As mentioned in my two previous posts, exposing someone to an anxiety provoking stimulus using a series of graduated steps paired with relaxation can help a person slowly get over their fear of that object or situation. However, what happens when the anxiety provoking stimulus cannot be presented in a controlled stepwise manner? An example of this could be speaking in public. Unless you are part of a speaking group or class it may be difficult to predict or control when your next public speaking opportunities may be. When opportunities to encounter the anxiety provoking stimulus are not predictable (as it was with the school bus) then an image of the stimulus can be paired with relaxation in the early steps of the hierarchy until an opportunity for the actual stimulus is available.
Using the public speaking example, the person could first create an audience in their mind and imagine speaking to them while performing the relaxation. If the person cannot create an image in their mind then a picture of a audience could suffice. If there are specific worries related to the speech, like forgetting what to say, that can be worked into the scene. Once comfortable in that situation, the next step could be making the speech in front of one familiar person, then a small familiar group, gradually leading up to the actual speech.
A couple of important tips to remember. For every specific worry there needs to be a counter thought or solution. If the worry is forgetting then a solution could be making small cue cards so the person can easily access a way to stimulate their memory. If answering questions is a worry, then help the person come up with specific answers to anticipated questions prior to the speech. If the anxiety is related to a lack of knowledge or skills then those need to be taught first. The other aspect to keep in mind is that desensitization is not a method for encouraging people to perform activities they find unpleasant. This is only to be used when the person wants to do an activity but experiences sensations of anxiety/duress when trying to do so. It is important to respect people's preferences and gain consent prior to starting any exposure procedure.
Steven C. Altabet, Ph.D.
Using the public speaking example, the person could first create an audience in their mind and imagine speaking to them while performing the relaxation. If the person cannot create an image in their mind then a picture of a audience could suffice. If there are specific worries related to the speech, like forgetting what to say, that can be worked into the scene. Once comfortable in that situation, the next step could be making the speech in front of one familiar person, then a small familiar group, gradually leading up to the actual speech.
A couple of important tips to remember. For every specific worry there needs to be a counter thought or solution. If the worry is forgetting then a solution could be making small cue cards so the person can easily access a way to stimulate their memory. If answering questions is a worry, then help the person come up with specific answers to anticipated questions prior to the speech. If the anxiety is related to a lack of knowledge or skills then those need to be taught first. The other aspect to keep in mind is that desensitization is not a method for encouraging people to perform activities they find unpleasant. This is only to be used when the person wants to do an activity but experiences sensations of anxiety/duress when trying to do so. It is important to respect people's preferences and gain consent prior to starting any exposure procedure.
Steven C. Altabet, Ph.D.
RSS Feed
