Counterconditioning

/ˌkaʊntərkənˈdɪʃənɪŋ/ noun

Definition

A behavioral therapy technique where an unwanted response is replaced by creating new associations between a stimulus and a different, desirable response.

Etymology

From counter- (against) + conditioning. Conditioning comes from Latin condicio, meaning 'condition' or 'agreement,' used in psychology to describe learned responses to stimuli.

Kelly Says

Counterconditioning is why people overcome phobias by pairing their fear with relaxation—your brain literally rewires itself, so someone terrified of dogs can become a dog lover through systematic practice.

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