Scenario 1

Sophie is 7 years old and had a very bad accident at the park, which involved falling from a very high height. Since then she has not wanted to go back to the park, which means she's starting to miss out on outings with her siblings and parties with her friends.

Step 1
Mum/Dad drives Sophie to the park. Parent sits in the car with her and they look out of the window for a while

Step 2
Mum/Dad and Sophie get out of the car and stand by the fence or boundary, without going in to the park

Step 3
Sophie plays in the park with Mum/Dad close by

Step 4
Sophie plays in the park. Mum/Dad watches from a distance, as they would have before the accident 

Scenario 2

Joe is 13 years old and was in a very bad car accident with his family. Since then Joe hasn't wanted to go in a car. He either refuses or on occasions when he has gone in the car, will become very distressed and anxious. 

Joe’s goal: To feel comfortable in a car. 

Here's how his parents might help him work through his fears step-by-step…

Step 1
Mum/Dad sits with Joe in car without going anywhere

Step 2
Joe sits in the back of a car with someone while Mum/Dad drives around the local streets

Step 3
Joe sits in the back of a car by himself while Mum/Dad drives around the local streets

Step 4
Joe sits in the back by himself. Mum/Dad takes him for a longer drive including some faster roads

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