Desensitization with minimal therapist contact.

Abstract

BRUCE BAKERHarvard UniversityPhobic Ss were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: (1) a conven-tional desensitization group, which was treated by a therapist in the labora-tory, or (2) a do-it-yourself group, which carried out the desensitizationprocess at home. For the latter, the only therapist contact was an initialinterview and a weekly progress-check phone call. According to Ss' reportsof success, both groups did equally well. These results are discussed withrespect to the relative importance of relationship and content in the therapeuticprocess.