1) A behavioral technique used to treat phobias based on principles of classical conditioning. The first step in the procedure is to teach the client to relax; then a fear hierarchy is constructed. Next, the therapist reads the least-anxiety provoking description on the hierarchy and asks the client to imagine himself or herself in that circumstance. If the person feels anxious, the same item is repeated; and following three or more successful repetitions, the next item on the hierarchy is presented.

2) Combining relaxation with a hierarchy, of fear-producing stimuli, arranged from the least to the most frightening.

3) A behavioral technique used to treat phobias based on principles of classical conditioning. The first step in the procedure is to teach the client to relax; then a fear hierarchy is constructed. Next, the therapist reads the least-anxiety provoking description on the hierarchy and asks the client to imagine himself or herself in that circumstance. If the person feels anxious, the same item is repeated; and following three or more successful repetitions, the next item on the hierarchy is presented.