The STOP Method: A Psychologist’s Tool for When Fear Takes Over

When worry hits in a waiting room, late at night, or after a sudden trigger, it can feel impossible to stay calm.

Psychologist Rebecca Van Lloy shares the STOP Method, a simple grounding technique to help steady the body and mind when fear or anxiety come in waves.

The STOP Method helps slow racing thoughts and remind the body: I’m safe in this moment. It’s less about switching fear off, it’s about pausing, noticing what’s happening, and proceeding with awareness and purpose.

S.T.O.P.
🟢 Stop – Pause before reacting.
🟢 Take a breath – A full, slow breath to calm the nervous system.
🟢 Observe – Notice what’s happening inside and around you.
🟢 Proceed – Continue, anchored in the present and guided by your values.

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This video is part of Invading Thoughts, a psychosocial support project by Inherited Cancers Australia (ICA). The project explores the emotional impact of cancer and inherited cancer risk, helping people name, understand, and manage the worries that can come with or without a cancer diagnosis.

Explore more videos, resources, and support tools at: https://www.inheritedcancers.org.au/i...

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