This method relies on the individual's ability to use imagery for purposes such as mental rehearsal.
Some clinicians include the mind's ability to spontaneously generate imagery that can provide intuitive solutions or even reprocessing that improves people's typical reactions to situations or inner material.
"Covert desensitization" associates an aversive stimulus with a behavior that the client wishes to reduce or eliminate.
Previous research in the early 1990s has shown covert conditioning to be effective with sex offenders as part of a behavior modification treatment package.
[2] Clinical studies continue to find it effective with some generalization from office to natural environment with this population.