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Systematic Desensitization for Dummies

noun


What does Systematic Desensitization really mean?

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Student: Hey teacher, I heard the term "Systematic Desensitization" from my friend, but I don't really understand what it means. Can you help me out? Teacher: Absolutely! I'd be happy to explain it to you. So, "Systematic Desensitization" is a technique that helps people overcome their fears or anxieties by gradually exposing themselves to those fears in a controlled and supportive way. It's like taking small steps to face something scary until it doesn't seem as scary anymore. It's kind of like training our brains to become less afraid of something through a step-by-step process. Let me give you an example: Imagine you're scared of dogs. The first step in systematic desensitization might be just looking at pictures of dogs. You would spend some time doing this until it becomes less scary and more familiar to you. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can move to the next step, which might involve hearing audio recordings of dogs barking. This allows you to gradually get used to the sound without being in direct contact with a dog. Again, you would repeat this step until you feel less anxious. As you continue with the process, each step gets a little bit closer to facing your fear directly. For instance, after feeling comfortable with the audio recordings, you might move on to watching videos of dogs from a safe distance. Eventually, the final step could be meeting a friendly, well-trained dog with someone you trust nearby for support. The idea behind systematic desensitization is to help you build up your confidence and decrease your fear or anxiety over time. By taking these gradual steps, you allow your mind to adapt and react differently to the things that scare you. It's like exercising your brain, just as you would exercise your muscles to make them stronger. Does that make sense to you, or is there anything else you'd like me to explain about systematic desensitization?


Revised and Fact checked by Linda Miller on 2023-10-28 22:49:26

Systematic Desensitization In a sentece

Learn how to use Systematic Desensitization inside a sentece

  • If someone is afraid of dogs, they can try systematic desensitization by looking at pictures of dogs first, then slowly being around a calm and friendly dog, until they feel comfortable enough to touch the dog.
  • Imagine someone who is very scared of spiders. They can use systematic desensitization by starting with looking at a small picture of a spider, then being in the same room as a toy spider, and gradually getting closer to a real spider until they can touch it without feeling afraid.
  • Let's say someone is anxious about public speaking. They can use systematic desensitization by first imagining themselves giving a speech, then practicing in front of a mirror, then presenting to a small group of trusted friends, and eventually speaking in front of a larger audience without feeling as nervous.
  • If someone has a fear of heights, they can try using systematic desensitization by standing on a low platform, then climbing a small ladder, then going to a tall building and looking down, and finally going on a roller coaster without feeling fearful of the heights anymore.
  • Suppose someone is scared of flying in planes. They can use systematic desensitization by first watching videos of planes flying, then going to an airport and sitting inside a stationary plane, then taking a short flight, and gradually working their way up to longer flights without feeling anxious.

Systematic Desensitization Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Systematic Desensitization Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Systematic Desensitization Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.