Graded exposure is a technique used in CBT where individuals are gradually exposed to the situations or stimuli that trigger their anxiety or fear, starting with less challenging situations and progressively moving to more difficult ones. The goal is to help individuals build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors by confronting their fears in a controlled and supportive environment. Graded exposure is particularly effective in treating conditions such as phobias, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), helping individuals become desensitized to their triggers over time.