Extinction technique

Extinction is applied by eliminating reinforcements that were previously used unknowingly, which encouraged a particular behavior. This is more effective when combined with positive reinforcement. It is said that the unwanted behavior typically increases before showing any improvement and reduction. So, the counselor must withhold all reinforcers in order for this technique to be successful. Only the new alternative behavior can be positively reinforced.  A variation of this technique is covert extinction and this is when the client is asked to imagine a scene where the reinforcement does not take place. The client continues to replay this scene in their mind until the behavior no longer exists. I do not believe this technique would work without positive reinforcement. I think positive reinforcement is the key to many techniques.