The invention described herein provides computer-implemented methods and systems
for alleviating an abnormal behavior, such as a behavior associated with a fear,
abnormal activity, or obsession. It has been found that behaviorally abnormal self-sustaining
behaviors may be unlearned or diminished through directed forms of computer-implemented
interaction. The computer-implemented interaction is generally directed to reduce
the neurological representations of inputs and actions associated with the abnormal
behavior. The interaction will typically comprise strategically and repeatedly
presenting computer-implemented stimuli including context related to the abnormal
behavior. The computer-implemented stimuli are then repeatedly presented and altered
over time in a manner that alleviates the abnormal behavior. For example, the content
of the computer-implemented stimuli may change to gradually vary in their ability
to trigger an episode in the person. In this manner, the neurological representation
pertaining to the undesirable behavior may be gradually reduced.