What is the term for the gradual behavioral procedure that uses a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations?

Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique primarily used to help individuals overcome phobias and anxiety by gradually exposing them to feared situations while simultaneously utilizing relaxation techniques. The process involves creating a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations, starting with those that induce low levels of anxiety and progressively moving towards those that elicit higher levels of anxiety.

The individual is taught relaxation strategies and, when presented with a specific scenario from their hierarchy, they practice these techniques to manage their anxiety. This gradual exposure allows the individual to confront their fears in a controlled and safe manner, ultimately leading to a reduction in their anxiety response over time.

This method is rooted in behavioral therapy principles and has been found to be effective in treating various anxiety disorders. The use of a structured approach, where situations are ranked by the level of anxiety they provoke, is what makes systematic desensitization a distinct and valuable technique in clinical practice.