A worry script, also known as “imaginal exposure” in the therapy world, is an effective tool for helping children manage excessive worry about a specific fear they have, like being stuck in a bad storm while at school or of a parent being in a car accident. The process entails having your child write out one of their specific, intrusive fears from “start to finish” in great detail while a caring adult (oftentimes a therapist or parent) can provide support.
Who is worry scripting helpful for?
Worry scripting is particularly helpful for children experiencing anxiety or excessive worry, specific fears, and intrusive thoughts associated with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
First of all, it plays out the scenario from start to finish, including providing steps for your child to take in the event that the imaginary scenario actually does occur, which gives them a way to take empowered action in their response to the fear. For example, if a fire breaks out in the kitchen they can alert a trusted adult, help call ‘911,’ and safely wait outside of the home for help from adults. This becomes part of their worry script and they feel a sense of confidence in managing that situation.
How do I help my child write a worry script?
Ideally you can have your child’s therapist walk you through this process the first time you try it so that you know you’re hitting all of the important parts of the story. If a therapist is not available for that first trial run, you can follow the guidelines and recommendations below.
- The worry script should be focused on a worst-case scenario related to one of your child’s fears.
- The scenario should be as vivid and detailed as possible, involving all five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, sounds) in the description.
- Depending on their age and developmental level, your child may need varying levels of support while writing the worry script. They may write it out on paper, role play the scenario with toys, or tell you the story while you act as a reporter and write it down for them.
- The worry script does not need to be excessively long, but you and your child should commit to sitting down for about 10-15 minutes per session to write with you.
- The worry script should be focused on the same topic each day for several days and details, feelings, and thoughts should be expanded on throughout the process. Oftentimes children do well writing the worry script from "start to finish" in one sitting, then going back and adding details and feelings a few times over the course of a week.
- If it feels appropriate based on your child's unique personality and level of development, remind them that writing about their fears will not make them come true!
- Encourage your child (with your help) to read the worry script out loud. Over time, repeated exposure to the worry script will increase your child’s tolerance of their fear and decrease their distress. Typically reading it again 1-3x over the following week is satisfactory in reducing their anxiety while being exposed to the fear story.
- During the writing process, you may notice your child feeling even more anxious, worried, or upset. This is entirely normal and expected, especially early on in the process. Acknowledge their worry and provide a confidence inspiring statement, such as "I know this is really hard for you and I also know that you are capable of facing your fears."
Writing a worry script with your child can be a powerful and transformative way to manage anxiety and excessive worries. By confronting fears instead of avoiding them, your child can gain increased confidence in confronting their fears and managing their anxious moments.
