Facing our fears

This resource provides guidance on facing fears, illustrating the process of confronting anxieties in a manageable way. It explains how avoidance may offer temporary relief but ultimately reinforces unhelpful responses.

It is designed to support therapists to introduce children to the concept of graded exposure.

References and Further Reading

  • May, A. C., Rudy, B. M., & Matson, J. L. (2013). Evidence-based behavioral treatment of dog phobia with young children: Two case examples. Behavior Modification, 37(1), 63–79. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445512458524.
  • Fraire, M. G., Halldorsdottir, T., & Ollendick, T. H. (2017). Evidence-based interventions for specific phobias in children and adolescents. Handbook of evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents, 267-278.
  • Davis, T. E., Ollendick, T. H., & Öst, L.-G. (2019). One-session treatment of specific phobias in children: Recent developments and a systematic review. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 15, 233–256. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050718-095608
  • 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.
  • Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 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 & Sons.