This example illustrates the application of systematic desensitization for a person named Jayden with a severe phobia of elevators. A behavior therapist guides Jayden through the process, which begins with creating a fear hierarchy that ranks elevator-related situations from mildly anxiety-inducing to panic-provoking. The therapist then teaches Jayden progressive relaxation techniques to achieve a deep state of calm. The core of the therapy involves Jayden, while relaxed, imagining the least threatening situation from his hierarchy. If he feels anxiety, he signals the therapist, who then guides him back to a state of relaxation before repeating the scenario. This process is continued until he can imagine the situation without fear. This method is applied sequentially for every item in the hierarchy. Once Jayden is desensitized to all imagined scenarios, the therapy transitions to real-world practice, where he gradually confronts the actual situations, starting from pressing the elevator button to eventually riding it to his 29th-floor office, with the goal of eliminating his anxiety response entirely.