Systematic Systematic DesensitizationDesensitization

A Behavioral TherapyA Behavioral Therapy

(used in this case to combat a (used in this case to combat a phobia of blood draws)phobia of blood draws)

1. The subject watches a 1. The subject watches a movie where the actor gets movie where the actor gets

a shot.a shot.

2. The subject’s friend talks 2. The subject’s friend talks about getting a flu shot.about getting a flu shot.

3. The subject makes a 3. The subject makes a doctor’s appointment.doctor’s appointment.

4. The subject drives to the 4. The subject drives to the Medical Center.Medical Center.

5. The subject parks their 5. The subject parks their car in the parking lot.car in the parking lot.

6. The subject thinks about 6. The subject thinks about getting a shot while in the getting a shot while in the

waiting room.waiting room.

7. A woman comes out of 7. A woman comes out of the doctor’s office rubbing the doctor’s office rubbing

her arm.her arm.

8. The subject sees the 8. The subject sees the nurse with a syringe.nurse with a syringe.

9. The subject enters the 9. The subject enters the examination room.examination room.

10. The doctor comes, asks 10. The doctor comes, asks about the subject’s about the subject’s

symptoms.symptoms.

11. The doctor says, “You 11. The doctor says, “You need an injection.”need an injection.”

12. The nurse comes with 12. The nurse comes with injection materials.injection materials.

13. The nurse fills the 13. The nurse fills the syringe.syringe.

14. There is a smell of 14. There is a smell of alcohol being applied to the alcohol being applied to the

cotton.cotton.

15. A hypodermic needle is 15. A hypodermic needle is poised in the doctor’s hand.poised in the doctor’s hand.

16. The subject receives a 16. The subject receives a shot in the arm.shot in the arm.

17. The subject has a large 17. The subject has a large blood sample taken.blood sample taken.