Aversive conditioning is a gradual process in which the clients learn to handle increasingly disturbing stimuli while anxiety to each one is being counter conditioned.

Aversive Conditioning

A behavior-therapy technique in which undesired responses are inhibited by pairing repugnant or offensive stimuli with them.

Counter Conditioned

The process of changing an individual's emotional response to a particular stimulus by associating it with a new, positive or negative, response.

Disturbing Stimuli

Elements in the environment that cause discomfort or distress to an individual.