Sample interview questions: What therapeutic approaches do you typically employ when working with individuals with specific phobias or anxiety disorders related to medical procedures?
Sample answer:
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a commonly used therapeutic approach for individuals with specific phobias and anxiety disorders related to medical procedures. It involves:- Psychoeducation: Helping patients understand the nature of their phobia or anxiety disorder and how it affects their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradually and systematically exposing patients to the feared medical procedure or object in a controlled environment, starting from low-intensity exposure and gradually increasing the level of exposure as they habituate to the stimulus.
- Relaxation Techniques: Teaching patients relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation to manage anxiety and panic during medical procedures.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Challenging and modifying distorted or irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with the feared medical procedure and replacing them with more realistic and adaptive thoughts.
- Behavioral Activation: Encouraging patients to engage in activities and experiences that they may have previously avoided due to their phobia or anxiety.
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Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA):
ABA is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on changing observable behaviors through positive reinforcement and extinction. In the context of specific phobias or anxiety disorders related to medical procedures, ABA techniques may include:- Shaping: Gradually increasing the complexity or duration of exposure to the feared medical procedure while providing positive reinforcement for successful attempts.
- Stimulus Fading:… Read full answer