topic 4 dq 1 peer

Jessica Scott

To help Joseph overcome his social phobia, the main behavior targeted for change is his avoidance behavior. His withdrawal from college and social settings is concerning. According to Murdock (2017), avoidance acts as negative reinforcement because it provides immediate relief from anxiety, which inadvertently strengthens the phobia. I would focus on replacing this isolation with approach behaviors,to break the cycle where Joseph feels he must flee social situations to feel safe.

This change can be achieved using successive approximations and positive reinforcement. We would start with low-stress tasks, such as sitting in a library or in a park, and provide reinforcement for each successful step. This systematic desensitization would use relaxation techniques. TCounter-conditioning helps the brain unlearn the fear response and reinforces the healthier behavior of social engagement (Hofmann & Smits, 2008).

Significant behavioral change for social phobia typically takes 12 to 20 weeks of consistent weekly sessions. Over a four-month period, Joseph could move from complete withdrawal to a graduated return to campus life.

References

Hofmann, S. G., & Smits, J. A. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(4), 621–632.

Murdock, N. L. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach (4th ed.). Pearson.