Name one behavioural therapy that can be used to treat phobias? Critically evaluate.

One type of behavioural therapy includes Systematic Desensitization, based off the theory of classical conditioning. Here, the client and therapist draw up a hierarchy of fear, starting with stimuli that creates the least fear and ending on stimuli that creates the most fear. Once complete, the therapy commences and the clients starts slowly working their way up the hierarchy, using relaxation and breathing techniques taught to them by the therapist. Movement occurs when the current section no longer produces a fear response or extreme anxiety. However, if the patient becomes stressed again, they move back to the previous stage. This process is continued until the hierarchy is complete and the client no longer feels fearful of their phobic object.

Systematic Desensitization is an easily accessible therapy as often it requires the client to imagine their phobic situation, gaining the ability for therapy to be conducted in one’s office. However, this also presents a disadvantage as some clients may be unable to vividly imagine their phobic object, making the therapy inaccessible. Additionally, Systematic Desensitization can be a long process, taking many sessions before the client feels any progression. Therefore, many clients may become bored or distrusting.