Introduction & Theoretical Background
The fight or flight response is an automatic set of physiological and cognitive changes that are designed to aid survival in situations perceived as dangerous or threatening. It is extremely helpful for clients to understand the fight or flight response prior to engaging in exposure work for anxiety. Schauer & Elbert (2010) have described an elaborated account of these reactions as applied to trauma, but discussion limited to the fight or flight stages is often sufficient when working with anxious clients. The Fight Or Flight (CYP) information handout has been specifically designed for younger children and includes carefully simplified language. The professional and client versions contain variations on the worksheet including a version which explains why these reactions occur, and a version which invites individuals to describe their bodily reactions to frightening events.
Information that is helpful for clinicians to be able to share is why particular bodily reactions are helpful