Handling Fear

My Dad was a country GP and recently told me a lovely story.
He had a patient, let's call him Sam, who developed a school phobia. Sam was terrified of going to school and didn't go at all for several months.  The local Paediatrician got very worried about the situation and decided Sam, who was very anxious, should be put in care.  My father argued strongly against this and eventually persuaded the Paediatrician to give him 3 months to get the little boy back to school.
My Dad, Sam's Mum and Sam made a plan.  On the first day, his Mum walked Sam to school and Sam just touched the school gates and then he went home. Step by small step they moved forwards until Sam was going to school.  Whilst this was going on Dad also found out what was going on at school that was upsetting Sam. Sam's teacher was inexperienced. Feeling overwhelmed by having to keep an unruly group of children in line, she had adopted an approach to behaviour management that focussed on public shame.  Sam found this terrifying.  Dad spoke to the School Principal and the teacher was given support to develop different approaches to discipline.

Sam managed to get back to school.

What I love about this story is that it is about facing our fears - but in small steps (a very evidence-based approach!) .  When I feel overwhelmed by having to do something scary I think to myself 'What is the equivalent of 'touching the school gate'' and just do that.