We recommend a number of different books for our clients who suffer from fear and anxiety. One of our favorites is called The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, now in its fifth edition. It can also be a useful resource for psychotherapists who may want to suggest specific exercises from the book rather than have the client read the whole thing. As painful and debilitating as anxiety can be, the good news is that it has been well studied and we know from research some of the most successful strategies for overcoming fears and phobias. The cognitive-behavioral approach that this book takes is the intervention of choice for most therapists currently working with people with anxiety issues.
The book begins with a questionnaire to help the reader identify more specifics about their anxiety or phobia. It is holistic in that it addresses numerous causes including physical, emotional, behavioral, mental, interpersonal and spiritual factors. Subsequent chapters then focus on various tools to help gain mastery over worry and anxiety. Some of the many different approaches suggested are relaxation techniques, visualizations, desensitization, temporary coping strategies, identifying feelings, practicing assertiveness, and addressing issues of low self-esteem. Types of medication and what to consider about this decision are also explained.
Because fear and anxiety create so much discomfort, the most common mistake people make is to attempt to avoid the situations and things that make them anxious. This book and the many helpful approaches suggested within will only be helpful if the reader actually puts the techniques into practice. For someone motivated, this book has a lot to offer. It even includes pages to record weekly practice and monitor progress as the motivated reader conquers the fears getting in the way of their happiness.
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