Where Do I Start?

“I don’t know,” I told her. It was an easy way out, a way to not have any more worries pile up. She shot me a look, that I unfortunately

Even I have a fear to this day, of public speaking. I was so paranoid about it that I was always fixated on when I would have to speak, or how to avoid it. A great example of fears is the short story The Elevator by William Sleator. Sleator’s story is about a scrawny, timid, and anxious twelve year old boy named Martin, and newfound fears of the elevator, the fat lady, and an old fear of his father. Sleator magnificently illustrates Martin’s claustrophobia of the elevator, the intimidation of his father, and his paranoia of the fat lady.

“I really don’t know but I do know that I’m really scared right now.” I said in a shaky voice.

Fear is an emotion that is common today, both in the secular and Christian camps. Many become scared over minute things, but then there are those who have strong fears about events in their past that then cause fear about future events. How do we know when we should be fearful and when we should simply be cautious? Overall, the book was excellent, and it offered a strong approach to understanding fear and how to overcome it. And while I understand Dr. Ken Nichols’s intent, I would be interested in learning how to apply the content of this book in the context of a counseling session.

“I was alarmed when I heard about the threats because some of the kids I deal with have some emotional issues,” she said in a quiet voice, “I was very

“Why do you act like you're a fearless creature when you have fears that demolish you internally?” I asked him.

“well, don’t be I’m right next to you so there is nothing to be afraid of.” I coaxed.

“I used to isolate myself, but now, I talk to people. My friends, my therapist, and you.”

“I do,” Angela said. “I found some journal entries my sister wrote, and she says she was scared, but some of them don't make sense.”

“Look, they’re private. I said things to her I never in my life said to anyone else.”

“I haven’t had any nightmares or panic attacks, but I’m still. . . I don’t know, tense. I feel like I can be hurt at any given time if someone has the desire,” I wanted her to make me feel better.

There are times when fear becomes our worst enemy. We imagine things and situations and we become scared. But all we need to do is bring it in the open. Talk about your fears. For all you know, our fears are mere products of our imagination, and they will never happen in our lives.

Well where do I start, because I know he did a lot of things to me throughout the past two years that I would just ignore and forgive him for, but this was the straw that broke the camel 's back ...

“Ok, but you seem to be afraid of something,” Harold said in a concerned voice.

Many people do not realize it, but the importance of fear over a lifetime is crucial. Even though fear is regularly viewed as a negative emotion, it is a key to survival. “Accept and respect children's fears. Fears are real to children, so don't laugh or say their fears are not real. Children will grow out of most fears. First, they need to learn skills to deal with fears" (Helping Children Overcome Fears, Goetze, Giselle). People need these fears as a child in order to become stronger and wiser in making judgements. In time, overcoming fear builds self confidence and maturity. For example, a person once afraid of reaching out to others for help can learn that other people's support can be beneficial. As you can see, fear over a lifetime is