“Covert Sensitization for Paraphilia” David H. Barlow Essay Example
“Covert Sensitization for Paraphilia” David H. Barlow Essay Example

“Covert Sensitization for Paraphilia” David H. Barlow Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (809 words)
  • Published: April 20, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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Behavior Therapy Wedding & Cosini, Chapter 5 By James Keith Wright Case Study 3 – “Covert Sensitization for Paraphilia” David H. Barlow Looking at this case about Reverend X helped me look at myself when it comes to helping someone in an area that I detest and what it inspired was hope for all human issues. I will begin with the three (3) key concepts of the theory and describe how they were applied in the case. The first concept I will talk about is; Emphasizes Current Behavior, dealing with the client’s current problems and the factors influencing them.

Emphasis is on specific factors that influence present functioning and what factors can be used to modify performance. The Behavior therapy recognizes the importance of the individual, the individual’s environment, and the interaction between the person and the

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environment in facilitating change. This concept is vividly presented in the beginning of the case. It speaks on how the behavior of Paraphilia coming from Reverend X got him referred to psychotherapy; How the Reverend thinks about his behavior, when and where the behavior happens.

One, highlight that jump out to me in the clients current behavior was his lack of any remorse. The second concept is Diverse Therapeutic Strategies that are distinctive approaches to treatment in helping the client with new choices to change. The client is not just talking about his or her condition. One is required to do something to bring about change, such as monitor oneself in session and out of session, do homework, learn and practice cope skills, and role play new behavior. I like this concept because its approach is not limited to talking

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action must follow ones words.

The case is titled by a diverse therapeutic strategy called Covert Sensitization. It is a form of behavior therapy in which an undesirable behavior is paired with an unpleasant image in order to eliminate that behavior. The concept of Diverse Therapeutic Strategies was apparent in this case because several therapeutic strategies were used before the covert sensitization technique began, such as, behavior analysis, making a list of rationalization, self-monitoring, and physiological assessment. The third concept is Specific behaviors are measured before and after treatment.

This concepts gives a starting point and a ending point which helps the client and the therapist see with their eyes what’s happening here and now. The therapist role is to explore courses of action and consequences, teach concrete skills through modeling, instruction, performance feedback. This case open my see to how there are tangible things we can use to measure behavior before and after treatment, such as, using penile strain gauge measures, and self-monitoring of self administered sessions to get desired effect. The three techniques I wish to discuss from this case were used very effectively.

Number one, Self-monitoring which is deliberately and systematically observe your own behavior, and keep a behavioral diary, recording the behavior along with comments about the relevant preexistent cues and consequences. This technique worked well for Reverend X. During the time of self-monitoring revealed occasional urges and glimpses but still no fantasies or masturbatory activity. The second technique I will speak on is negative reinforcement that involves the escape from or avoidance of aversive (unpleasant) stimuli. Another way was punishment that decrease target behavior.

This was used by aversive scenes for Reverend X to

think about with referred to as punishment when sexually aroused and the second format was escape, fleeing quickly feeling great relieve and relaxation as he gets far away. This is what Reverend X used and self-monitored which help him change his behavior. The third technique is Social Skills Training that helps the client develop and achieve skills in interpersonal competence. This was use with Reverend X to help him awareness of the problem with his behavior with the young girls.

His thinking was his behavior to be primarily affectionate despite the genital contact and masturbatory activity to nudist magazines. In an attempt to break down some of Reverend X barriers, two scenarios were presented. First, he saw ask how would he react if he discovered that one of his daughters had been fondled or molested by a strange adult. Then he was asked what his reaction would be if it was discovered that his bishop had been raping women in the back of the alleys of the city for several years on Saturday night.

He was able to admit that his behavior was at least as repugnant as the hypothetical behavior of his bishop and that it would seem quite shocking indeed. In conclusion, of the key concepts of Behavior Therapy, I mentioned above, Emphasizes Current Behavior and Diverse therapeutic strategies are the two that I would use and the two I would not use are Objective evaluation of therapeutic outcomes and the Procedures stated explicitly, tested, and revised on an as needed basis.

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