My Brave Ladder (Kids)
A child-friendly exposure ladder where a child and caregiver break a fear into seven steps, rate scariness, choose rewards and record brave thoughts and feelings.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Exposure for children
- Approach / concern
- For Kids
- Technique
- Exposure for children
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the My Brave Ladder (Kids)?
A brave ladder (fear ladder) is a child-friendly version of graded exposure. A big fear is broken into small, manageable steps that the child practises in order, with praise and rewards for brave attempts.
Why it works
Graduated exposure is a core, evidence-based component of CBT for childhood anxiety (Kendall & Hedtke, 2006). Rewards and caregiver involvement increase motivation and generalization.
When to use it
- Specific fears and phobias
- Separation anxiety
- Social and school-related anxiety
- Selective mutism (with specialist guidance)
How to use it in session
- Choose one fear and a big goal.
- Brainstorm small steps and rate scariness together.
- Order steps from easiest to hardest.
- Practise each step repeatedly before moving up.
- Praise effort and give agreed rewards.
Clinician tips
- Rewards can be small: stickers, extra story time, choosing dinner.
- Avoid forcing; aim for challenging but doable.
- Coach parents to reduce accommodation of fears.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child gets very upset during a step?
Step back to an easier level, then try again. Progress isn’t always linear.
How often should we practise?
Several times a week, ideally daily for the current step.
References
Kendall, P. C., & Hedtke, K. A. (2006). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxious children: Therapist manual (3rd ed.). Workbook Publishing.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
