ABSTRACT
With dedication and her parents’ support, Kimberly successfully faced all of her fears. She practiced having unexpected changes in the schedule, and when it came time for her next dentist appointment, Kimberly’s mother deliberately did not tell her until she picked her up from school. Unlike the last time, Kimberly was able to handle it, and she went to the appointment without preparation. She knew that by doing so, she was not letting anxiety rule her life. Kimberly also got used to being the first one to walk into the house, and her heartbeat no longer increased as she did so. She stopped checking on her dog, and homework was a much more pleasant experience. Kimberly and her parents celebrated her great achievement: She completed her ladder and gained freedom from anxiety. There were some bumps in the road along the way, but Kimberly persevered, and overcame her fears. Kimberly and her parents celebrated with a special dinner at her favorite pizza place in her honor. At dinner, her parents shared how proud they were of all of her hard work and great success!
