Outline and evaluate one way behaviourists treat specific phobias

One of the most common techniques for treating phobias is flooding, which is is based on the fact that an individual cannot stay in a state of high anxiety for an extended period of time. The patient is exposed to the stimulus that generates their phobia causing their anxiety to immediately increase. The behaviourist does not allow the patient to withdraw from the situation which forces them to face their fear head on until their anxiety begins to subside and they realise that there is no threat.
The main advantage of flooding is that it is very effective at treating specific phobias such as the fear of spiders. However, it is unable to quash more complex social phobias which may instead require cognitive therapy. Furthermore, flooding can be traumatic for a patient as it puts them in a situation where they have to confront what could be a life-long fear.