How to Overcome a Fear of Clowns

Clowns are nothing more than entertainers.

Fear of clowns, also known as coulrophobia, often begins in youth, when children are unable to realize that a clown is not real and is merely a person dressed in a costume. If a parent does not help the child understand that the clown is just silly fun, the child can develop a persistent, lifelong fear of clowns. Fortunately, with time and work, all fears and phobias are curable, says Howard Liebgold, author of "Freedom from Fear."

Instructions

1. Make a list of why clowns scare you. Perhaps you find the makeup or wigs creepy, or you've seen films that portray clowns as sinister. After you've listed your individual fears, refute them. For instance, write down, "The makeup and wigs are merely costumes" or "Clowns do not really kill people."

2. Ask to visit the backstage area of a circus or rodeo and watch clowns put on their makeup and costumes. Seeing someone transform into a clown can help reinforce the notion that the clown is simply a person who takes pleasure in entertaining others.

3. Read about the history of clowns and circuses and watch videos of clowns entertaining crowds. Often, people are afraid of clowns because they've seen them portrayed as villains in films. Realizing that clowns have a long history of skillfully entertaining others can help alleviate your fears. Refrain from watching films and television shows that portray clowns as bloodthirsty murderers.

4. Dress up like a clown and ask your friends to join you. You don't have to spend a lot of money to dress up like a clown. Buy some Halloween makeup and a wig at a discount store. Laugh at how you and your friends look, and goof around with one another.

5. Take a moment to calm down and slowly inhale and exhale, whenever your fear of clowns arises. Ask yourself whether you really believe that clowns will harm you or others. Reframe your perception of clowns so that you view them as perfectly normal human beings who are wearing costumes and makeup.

6. Schedule an appointment with a mental health professional if your fear of clowns persists. A course of cognitive therapy can help dispel your false assumptions regarding clowns.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Phobias"; Gregory P. Korgeski; 2009
• "Freedom from Fear"; Howard Liebgold; 2004

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• MayoClinic.com: Phobias
• MayoClinic.com: Generalized Anxiety Disorder