Overcoming Fear and Building Courage
- Priscilla Schwartzman
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 23
What You’ll Learn
Why fear often masks itself as hesitation or overthinking
How Gestalt therapy and present awareness can support courage
The role of self-talk in shifting fear-based narratives
A simple practice to help you take one small, brave step
How therapy can support you through fear with care, not pressure
Courage begins quietly, one brave step at a time. What small step toward courage can you take today? It might be speaking up, trying something unfamiliar, or setting a boundary. Courage is built through these actions, not just the results.
If fear has been hovering in the background or taking up space in your mind, remember that you don’t need to have every answer before you begin. Taking one small step is enough to start.
"Maybe it’s not about feeling ready, but about moving anyway."Peter Crone
A Micro-Moment in Freefall
The ground drops away. Nothing to hold, no turning back. Just wind, breath, and sky. Two figures fall together, suspended between the earth and possibility. Far below, the world stretches wide: patchwork fields, dusty coastlines, a sweep of cloud that seems soft enough to land on. In the stillness between the fear and the parachute, there is a moment of deep knowing: you’re doing it. You are already in motion.
Exploring Fear with Awareness
Fear is a natural part of being human. Its role is to protect, but when fear is left unspoken or avoided, it can begin to quietly narrow your world.
It might show up as:
hesitation
overthinking
procrastination
irritability
…even when you’re not quite sure why.
In Gestalt therapy, we begin by gently noticing what’s happening right now. That might be a tight jaw, a reluctance to speak, or an inner voice questioning your worth. Becoming aware of these moments is not just insight; it is a form of self-support.
You might ask:
Where is this fear coming from? Why does it matter so much?
Even turning toward it gently is already a courageous act.
You can also try a soft reframe. If fear says,“What if I fail?” try responding with:“What if I learn something?” or“What if this turns out better than I expect?”
These small shifts in self-talk can build a more compassionate mindset over time.
A Personal Reflection
There was a time when fear shaped how I moved through the world. It influenced my choices, my relationships, even how I spoke to myself.
It didn’t always feel like fear. Sometimes, it was just hesitation or stuckness. I believed I needed more certainty before I could take action. Therapy, meditation, and deep self-awareness helped me relate to fear differently.
I’ve learned that courage isn’t about waiting for fear to disappear. It’s about pausing, listening, and choosing from where I am, even if doubt is still present.
That trust is still a work in progress. But now, when fear shows up, I try to meet it with more care, more awareness, and a little more belief in myself than before. Sometimes, a single honest step, however small, is enough to begin.
Try This Exercise: One Brave Step
A practice for overcoming fear and building courage.
One Brave Step
Find a quiet spot. Take a slow, deep breath.
Think of something you’ve been avoiding because of fear—a decision, a conversation, a change.
Ask yourself:
What am I afraid might happen?
What would help me feel supported?
Consider:
What is one small step I could take today, even while feeling afraid?
That step might be sending a message, journalling, speaking honestly—or simply acknowledging the fear.
Reminder: Courage does not mean being without fear. It means meeting fear kindly and moving forward anyway.
How Therapy Can Help in Overcoming Fear and Building Courage
Fear rarely disappears on its own. Therapy can offer a grounded space to:
Explore where your fears come from
Understand how they show up in your body, relationships, and choices
Develop tools for regulation and self-trust
Counselling supports self-awareness and builds your capacity to respond, not react. It’s not about pressure. It’s about creating space for clarity, confidence, and compassion.
And because online therapy is available across Australia, this support can meet you wherever you are.
Journal Prompt
What fear am I ready to bring into the light?
You don’t need a solution right now. Let your writing be a space for gentle honesty.
Key Takeaways
Fear is natural, but can quietly limit your choices
Noticing fear is a powerful first act of self-support
Gentle reframing helps build inner compassion
Courage starts with one small, honest step
Therapy can help you build awareness and self-trust in facing fear
FAQs: Fear and Courage in Therapy
Q: Is therapy only helpful for big fears?
A: Not at all. Therapy can support all types of fear — from loud, life-changing events to quiet hesitations you can’t quite name. It offers a space to meet those feelings with curiosity and care.
Q: How does Gestalt therapy help with fear?
A: Gestalt therapy focuses on the present moment. Instead of analysing the past or rushing to solve things, it helps you notice what’s happening in your body, thoughts, and emotions right now. This gentle awareness can be the first step in moving through fear.
Q: What if I feel too anxious to even start therapy?
A: That’s more common than you might think. Even reaching out or reading this blog is a brave step. Therapy can begin slowly, at your pace — with no pressure to have it all figured out.
Q: What if I’m ready to face my fear, but I don’t want to do it alone?
A: You don’t have to. Working with a counsellor like Priscilla can give you a grounded, steady space to meet fear with care and curiosity. Through presence-based support and a pace that feels right for you, therapy can help you begin that process gently, with someone beside you.
Continue the Journey
If fear is showing up in your life right now, you’re not alone. Learn more or book a free intro call at Rising Phoenix Counselling.
Photo by Muzammil Soorma on Unsplash
