Minnesota,
That's a great idea. Here are a few steps to an exposure plan that will set you up to succeed and feel great about taking the bus.
If you're feeling anxious, first of all walk to a bus stop, sit on a bench, and watch buses and traffic.
2. Go to the same bus stop and ride on a bus for one stop. Sit near the door or window . Get off after one stop, walk back to the bus stop, and repeat for 1 hour.
3. Repeat step 2 but ride on the bus for two stops. Repeat for 1 hour.
4. Repeat step 3 but ride on the same bus for 5 stops. Get off, cross the street, and ride a different bus back to your original bus stop. Repeat for 1 hour.
5. Repeat step 4 except sit near the back of the bus or away from the door.
6. Repeat on a different bus route.
7. Ride a bus to the shopping mall, get off, wait for the next bus and return.
8. Eide a bus to the bus station, get off, wait for the next bus and return home.
You can make your own plan following this one, try it out and let us know how it works!
All the best,
Sylvie, Bilingual Health Educator