Gradual flooding is a psychological technique used in therapy, particularly in treating anxiety disorders like phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves slowly exposing a person to the source of their fear in a controlled manner, allowing them to build tolerance and reduce anxiety over time. This method contrasts with sudden exposure, which can be overwhelming. The process typically starts with less intimidating scenarios related to the fear and gradually progresses to more challenging situations. For example, someone with a fear of public speaking might first practice speaking in front of a mirror, then to a small group, and eventually to a larger audience.