the fourth lamppost. Striding confidently along, he began to experience mild anxiety symptoms halfway to his goal. Following the second rule of successive approximation—to withdraw immediately from a situation when you experience mild anxiety—Luke stated, "I just turned around and walked back to the third lamppost."
After a few deep breaths, some muscular tensing and relaxing, and a few moments spent observing the scene, Luke began to walk, a bit more cautiously this time, toward the fourth lamppost. Luke stated, "I made it this time and spent a few moments relaxing there and feeling pretty good about it."
Luke decided that on every following day he would add at least one more lamppost to his "safe territory" on the pier. He began to do so, and the following days were much the same, except that he now had to get used to being over deep water. Stormy winter weather complicated the situation and slowed his progress, but he decided to treat the wind and big waves simply as one more element to get used to.
Step #3: After Finishing Luke's Training
By the time Luke finished his CBT training—and had overcome his phobic reaction—he liked to walk out on the pier toward sundown, enjoy the view and ask the fishermen how they were doing. Even in stormy weather he enjoyed walking all the way to the end of the pier. Luke stated, "I kind of like watching the ocean waves and feeling the rain and sea spray in my face. Anyone who sees me out there all alone on a stormy day may think I’m crazy, but I don’t care." Think of your Luke. How can you use successive approximation to help your client cope with anxiety related phobic reactions? Could playing this section for client education benefit your client?
In this section, we discussed successive approximations. Successive approximations consist of setting sub goals, identifying triggers, and implementing the technique through behavior.
In the next section, we will discuss accepting reality. Three techniques that we will discuss are gaining distance, describing the present, and disappearing to see reality.
- Nakamura, B. J. Pestle, S. L., & Chorpita, B. F. (2009). Differential Sequencing of Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques for Reducing Child and Adolescent Anxiety. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 23(2), 114-135.
QUESTION 3
What are two steps in successive approximations? To select and enter your answer go to.