I utilize psychoeducation, CBT, mindfulness, cognitive processing and encourage veterans to take baby steps to challenge beliefs that reinforce avoidance behaviors. The key is to relate to direct experiencing rather then preconceptions. Sometimes It becomes “try something different and see what happens”.
I have panic attacks while driving over bridges and night driving on freeways. I am trying to remember that every time I yield to fear, my world will grow smaller. I’m 60 years old and I want to live — not be crippled by irrational fear. I breathe, open windows, keep something that smells good in my car.
When Im dealing with fear…Firstly I notice it in my body…I bring my awareness (and my breath) to this part of myself and I begin to dialogue with the fear…I ask when I have felt like this before, what it is reminding me of and what do I need in order to feel safe and supported…naming the Fear for me has always helped. Thank you.
Over coming fear is something I’ve struggled with off and on my entire life. Now as I enter my grey years and my health degenrates it’s a struggle not to give in to some of my fears of the unknown.
By breathing, feeling WHERE the fear is. Remaining in control, if some anxiety still remains. Being more mindful, humorous, sensitive & kind. Developing a fear-less HEART.
I can still remember as a young girl, the moment I realised that I could overcome my fear of being in the dark by thinking that if it was so dark that I couldn’t see what was out there, then it followed that whatever was out there couldn’t see me either!
I’ve spent my life as a fearful person finding doors to stride out of into the fear itself, but am finding as I get older, the battle to keep stepping out isn’t getting easier, and the temptation to just stop is becoming more persistent.
This fear has a name…unworthy
The first thing I do with fear is pray. I don’t expect that to make my fear magically go away nor do I expect God to take it away. I invite Him in to walk with me thru it. Sometimes that is enough for me to move forward. If not I find a trusted friend to share with and bounce my thoughts off of. I used to keep it all in but having the courage to share with someone I really trust has been very helpful.
When I am fearful I either self destruct by being loud or withdraw from everyone. I manage it by being physically active such as swim or walk or distract myself by researching.
Exactly what you said Tara: recognition of the fear, acknowledging it is there, recognising where in the body it is, breathing into it but also being compassionate towards myself and allowing the space and time for the fear to be, knowing that if I allow it to be it can and will pass. Also knowing that it is my survival brain working overtime and that I am not alone. I once learnt in school (14/15yrs old) that if we do not push the boundary of our comfort zone we will not grow so this sometimes comes to mind which helps me be with the feeling of fear as it is only a feeling at the end of the day and it will pass if we can let go of it…. Much Metta
If I had to name the most crippling thing in my life, it would be fear. I’ve had to face it time and time again over the years. When I was confident and had support, I found that I could go to the next step. When I was depressed and tired it was difficult, if not impossible, to do. So, I would say that what helped me most to face fear was a having my body and mind prepared no matter how scared I was.
In a workshop I attended recently talking about a trauma based approach when educating children, I heard of “upstairs brain” and “downstairs brain”, relating to when a child lives in his/her downstairs brain (which is just focused on survival) s/he cannot learn. It seems like fear lives in the downstairs brain; it’s necessary for survival, but we cannot live in fear or let it control us. We need to rest, reset, live in the present, (breathing into the fear) so we can get back to our upstairs brain and process information and develop as humans.
Association Talking Therapy on the professional or Street level I care give for my 92 year young Mother So I am alone most of the day I dont function well being chronically alone I am a diagnosed Bi – Polar 1 Fear cripples me spawning Anxiety I can really use whatever love your offering Thank you for your compassion
My mother was strong and self confident. I think of who’s daughter I am, and try to channel her strength. Stopping negative self talk as soon as I notice it, helps too. I replace it with statements about how smart, creative, and lucky I am, and that I am safe, above all.
Thank you very much for the insight and for me I guess I just pray and cry hard first when I struggle with fears because I don’t like anybody to see me weak. so I sit alone and pray.
Mindfulness exercises help as well as grounding techniques seem to be effective. Some clients use prayer, visualization, everyone is different in what works for them. Personally, I like mindfulness to effectively face my fears.
A journey to acknowledge, validate, explore and normalize .
