The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

by Edmund J. Bourne

Book Overview

Now in its sixth edition and recommended by therapists worldwide, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook has been the unparalleled, essential resource for people struggling with anxiety and phobias for almost thirty years. Living with anxiety, panic disorders, or phobias can make you feel like you aren't in control of your life. If you're ready to tackle the fears that hold you back, this book is your go-to guide. Packed with the most effective skills for...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1626252157
• ISBN13: 9781626252158
• Release Date: March 2015
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
• Length: 488 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

A New Harbinger Book most definitely! But a must have for someone who learns this way

I am a young adult looking into the workbooks from my therapist! I picked this up after burning through New Harbinger Publication of “The Depression Workbook” and compared to that, its a little heavy reading wise but I understand why. Its chock full of info, what, why, what do we know now and what needs more research, and exercises. The exercises arent record and how and what it feels like but more try this diet, or exercise ect. Like I said, stuffed full of information you almost need to take notes or follow along with a highlighter so if you learn like that its a very tool to use with yourself, and/or for someone you love like a child or an adult caretaking situation and you can not beat its price!

This is a great easy to read book to explain a large variety of anxiety disorders and phobias. Wort

I really found great value in reading this book and understanding the difference between types of anxiety and phobia disorders. It was a great launching pad to further book orders. I will use it in my studies, writings and everyday learning. Adding as a staple to my library.

Great tool for clients and therapists

Great tool for clients and excellent guide for therapists

It can really help!

I recently developed a phobia to driving on highways, one in particular. It was really bothersome and disruptive and I was angry and confused because of my reaction every time I tried to go somewhere on that route. I felt like I might "pass out" or otherwise lose control as a result of my panic reaction. The first thing this book made clear to me was that it is physiologically impossible for your body to "pass out" or otherwise lose control during a panic attack. Your blood pressure is too high to do so, and the actual emotional state is truely one of control, not the opposite, to do so. You are not going to pass out or otherwise lose control of the situation. When you feel out of control in a panic attack, you are actually in a state of high control. You must realize that and remind yourself of that fact. I used a method they mentioned, putting a rubber band on my left wrist when driving that route, and smacking myself with it whenever I felt overwhelmed. It worked. The first time I took that drive, I had 5-6 rubberband whelts on my left arm, but I drove it, I got to my destination and the panic issue was gone. I now drive that highway on a regular basis. Even if you don't do all of the exerercises in the book, you will experience results and resolution. It's worth it!

Worked miracles

When I bought this book (for my best friend, who was having panic attacks) I was suffering from severe depression and anxiety. I had been professionally diagnosed, was in therapy, and was on medication; this had helped markedly, but I was still moderately to severely depressed and/or anxious every day. This book helped me get better in a surprisingly short period of time because it is specific, explanatory, and practical. Rather than relying only on one technique (like _Feel Good_'s cognitive therapy approach), it has chapters on nutrition, exercise, visualization, cognitive therapy, mistaken beliefs, emotional needs, spiritual angst, and medication. A diagnostic questionaire in the first chapter helps you to determine which chapters will help you the most.I especially liked the fact that the book was interactive AND specific. When you're depressed, it can be hard to respond to open-ended prompts like "describe some situations that make you anxious". The prompts in this book are usually "check all that apply", True-False, "rate from 1-5" etc, which is easier to do even if part of you is resistant. Also -- every chapter ended with a checklist of, well, homework. Many books on depression and anxiety left me *knowing* more (or thinking I did) but not changing anything -- just wishing things would change! This book helped me to assume responsibility for my own role in recovering, and gave me the tools (in simple steps!) to do it. I have given this book to at least five other people suffering from panic attacks, perfectionism, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, and they ALL, also, found it extremely helpful.The book may not help everyone, but it acknowledges this -- occasionally it points readers in other possible directions (bibliographies at the end of each chapter encourage readers to learn more about anger, co-dependence, depression, etc, if indicated). Definitely a good place to start for anyone with anxiety difficulties of any kind. Also, don't rule it out if you have depression -- your depression might be (like mine) the inevitable result of too much anxiety.

