WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

desensitization procedure
    n 1: a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and
         other behavior problems involving anxiety; client is
         exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed
         conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished [syn:
         desensitization technique, desensitisation technique,
         desensitization procedure, desensitisation procedure,
         systematic desensitization, systematic desensitisation]