Which CBT technique focuses on gradual exposure to feared stimuli while using coping skills such as relaxation?

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Systematic desensitization pairs gradual exposure to feared stimuli with learning and applying relaxation skills. The process starts with a fear hierarchy, moving from mildly to most anxiety-provoking situations, while the person practices relaxation techniques (such as progressive muscle relaxation or controlled breathing). By confronting each item in the hierarchy within a relaxed state, the anxiety response becomes counterconditioned and fear diminishes step by step. The key idea is that exposure occurs gradually and is always paired with a coping mechanism, so the fear response is replaced by calm as tolerance increases. This approach stands in contrast to flooding, which exposes someone to the most fear-provoking stimulus all at once without gradual steps, and to mindfulness or other CBT options that emphasize different mechanisms or skills. Stress inoculation focuses more on building general coping skills and cognitive strategies, whereas systematic desensitization centers specifically on graded exposure combined with relaxation to reduce fear.