In-Vitro: imagining the situation
In-Vivo: physical form

1. Patient is taught to relax
2. Patient creates hierarchy of fear from least to most
3. They move along the line until they feel relaxed with each fear

One example of this is Little Peter and the rabbit (1924) when he was placed in a room with a caged rabbit and gradually moved closer to it until he could touch it.

Quicker alternative treatments (eg. Flooding)

Some people are unable to imagine the situation

Behaviourist: Systematic Desensitisation

Weakness

Strength

Research to support (McGuffin et al 1990)

Can lead to reduction in anxiety