1. Rapid desensitization method

This method is also called real-life desensitization. The main feature is to replace the imagination with the actual stimulus that causes the fear response; the therapist accompanies the patient through a series of frightening situations until the patient reaches the most feared situation and is no longer nervous. This method is more suitable for patients with agoraphobia and social phobia.

2. Contact desensitization

This approach is particularly useful for specific object phobias, such as phobias of snakes and spiders. Contact desensitization also uses real-life exposure according to anxiety levels. The difference from other desensitization methods is that it adds two techniques - demonstration and contact.

Have the patient first watch the therapist or someone else deal with the situation or thing that causes the patient's fear, and then have the patient follow suit step by step. If the patient is afraid of something, such as a snake, then after watching the therapist demonstrate touching, picking up and putting down a snake, let the patient first engage in some activities related to approaching and touching a snake, and then gradually approach and touch the snake until he dares to pick it up without feeling nervous.

3. Automated desensitization method

Based on a series of conversations with the patient, the therapist will record or videotape the patient's identified anxiety situations (such as loud noises, crowded crowds, or crawling snakes), and then use these prepared recordings or videos to treat the patient.

The outstanding advantages of this method are: ① Patients can use it independently at home without taking up too much of the therapist's time; ② Patients can decide the speed and progress of desensitization according to their own situation, which helps to reduce some adverse reactions in desensitization treatment; ③ The therapist's guidance and relevant healing examples can be included in the recorded speech and video, which can also serve as a guide and demonstration.

4. Emotional intention desensitization method

The characteristic of this method is to induce the patient's excited and cheerful emotions through figurative descriptions, and use this positive emotion to counter the anxiety response caused by the terrifying stimulus. Use excitement to gradually resist and dispel fear and anxiety. This method can be used for children who are anxious about losing their parents' love, and for anxiety disorders caused by lack of warmth and care between couples.