The Four Rules (Overcoming Fears)

This resource outlines the principles of Graded Exposure, providing a structured approach that helps young people gradually confront feared situations.  

The resource is designed to provide a helpful reminder for young people about exposure tasks, encouraging them to build confidence step-by-step as they progress towards managing more challenging situations.  

References and Further Reading

  • Craske, M. (2015). Optimizing exposure therapy for anxiety disorders: an inhibitory learning and inhibitory regulation approach. Verhaltenstherapie, 25, 134-143. DOI: 10.1159/000381574.
  • Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99, 20–35, https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.20.
  • Tolin, D. F. (2012). Face Your fears: A Proven Plan to Beat Anxiety, Panic, Phobias, and Obsessions. John Wiley and Sons.
  • Flatt, N., & King, N. (2008). Building the Case for Brief Psychointerventions in the Treatment of Specific Phobias in Children and Adolescents. Behaviour Change, 25(4), 191–200. doi:10.1375/bech.25.4.191.
  • Davis, T. E., III, May, A., & Whiting, S. E. (2011). Evidence-based treatment of anxiety and phobia in children and adolescents: Current status and effects on the emotional response. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(4), 592-602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.01.001.