Final answer:
Systematic desensitization involves teaching a patient relaxation techniques and then gradually exposing them to fear-inducing situations while they practice these techniques. This method allows the patient to confront their fears in a controlled environment and weaken the fear response over time, which can also be used similarly in treating disorders like PTSD.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cognitive-behavioral therapist might use systematic desensitization to help Opal overcome her phobia of driving. This therapeutic technique involves gradual exposure to the feared situation combined with relaxation exercises. The therapist would first guide Opal in learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or meditation. Once Opal is skilled in relaxation, the therapist would then create a hierarchy of driving-related situations that elicit fear, starting with the least fearful scenario. Opal would be exposed to these scenarios one step at a time while utilizing her relaxation strategies to manage anxiety. This gradual, controlled approach allows Opal to slowly confront her fear without becoming overwhelmed, leading to desensitization and the reduction of her phobia over time.
The idea behind systematic desensitization is based on the principle that fear and relaxation cannot coexist. By pairing the feared stimulus with relaxation responses, the fear response becomes weakened. This therapeutic technique is also applicable to other disorders such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), where recollections of the traumatic event create significant distress. Through systematic desensitization, individuals with PTSD can learn to reduce their anxiety responses to the memories of trauma, leading to improved functioning and well-being.