illustrate. let’s say for example, you’re afraid of snakes and (for some reason) you want to work on that. the snake is the “thing” that causes you fear. then, let’s also say that you love money because you love to shop. money and shopping are the things that make you feel happy. to change how you feel about snakes, we’re going to pair money with a snake. (yes. i know. just humor me for a moment.) this is the counter-conditioning part of the process.
if i just walk up to you and lay a snake around your neck then hand you a $100 bill, your fear of the snake hanging around 