Explain how classical conditioning and operant conditioning can be used in therapy. Include a discussion about exposure therapies, such as systematic desensitization, as well as aversive conditioning, behavior modification, and token economies.

Classical conditioning has been used as a successful form of treatment in changing or modifying behaviors, such as substance abuse and smoking. Some therapies associated with classical conditioning include aversion therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding.

Systematic desensitization is one of the behavioral therapies which is based on the principles of classical conditioning. This involves treating phobias and substitute the response of fear with a relaxation response to the conditioned stimulus gradually using the counter conditioning process. The patient in the first phase is taught deep muscle relaxation exercise and breath exercises like meditation, muscle detensioning, etc. This step involved reciprocal inhibition, where one response is inhibited and it is incompatible with another. When a person is suffering from a phobia, they experience fear which involves tension and tension is incompatible with being relaxed.

In the second phase, the patient is helped to create a fear hierarchy starting with the stimuli which are least anxiety-producing and moving up with the most anxiety-producing stimuli.

In the third phase, patiently works his way up the fear hierarchy along with practicing his relaxation technique as he moves up. When he feels comfortable and is no longer afraid, he moves to the next stage in the hierarchy. If the patient becomes anxious again, he could return back to the earlier stage and regain his relaxed state.

The patient would repeatedly imagine the phobic situation till it falls to evoke anxiety in him

Token economies make use of operant conditioning principles of reinforcement to modify behavior. The clients are allowed to earn token which they can exchange for special perks or desired items. Parents mostly use this therapy with their children to reinforce their good behavior. Children earn tokens by being good and engaging in desirable behavior which can be used to get their favorite chocolates or toys. This is called positive reinforcement, where the likelihood of the desired behavior would be increased because it is being rewarded.

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