National Counselor Exam Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Study Resource

Stress inoculation is a therapeutic technique developed by Donald Meichenbaum. This approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy and is designed to help individuals prepare for and cope with stress by gradually introducing them to stressors in a controlled manner. Meichenbaum's concept involves a three-phase process: conceptualization, skills acquisition and rehearsal, and application and follow-through.

In the first phase, clients learn to recognize stressors and understand their impact. In the second phase, they acquire coping skills, such as relaxation techniques and cognitive restructuring, which they can practice in safe environments. Finally, in the third phase, they apply these skills in real-life situations, gaining experiential learning and resilience against future stress.

This method is built on the understanding that exposure to manageable stressors can enhance an individual's ability to cope, much like a vaccine builds immunity, hence the term "inoculation." Other psychologists, such as Albert Ellis, created different therapeutic frameworks, focusing on rational emotive behavior therapy, while Carl Rogers emphasized client-centered therapy, and Sigmund Freud is known for psychoanalysis. Understanding these distinctions highlights why Donald Meichenbaum's name is specifically associated with stress inoculation.