Systematic Desensitization Therapy

Developed by Joseph Wolpe in the 1950s, it rests on the principle of reciprocal inhibition: a state of deep relaxation, incompatible with anxiety, is repeatedly paired with hierarchically ordered anxiety-provoking stimuli until the conditioned response is extinguished. It is indicated for specific phobias, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

This therapy is covered in detail (principles, indications, protocol, level of evidence) in Volume 2 of the Mémento des Psychothérapies. See the volume.