tillvänjning

Tillvänjning is a therapeutic technique used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, phobias and related conditions. The term, Swedish for “acclimatization,” refers to the gradual and controlled exposure of a person to a feared stimulus or situation with the goal of reducing the individual's emotional distress. It is a core component of exposure therapy and is grounded in the principle of classical conditioning, wherein an anxiety response can be diminished through repeated, non-threatening encounters with the stimulus.

In practice, tillvänjning usually follows a systematic protocol. First, the patient and therapist collaboratively identify the target stimulus and assess the intensity of fear on a standardized scale. An exposure hierarchy is then created, listing situations ranging from the least anxiety-provoking to the most. The patient is guided to confront these scenarios incrementally, holding progress therein during each session. Between exposures, the patient records physiological and subjective symptoms, familiarizing them with the natural ebb and flow of anxiety when the stimulus is present but unthreatening.

Research supports tillvänjning as an effective intervention for a range of disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive‑compulsive disorder, and post‑traumatic stress disorder. Meta‑analyses suggest that exposure with habituation—where the fear response diminishes through repeated exposure—produces durable treatment gains when compared with non‑exposure interventions. The method can be administered individually or in group settings and is adaptable to in‑person or virtual formats. In combination with cognitive restructuring, meditation, or relaxation training, tillvänjning can enhance coping resources and improve emotional regulation.

Although the technique is generally safe, it can provoke temporary increases in distress. Therapists monitor tolerance and adjust pacing or provide supportive breathing exercises. When appropriately structured, tillvänjning offers patients a evidence‑based pathway to diminished anxiety, increased functional capacity, and greater psychological resilience.