One-session Treatments for a Case of Multiple Simple Phobias

The treatment of a woman with multiple simple phobias (for cats, snakes, rats, and worms) using a one-session approach is described and evaluated in a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Assessments were done with behavioral avoidance tests with heart rate and blood pressure measurements, daily self-ratings of anxiety, and various self-report questionnaires. The patient received three one-sessions treatments (40—120 min in length) during which prolonged exposure and participant modeling was combined, and she improved to a large extent. There were no, or very small, generalization effects across phobias, but a transfer to natural situations. The improvements were maintained at a 6-month follow-up.