Outline ways in which behaviourists can treat phobias.

One popular way of treating phobias is by systematic desensitisation which is based on the principle of classical conditioning. It involves creating an anxiety hierarchy and using relaxation techniques to work through each step of the hierarchy until gradually the fear has been extinguished. Another method of phobia treatment is known as flooding. This is a less gradual exposure method compared to systematic desensitisation. It involves immediate exposure to the phobic stimulus, triggering the phobic response which eventually decreases.