Updated and revised, this is a well
known and well written guide to not only recognizing, but accepting and coming
to terms with, the many forms of phobias and panic/anxiety disorders that grip
such a large percentage of the American population. 

Although written exceptionally well
by a therapist, this workbook is extremely easy to read, as it does not use
medical terminology or jargon, therefore, allowing the reader to fully
comprehend the exercises and topics discussed.

While the main focus of this book
in it’s first edition (back in the late 80’s) was panic disorder, the updated,
revised editions went on to include several other anxiety disorders, such as
agoraphobia, that have since come to light.  In fact, so much has been
discovered about anxiety disorders in the last few years that there was a
definite need for yet another updated edition.  The present edition covers an
extraordinarily large range of topics, many of which would never have been
labeled as ‘anxiety disorders’ during the late 80’s.

Each chapter neatly combines a ‘how-to’
guide with an exercise, primarily focused on making small changes in everyday
life, that will allow the reader to not only overcome a particular phobia or
disorder, but to also be able to live a normal, stable life.

This workbook definitely encourages
the reader to engage in some soul-searching in order to come to terms with
their feelings and emotions, both past and present.  Topics focus on childhood,
parental upbringing and various other things that may have happened along the
way to add to the anxiety that the reader is now trying to overcome.

Besides the most common disorders
such as panic, agoraphobia and anxiety, the workbook also delves into anger,
stress, self-esteem and self-acceptance, as well as resolving conflicts and the
constant need to be accepted by others.

This book is definitely not a light
read, nor is it meant to be read in one evening.  The exercises involved
require the reader to be able to devote both time and energy to them.    There
also needs to be a genuine desire to overcome fears and anxieties. 

This book has been extremely
popular with therapists throughout the world for the past twenty years, and it
is easy to see why.  Exceptionally well-written, easy to understand, and filled
with exercises that focus on turning negative emotions into positive ones, this
book has helped thousands of people since its first edition.

This book is an excellent choice
for anyone trying to overcome a fear or phobia.

© 2006 Dana
Vigilante

Dana
Vigilante is a hospice educator as well as an advocate for proper end-of-life
care and a certified bereavement group facilitator. Currently writing a book
based on interviews with terminally ill hospice patients, she divides her time
between New Jersey and San Francisco.

Categories: Anxiety, SelfHelp