Fear has a sneaky way of showing up in our lives. Sometimes it’s the little fears we brush off—like speaking up in a meeting or walking into a new social situation. Other times, it’s the bigger ones—the fears that grip us, hold us back, and keep us from living fully.

I’ve worked with many children, young people and parents who find themselves stuck because of fear. What I always remind them is this: fear is not the enemy. It’s a messenger. And with the right tools, we can respond to it differently, step into our strength, and reclaim our confidence.

Gemma Bailey, the director of NLP4Kids, has shared some incredibly practical techniques for fear resolution therapy. Today, I want to build on her insights and show you three simple yet powerful ways to start facing your fears.

1. Visual Rehearsal – Practise Bravery in Your Mind

Your imagination is one of your greatest tools. By mentally rehearsing situations that normally trigger fear, you give your brain a “preview” of how to cope. The key isn’t pretending everything goes perfectly—it’s planning how you’ll manage the wobbly moments too.
👉 Next time you picture a fear-inducing scenario, also picture yourself breathing deeply, staying steady, or even laughing afterwards. This way, when life throws the real challenge your way, your brain already has a roadmap.

2. Anchoring – Tapping Into Inner Courage

Think about a time when you felt unstoppable. Maybe it was crossing a finish line, nailing a performance, or standing up for yourself. That memory holds power. With the anchoring technique, you pair that powerful feeling with a small physical action—like pressing your thumb and finger together. Then, when fear strikes, you “fire the anchor” and bring back that courage instantly.
👉 It’s like carrying a pocket-sized version of your brave self everywhere you go.

3. Exposure Therapy – One Step at a Time

Facing fear doesn’t mean jumping straight into the deep end. It’s about dipping your toe in, then slowly wading deeper. Exposure therapy helps you desensitise fear step by step.
👉 Afraid of public speaking? Start by talking in front of a mirror. Then to one friend. Then a small group. Slowly, your nervous system realises it’s safe and you can do this.

Fear will always exist—it’s part of being human. But it doesn’t need to control your choices. These strategies—visual rehearsal, anchoring, and gradual exposure—can help you build resilience and confidence.

If fear is holding you back, know this: you don’t have to face it alone, and even the smallest steps forward matter. With practice and support, you can turn fear from a wall into a doorway.

Originally inspired by Gemma Bailey, Director of NLP4Kids.org. Rebuilt and adapted with additional content by Nicola McCay, CBT and NLP4Kids Practitioner at BrighterFuturesTherapy.org.

📞 Contact Me:
📍 UK: +44 07879601659
📍 Ireland: +353 0873707433
📧 Email: Nicola@NLP4Kids.org
🌍 Website: childtherapylifford-strabane.nlp4kids.org

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