Chapter 1. Overcoming Fear

Short Description

Classical conditioning principles can be applied to the treatment of psychological disorders. Counterconditioning uses classical conditioning techniques to pair new responses with old stimuli that have triggered maladaptive behaviors.

Long Description

Classical conditioning principles can be applied to the treatment of psychological disorders. Counterconditioning uses classical conditioning techniques to pair new responses with old stimuli that have triggered maladaptive behaviors. This program focuses on Bill, a participant in group therapy who has an intense fear of elevators. The therapist suggests that, with the support of the other group participants, Bill ride an elevator the next morning. The next morning Bill reports having had a sleepless night. Entering the elevator he reports that he believes he will get stuck and die. The others promise their support. On the elevator, Bill sings to himself in an obvious effort to distract himself on a ride that takes mere seconds. Surviving the trip he exits both shaking and smiling. The next week, reports the therapist, Bill will take many more elevator rides.

Questions