1. A technique used in behaviour therapy to treat phobias and other behaviour problems involving anxiety; client is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished
   "The psychologist used a desensitisation procedure to help the patient overcome their fear of flying";
   - desensitization technique, desensitisation technique [Brit], desensitization procedure, systematic desensitization, systematic desensitisation [Brit]

Type of: behavior modification [US], behavior therapy [US], behaviour therapy [Brit, Cdn]