When Gary found out that his new job required some air travel, he sought the help of a clinical psychologist to deal with his intense fear of flying. The clinical psychologist suggested using a procedure called systematic desensitization. As the first step in the process of systematic desensitization, the clinical psychologist: trained Gary in a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. explored Gary's past for possible clues as to why Gary was afraid of flying. instructed Gary to visualize being on an airplane that developed engine trouble and had to make an emergency crash landing. actively confronted the irrationality of Gary's fear of flying.