Acceptance and understanding of the self … confidence to seek alternatives and the support and self compassion demonstrated .
Curiosity and courage to change beliefs ..
Thanks for the video. Slowing my breathing (using a breathing app), observing my breath and meditation help calm my physiological fear/anxiety reaction. Then breaking down my challenges into manageable tasks and doing one thing at a time helps me confront and deal with whatever’s going on.
I am so greatful to be in this groupe , it has helped me enormously in my practise.
I hope pretty soon I will be able to buy the whole course meanwhile I enjoy every time I get your briefs.
Thank for the video!
For my clients, and occasionally myself, what helpt to face fear is first: breathing. Than asking yourself what is the worst that could happen and will it kill you? But also finding out: what qualities do I need to tackle this situation (e.g. courage, calm, determination etc) and have I ever felt this in the past, even a little bit. Then, looking again at the situation in question, while keeping the connection to the quality.
Embracing our true being … the knowing that the fear is our programming for survival brings the knowing that we can move beyond the fear into living as the amazing beings we really are. Your talk was wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing it ❤️?❤️
Connecting to that inner motive behind the fear, the value the client wants has really helped move beyond fear. I’m interested to hear what you’ll share next.
Self compassion is my biggest ally when facing fears. Often those fears stem from early childhood because of an abusive and neglectful background. I am able to validate the fears that my inner child had AND remind her that I, my adult self, am here now to speak up, defend, and protect her.
Thanks Tara. You have a very easy demeanor – so lovely to listen to. I practice psychotherapy in Ireland. I also help my clients face fear worry and anxiety and as you say, that helps take the power out of the feelings so the clients gain their own power back. It’s so helpful for them to understand on a cognitive level, what it all means thus empowering them even more. Again thank you Tara.
Coming to the realisation that they have what they need to face their fears and be able to handle it creates a whole new level of independence and improvement for the children and young people I work with.
I just love Tara’s work. Thank you for such a great little summary. Her myself, my children and my clients I tend to focus on shifting the whole subliminal belief of fear to one of safety. When you realise and belief the universe supports you there is nothing to fear.
The chronic fear contributing to behavior makes total sense! The contributing stress hormones and wiring of neurons also helps me understand particular clients. Thank you – Kristin Roberts
I thought I was using mindfuness daily. I was reminded by your short video Laura that it’s a powerful tool against anxiety and fear. You remind me to allow, accept and make space for my fear… breath into it and feel comfort and acceptance.
This is a wonderful addition to the weekly next level practice course. It is a true life line for the challenges of daily life all ocwe the world.. Thank you Tara! Remembering the root source of the negative emotions as FEAR was a great reminder. GREat insights beautifully stated! love everything about this offering. Thank you Tara!
Thank you Ruth:-)
I use body maps with kids to identify where they feel fear. I use a paint pen and write courage on it and the child takes it with him all the time and ideally it reminds him he is courageous.
Chuck Cean says
I utilize psychoeducation, CBT, mindfulness, cognitive processing and encourage veterans to take baby steps to challenge beliefs that reinforce avoidance behaviors. The key is to relate to direct experiencing rather then preconceptions. Sometimes It becomes “try something different and see what happens”.
Hapsarini Nelma says
Relaxation, positive thinking, and hope
natalie feltham says
Writing in a journal and talking to trusting friends and mentors. Looking for solutions rather than staying stuck in the problem.
Renata DiCarmine says
The simple necessity of having to get something done. Feeling fear and doing it anyway.
Grace F. says
I have panic attacks while driving over bridges and night driving on freeways. I am trying to remember that every time I yield to fear, my world will grow smaller. I’m 60 years old and I want to live — not be crippled by irrational fear. I breathe, open windows, keep something that smells good in my car.
Carole Vacher says
Talking it out loud with a friend, trusted connection. Externalising fear-based thinking helps release the grip fear has on my thinking at the time.
Alison Collins says
When Im dealing with fear…Firstly I notice it in my body…I bring my awareness (and my breath) to this part of myself and I begin to dialogue with the fear…I ask when I have felt like this before, what it is reminding me of and what do I need in order to feel safe and supported…naming the Fear for me has always helped. Thank you.
