counterconditioning
Replacing learned reactions
Counterconditioning is a behavioral technique that replaces an unwanted response with a new one by pairing the triggering stimulus with something that produces the opposite reaction.
A dog that fears strangers might be fed treats whenever guests arrive, gradually associating visitors with pleasure rather than threat.
The method is used in treating phobias, anxiety, and behavioral problems in both humans and animals: The therapist used counterconditioning to help her overcome her fear of flying.
Reduced response over time
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- floodingOverwhelming water accumulation
- gradual exposureSlow introduction to feared stimuli
- anxiety reductionLowering excessive worry
Learned reaction to stimulus
- behavioral therapyPsychotherapy targeting observable actions
- cognitive-behavioral therapyTreatment restructuring harmful thought patterns
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- negative reinforcementLearning via relief provision
positive reinforcement · behavior modification · learned response · behavioral analysis · stimulus-response
Mental illness causing overwhelming fear
- trauma therapyTreatment for psychological wounds
- addiction treatmentCare for compulsive dependencies
- aversion therapyTreatment pairing unwanted behavior with discomfort
- treatment protocolStandardized plan for therapy
maladaptive behavior · panic disorder · PTSD treatment · obsessive-compulsive · substance abuse · eating disorders · sexual dysfunction · clinical psychology
desensitization
Reduced response over time
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- floodingOverwhelming water accumulation
- gradual exposureSlow introduction to feared stimuli
conditioned response
Learned reaction to stimulus
- behavioral therapyPsychotherapy targeting observable actions
- cognitive-behavioral therapyTreatment restructuring harmful thought patterns
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
negative reinforcement · positive reinforcement · behavior modification · learned response · behavioral analysis · stimulus-response
anxiety disorder
Mental illness causing overwhelming fear
- trauma therapyTreatment for psychological wounds
- addiction treatmentCare for compulsive dependencies
- aversion therapyTreatment pairing unwanted behavior with discomfort
treatment protocol · maladaptive behavior · panic disorder · PTSD treatment · obsessive-compulsive · substance abuse · eating disorders · sexual dysfunction · clinical psychology
- Conditioningoperant, reinforcement, stimulus, conditioned response, Pavlov
- therapy techniquesCBT, play therapy, art therapy, exposure therapy, group therapy
counterconditioningclassical conditioning
Learned stimulus-response association
Pavlovian conditioning · acquisition · operant conditioning · conditioning · sensitization
condition, conditioning, reconditioning, preconditioning, deconditioning