Salter's conditioned reflex therapy is a psychological technique used to eliminate negative conditioning in patients with anxiety disorders, phobias, traumas and other emotional difficulties. This therapy is based on the principles of classical conditioning, discovered by the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, and has been developed and popularized by the Spanish clinical psychologist Bernardo Salter.
Origin and foundations of Salter's conditioned reflex therapy
Salter's conditioned reflex therapy is based on the idea that many of the emotional responses and negative conditioning that we experience are learned throughout life. life. These conditioning can be associated with specific situations, objects or thoughts that trigger an automatic and intense response in the person, such as fear, anxiety or anguish.
Bernardo Salter, clinical psychologist and expert in cognitive therapies -behavioral, developed this technique from the principles of Pavlov's classical conditioning. Pavlov demonstrated that it was possible to condition an automatic response in dogs by associating a neutral stimulus, such as a bell, with an unconditioned stimulus, such as food. Over time, the dogs learned to salivate only upon hearing the bell, even without the presence of food.
Basic principles of Salter's conditioned reflex therapy
Conditioned reflex therapy Salter's premise is that it is possible to unlearn negative conditioning, modifying the mental and emotional associations that support them. Through a reconditioning process, the person learns to associate previously negative stimuli or thoughts with more adaptive and positive responses.
The therapeutic process consists of identifying the stimuli that trigger the unwanted emotional response, analyzing the beliefs and thoughts associated with these stimuli, and replace those associations with new emotional responses. To do this, techniques of gradual and repeated exposure to triggering stimuli are used, combined with cognitive restructuring strategies and training in coping skills.
In Salter's conditioned reflex therapy, the therapist guides the patient through this reconditioning process, providing emotional support, educating about the mechanisms of conditioning and encouraging the practice of new adaptive responses. The final goal is for the patient to be able to face the triggering stimuli without experiencing an intense or negative emotional response.
Therapeutic process of Salter's conditioned reflex therapy
Initial evaluation
Before initiating treatment with Salter's conditioned reflex therapy, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, symptoms, negative conditioning, and personal resources. The therapist must identify the triggers of the unwanted emotional response, as well as the beliefs and thoughts associated with these triggers.
The initial evaluation also includes the development of a personalized therapeutic plan, in which the therapeutic objectives, the strategies to use, the frequency of sessions and monitoring of the patient's progress throughout the treatment.
Gradual exposure and reconditioning
Once the initial evaluation has been completed , the process of gradual exposure to the stimuli that triggers the unwanted emotional response begins. The therapist guides the patient in the identification and controlled confrontation of these stimuli, allowing the patient to experience anxiety or fear gradually and safely.
During exposure, the therapist teaches the patient coping strategies, such as relaxation, controlled breathing and cognitive restructuring, to reduce the intensity of the emotional response and promote the acquisition of new, more adaptive mental associations.
Practice and generalization
Throughout the treatment, the patient repeatedly practices exposure to the triggering stimuli outside of the therapeutic session, thus consolidating the new emotional associations acquired. The therapist accompanies the patient in this process, providing support, guidance and feedback to facilitate the generalization of new adaptive responses in different contexts and situations.
Clinical applications of Salter's conditioned reflex therapy
Salter's conditioned reflex therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various emotional disorders and difficulties, including:
Anxiety disorders
Salter's conditioned reflex therapy Salter has been used successfully in the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. By reconditioning negative emotional associations, patients learn to confront their fears and avoid automatic anxiety responses.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
In cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, Salter's conditioned reflex therapy is used to decondition the automatic responses of fear and distress associated with the traumatic event. Through controlled exposure and cognitive restructuring, patients can overcome their symptoms and regain control over their emotions.
Phobias and irrational fears
Phobias and irrational fears can be treated effectively with Salter's conditioned reflex therapy. Through gradual exposure to feared stimuli, combined with learning new coping strategies, patients can overcome their phobias and reduce the intensity of their emotional responses.
Conclusions
The Salter's conditioned reflex therapy is an effective psychological technique to eliminate negative conditioning and promote more adaptive emotional responses in patients with anxiety disorders, phobias, traumas and other emotional difficulties. Based on the principles of Pavlov's classical conditioning, this therapy focuses on reconditioning dysfunctional mental and emotional associations, allowing patients to acquire new ways of coping with stress and adversity.
While Salter's conditioned reflex requires a personalized approach and active commitment on the part of the patient; its results are usually promising and long-lasting. By unlearning negative conditioning and learning new ways of interpreting and coping with triggering stimuli, patients can experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and emotional well-being.