John says
When I remind myself that others have faced this situation and made it through. Then my fear begins to diminish
Leslie Hunter says
Over coming fear is something I’ve struggled with off and on my entire life. Now as I enter my grey years and my health degenrates it’s a struggle not to give in to some of my fears of the unknown.
MAUREEN COOKE says
By breathing, feeling WHERE the fear is. Remaining in control, if some anxiety still remains. Being more mindful, humorous, sensitive & kind. Developing a fear-less HEART.
Cathy Fraser says
Believing in what I am doing and not losing sight of who my client is.
Jennie Kyles says
I can still remember as a young girl, the moment I realised that I could overcome my fear of being in the dark by thinking that if it was so dark that I couldn’t see what was out there, then it followed that whatever was out there couldn’t see me either!
I’ve spent my life as a fearful person finding doors to stride out of into the fear itself, but am finding as I get older, the battle to keep stepping out isn’t getting easier, and the temptation to just stop is becoming more persistent.
This fear has a name…unworthy
M Robertson says
The first thing I do with fear is pray. I don’t expect that to make my fear magically go away nor do I expect God to take it away. I invite Him in to walk with me thru it. Sometimes that is enough for me to move forward. If not I find a trusted friend to share with and bounce my thoughts off of. I used to keep it all in but having the courage to share with someone I really trust has been very helpful.
babs wilkinson says
When I am fearful I either self destruct by being loud or withdraw from everyone. I manage it by being physically active such as swim or walk or distract myself by researching.
Ellen Rich says
Leaning into it and accepting that it is there.
Ciara McCarthy says
Exactly what you said Tara: recognition of the fear, acknowledging it is there, recognising where in the body it is, breathing into it but also being compassionate towards myself and allowing the space and time for the fear to be, knowing that if I allow it to be it can and will pass. Also knowing that it is my survival brain working overtime and that I am not alone. I once learnt in school (14/15yrs old) that if we do not push the boundary of our comfort zone we will not grow so this sometimes comes to mind which helps me be with the feeling of fear as it is only a feeling at the end of the day and it will pass if we can let go of it…. Much Metta
Sami Folk says
Deep breathing and having a support person.
Sami Folk says
Having someone with me
Lyn says
On a whole new journey of how to face my fears. I know it has held me hostage for way to long. Looking forward to growing & learning.
Sophia Hatch says
Currently… meditation, walking in nature, talking to others about it and realising I am not alone …taking baby steps to face the fears ..
Mike Wallace says
If I had to name the most crippling thing in my life, it would be fear. I’ve had to face it time and time again over the years. When I was confident and had support, I found that I could go to the next step. When I was depressed and tired it was difficult, if not impossible, to do. So, I would say that what helped me most to face fear was a having my body and mind prepared no matter how scared I was.
Bernadette Pollock says
Gratitude x
Caryn Stone says
In a workshop I attended recently talking about a trauma based approach when educating children, I heard of “upstairs brain” and “downstairs brain”, relating to when a child lives in his/her downstairs brain (which is just focused on survival) s/he cannot learn. It seems like fear lives in the downstairs brain; it’s necessary for survival, but we cannot live in fear or let it control us. We need to rest, reset, live in the present, (breathing into the fear) so we can get back to our upstairs brain and process information and develop as humans.
Tommy Larkin says
Association Talking Therapy on the professional or Street level I care give for my 92 year young Mother So I am alone most of the day I dont function well being chronically alone I am a diagnosed Bi – Polar 1 Fear cripples me spawning Anxiety I can really use whatever love your offering Thank you for your compassion
Joan McBride says
My mother was strong and self confident. I think of who’s daughter I am, and try to channel her strength. Stopping negative self talk as soon as I notice it, helps too. I replace it with statements about how smart, creative, and lucky I am, and that I am safe, above all.
Carla Respects says
Thank you very much for the insight and for me I guess I just pray and cry hard first when I struggle with fears because I don’t like anybody to see me weak. so I sit alone and pray.
Sarah James says
Support from trusted friends.Meditation and deep breathing .Plenty of sleep and a good diet .
