Desensitization with minimal therapist contact.

Phobic Ss were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: (1) a "conventional desensitization" group, which was treated by a therapist in the laboratory, or (2) a "do-it-yourself" group, which carried out the desensitization process at home. For the latter, the only therapist contact was an initial interview and a weekly progress-check phone call. According to Ss' reports of success, both groups did equally well. These results are discussed with respect to the relative importance of relationship and content in the therapeutic process.