Useful Tool for Therapists or as a Self-Help Workbook

Did you know that anxiety disorder is fairy common and affects approximately one out of every ten people in the United States at any given time. Could we all be living under too much stress? I think so. "Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health shows that anxiety disorders are the number-one mental health problem among American women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men." Have you ever felt panicky? Are you fearful of entering certain places? Are you anxious in social situations? Do you feel apprehensive for extended periods of time? This workbook is a practical guide that offers help to anyone struggling with panic attacks, agoraphobia, social fears, generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Dr. Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. is a psychologist and author who specializes in the treatment of phobias and other anxiety disorders. Some of the Topics Include: Causes of Anxiety Disorders Visualization for Anxiety Overcoming Negative Self-Talk Real-Life Desensitization Coping with Panic Attacks Imagery Desensitization Identifying and Expressing Feelings Existential and spiritual Perspectives on Anxiety Changing Mistaken Beliefs Relaxations Techniques Physical Exercise Asserting Yourself Nutrition Medication How to Create Your Own Recovery Program Self-Esteem (including creating a relationship with your inner child) This book emphasizes that anxiety can be a result of cumulative, long-term stress and there is a focus on adopting lifestyle changes to promote a more relaxed, balanced and healthy approach to life. The chapter on Relaxation gives some great advice. Simple techniques like breathing properly or visualizing yourself in a peaceful scene can give immediate relief. There are lists of coping statements you can say to yourself to encourage calmness when you feel panic symptoms coming on. The list of 57 affirmations help you counter mistaken beliefs. Like, you tell yourself that you are responsible and in control of your life or you are willing to accept yourself the way you are and will take small steps to recover at your own pace. I also liked the "Self-Nurturing Activities" which is a fun list of activities to make yourself feel good. Something as simple as taking a warm bath to sleeping out under the stars. The "Life Events Survey" is very interesting. The Death of a spouse, divorced, marital separation or being fired from work are at the top of the stress scale. Christmas comes in at 12 on the stress score as compared to 29 when you have trouble with inlaws. For example: If you got married, changed to a different line of work, changed residence, and took two vacations, your total stress score would be at 132. According to this chart, my current stress level is at 143. So, I am below the level of cumulative stress. Between 150 and 300 you would be suffering from chronic stress depending on how you perceived and coped with any particular life events. I would recommend this b

Helps you understand and heal

This book was extremely helpful to me in overcoming problems with anxiety. It has great factual information that helped me to learn more about anxiety, its causes, the different types, the symptoms, etc. It also has an extremely thorough and comprehensive program to help overcome anxiety, including advice on exercise, diet, medication, therapy, self-talk exercises, relaxation, affirmations, spirituality ... truly a broad and multi-faceted approach to a sticky problem.I think one of the best things about the workbook is how it makes you realize you're not alone -- that anxiety is a widespread problem, that your symptoms are familiar and documented, and that they can be treated and even cured.

The single most helpful book for anyone with phobias/anxiety

If you or someone you know suffers from a panic disorder, anxiety, OCD, or phobias (especially agoraphobia and social phobias), you must read this book. It is THE best source of information and practical help I have ever seen on the subject.The book contains a wide array of topics: causes of anxiety, coping with attacks, pharmaceutical treatments, holistic treatments, psychological approaches, nutrition, relaxation, where to find support, how to give support... the book would be worth triple its price just for the richness of information Dr. Bourne has compiled.Add to that the excellent workbook exercises and techniques, and you have a truly indispensable resource.I was very pleased with the presentation of the material. This book is not overflowing with warm and fuzzy, touchy-feely reassurances like many "self-help" books. Instead, it has proven, practical, self-paced techniques and exercises which you can use in your daily life, presented in a clear and easy-to-digest format. It's not a dry textbook, and it's not a bit of pop-psychology fluff -- this is a powerful tool for anyone whose quality of life has diminished because of anxiety and fear.Good luck!