Stress Inoculation

Stress inoculation is a type of therapy in which the client is exposed to stress in a controlled and measured way in order to increase their "psychological resilience" against stressors. This type of cognitive-behavioral therapy is intended to help with the consequences of previous stress and also 'inoculate' against future stressors. The client is exposed to stressors in a therapeutic and highly controlled setting in which they learn adaptive strategies for dealing with the situation in the future. It is used before major stressful events like major surgery and military combat scenarios. Physical or psychological illnesses, divorce, rape, and PTSD are other situations in which stress inoculation therapy can be helpful.