Counter conditioning

Counter-conditioning is a method of behavioral learning theory and describes the weakening of an undesirable behavior by non- confirmation , while at the same time reinforcing the desired behavior.

Counter-conditioning is also a component of the method arsenal of behavior therapy to reduce dysfunctional or stressful problem behavior. The problem behavior A acquired through classic conditioning is coupled with a new behavior B incompatible with this behavior to the same conditional stimulus or the same triggering situation characteristics (context). Behavior B is not only learned as a reaction to the conditional stimulus or context, but at the same time an extinction of behavior A is induced by reciprocal inhibition .

Example: A patient, a young adult e.g. B. who as a child and adolescent is now inhibited from expressing himself due to frequent and violent criticism of his expressions by a close reference person, such as his parents, begins to talk about experience difficulties in conversation therapy . The therapist expresses understanding; in this way he "disappoints" the patient's expectations of fear of being corrected and confirms his self-exploration and its disclosure to the interlocutor.