A disabled woman who has an extreme fear of clowns has decided to confront her phobia through “exposure therapy” by dressing up as Pennywise, a clown character, and being chased by clowns. Kerry Greenfield, a 41-year-old wheelchair user, developed a paralysing fear of clowns after watching the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s IT when she was just 12 years old. The portrayal of the kid-munching clown by Tim Curry left her terrified, and she has struggled with coulrophobia ever since.
Despite her fear, Kerry bravely attempted exposure therapy by wearing a grey ruffled Pennywise costume and being pursued by her nephews in clown outfits. While this experience helped her make some progress in overcoming her fear, Kerry admits that she is still not fond of clowns. She revealed her discomfort with popular clowns like Pennywise, Ronald McDonald, and CBBC’s Mr Tumble, stating that they continue to unsettle her.
Kerry, who hails from Widnes, Cheshire, shared her journey of facing her fear as part of a promotional campaign for her business, Wreaths Ever After. In a series of creative clips, she showcased a 50-inch clown wreath and even dressed up as Pennywise to match the theme. Despite the progress made during the exposure therapy, Kerry confessed that she still finds clowns unsettling and is not entirely cured of her phobia.
Born with spinal defects, including spina bifida, Kerry lost the use of her legs at the age of 25 and now relies on a wheelchair for mobility. She acknowledged that her disability adds another layer to her fear of clowns, as she feels unable to run away from them. Despite her ongoing discomfort with clowns, Kerry continues to engage creatively with her fear, using it as an inspiration for her business promotions.
Reflecting on her experience, Kerry shared how she delved into the world of clown costumes and makeup to confront her fear head-on. While she described the process as fun and creative, she emphasised that her phobia still lingers, particularly towards certain well-known clown characters. Kerry’s journey towards overcoming her fear serves as a testament to her courage and determination to confront her deepest anxieties.
Through her unique approach to exposure therapy, Kerry Greenfield exemplifies resilience and persistence in the face of fear. Her story sheds light on the challenges individuals with phobias may encounter and the importance of confronting fears in a supportive and empowering environment. Kerry’s journey serves as an inspiration for others grappling with their own fears and showcases the transformative power of facing anxieties head-on.