Tamara is deathly afraid of coming in contact with germs. So, her therapist gradually exposes Tamara to "unclean" things, such as touching dirt or taking a bite of an unwashed piece of fruit, while in a calm, relaxed, and supportive environment. This technique is known as:.
a. systematic desensitization.
b. vicarious conditioning.
c. spontaneous recovery.
d. modeling.

a. systematic desensitization

Explanation:

Systematic desensitization is basically a type of behavioural therapy that is largely based on the principle of classical conditioning.

It is a behavioural therapy that have its focus on removing phobia, fear and anxiety. It achieves this by replacing the fear response of a phobia with relaxing counter condition to the phobia.

It's main application is in the treatment of fear, anxiety disorders and phobias. To make use if this method, the person is first engaged in some type of relaxation exercise and gradually he will be exposed to an anxiety-producing stimulus, like an object or place.

Tamara's phobia is contracting germs, her therapist gradually exposing her to touch diets within a relaxed environment is a classical example of systematic desensitization.