Tamara Goldrick says
Mindfulness exercises help as well as grounding techniques seem to be effective. Some clients use prayer, visualization, everyone is different in what works for them. Personally, I like mindfulness to effectively face my fears.
Micheline Batchler says
A journey to acknowledge, validate, explore and normalize .
Acceptance and understanding of the self … confidence to seek alternatives and the support and self compassion demonstrated .
Curiosity and courage to change beliefs ..
Carolyn Riley says
Thanks for the video. Slowing my breathing (using a breathing app), observing my breath and meditation help calm my physiological fear/anxiety reaction. Then breaking down my challenges into manageable tasks and doing one thing at a time helps me confront and deal with whatever’s going on.
Teresa m says
I am so greatful to be in this groupe , it has helped me enormously in my practise.
I hope pretty soon I will be able to buy the whole course meanwhile I enjoy every time I get your briefs.
God bless you
Teresa
Isabelle Mertens says
Thank for the video!
For my clients, and occasionally myself, what helpt to face fear is first: breathing. Than asking yourself what is the worst that could happen and will it kill you? But also finding out: what qualities do I need to tackle this situation (e.g. courage, calm, determination etc) and have I ever felt this in the past, even a little bit. Then, looking again at the situation in question, while keeping the connection to the quality.
Mary Lou says
Embracing our true being … the knowing that the fear is our programming for survival brings the knowing that we can move beyond the fear into living as the amazing beings we really are. Your talk was wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing it ❤️?❤️
Sarah says
Connecting to that inner motive behind the fear, the value the client wants has really helped move beyond fear. I’m interested to hear what you’ll share next.
Wendy Johnson says
Self compassion is my biggest ally when facing fears. Often those fears stem from early childhood because of an abusive and neglectful background. I am able to validate the fears that my inner child had AND remind her that I, my adult self, am here now to speak up, defend, and protect her.
Eileen J Mulcahy says
Thanks Tara. You have a very easy demeanor – so lovely to listen to. I practice psychotherapy in Ireland. I also help my clients face fear worry and anxiety and as you say, that helps take the power out of the feelings so the clients gain their own power back. It’s so helpful for them to understand on a cognitive level, what it all means thus empowering them even more. Again thank you Tara.
Sara Balmer says
Coming to the realisation that they have what they need to face their fears and be able to handle it creates a whole new level of independence and improvement for the children and young people I work with.
Shirin Langstone says
Thank you Tara, it was so-o beautiful to listen.
Shirin
Nicole Giroux says
Allowing them to feel safe first before any « facing » is possible
Nikki Di Costa says
I just love Tara’s work. Thank you for such a great little summary. Her myself, my children and my clients I tend to focus on shifting the whole subliminal belief of fear to one of safety. When you realise and belief the universe supports you there is nothing to fear.
Kristin Roberts says
The chronic fear contributing to behavior makes total sense! The contributing stress hormones and wiring of neurons also helps me understand particular clients. Thank you – Kristin Roberts
Donna Van says
Providing a safe space and the simple request to sit with the fear and to comminicate with it seems to help my clients the most
Rochelle Phillips says
Positive self dialogue – positive intention
Taking action
Paul Keeling says
Thank You empowering me with insights leading to options. I am going to show this to as many people who will look !!!
Chantal Bibeau says
Thank you I have finally have soud on my computer…I’m excited to listen to the next part. It is helpful.
annette scannapieco says
Exercise gives me strength and clarity along with morning writing pages. consistency is a challenge for me.
Kathleen Huitema says
I thought I was using mindfuness daily. I was reminded by your short video Laura that it’s a powerful tool against anxiety and fear. You remind me to allow, accept and make space for my fear… breath into it and feel comfort and acceptance.
Julie Marinescu says
Medication ?
Marjorie Chernikoff says
This is a wonderful addition to the weekly next level practice course. It is a true life line for the challenges of daily life all ocwe the world.. Thank you Tara! Remembering the root source of the negative emotions as FEAR was a great reminder. GREat insights beautifully stated! love everything about this offering. Thank you Tara!
Thank you Ruth:-)
Robin Castle says
I use body maps with kids to identify where they feel fear. I use a paint pen and write courage on it and the child takes it with him all the time and ideally it reminds him he is courageous.