What technique involves gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations to reduce anxiety during therapy?

The technique that involves gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations to reduce anxiety during therapy is systematic desensitization. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the principles of classical conditioning and is designed to help individuals confront and overcome their fears in a controlled and systematic way.

Systematic desensitization typically involves three main components: the development of a fear hierarchy, relaxation training, and gradual exposure to the feared stimuli. The client learns relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and then, starting with the least anxiety-provoking situation on their hierarchy, they are exposed to that scenario while employing the relaxation strategies. This process continues in a stepwise fashion, helping the individual build confidence and reduce their anxiety as they confront increasingly challenging situations.

This technique is particularly effective for phobias, anxiety disorders, and situations that induce overwhelming fear, allowing clients to gain mastery over their fears in a supportive therapeutic environment.