The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

"This book is, quite simply, the best single resource for sufferers of anxiety and related problems. The fact it so far enjoys only 5 star reviews on this site, in a subject area that normally produces great variations in opinion, is quite a testament to how well received it has been. It is an excellent reference, a work book to begin or maintain a recovery from debilitating anxiety, an encouragingly and refreshingly pragmatic and realistic appraisal of disorders, treatments and medications and a crutch for those suffering relapses into old, painful habits.

I came to this book thoroughly disillusioned with the genre of self help for those suffering moderate to severe anxiety. Other texts seem to promise much, only to quickly disappoint by reiterating similar messages of just being positive and expelling negative thoughts. But for it being that easy! Bourne's text takes a more comprehensive approach. It fully details the anxiety conditions, and then sets out the methods by which the symptoms and the root condition can be treated and improved.

In doing this he seems to be open minded, rational and encouraging. Rather than dismiss certain forms of treatment, he explains their advantages and disadvantages and acknowledges that different treatments are more effective and more appropriate to different people with different conditions, in varying degrees of seriousness and at differing points in their diagnosis. It is one of the few `self-help' books I have read that suggests for some people medication is the best therapy, and long term exposure to medication may be required, and that this is to be welcomed as a relief from vicious symptoms rather than feared or stigmatised.

The book also fully considers exercise, nutrition, sleep, relaxation techniques, dealing with panic and behavioural patterns. It is a workbook in its approach to cognitive behavioural therapy, overcoming negative self talk, changing mistaken beliefs, visualization, expressing feelings and assertiveness. This allows the reader to be more proactive, and actually put into action the techniques discussed within a progressive and constructive framework. It incorporates a range of step-by-step guidelines, questionnaires, exercises and sheets to be photocopied for use in a programme of CBT.

More than any other resource or individual this book has helped me accept my condition, and treat it as a treatable illness rather than something to be ashamed of or something to endlessly strive to be rid of. Since doing this life has been significantly improved and enjoyed. "
~ Written on 2007-12-05

"Having had panick attacks which led to agoraphobia.
This book has helped me so much. If you have a better understanding of why you get panick attacks and how to deal with them when you get them, it really helps.

It has a lot of self help sections in it which have helped me to combat all my fears. This book is well worth it??
Could save you thousands in therapy. This week I have using the techniques, been in a supermarket unaided,
great book..."
~ Written on 2007-09-13

"I have suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks for many years. I was recently referred to the local NHS mental health service who enrolled me on an Anxiety Management course. In the meantime however, I began applying for other jobs and was pleased to be offered 3 interviews.

The flip side of this was the panic attacks and anxiety that I had been suffering from. I really didn't want this to jeapordise the chance of me getting a new job by having a panic attack at the interview, and I still had not heard anything from the NHS about the date of the anxiety management course.

I decided to take the bull by the horns and sort the problem myself. I ordered this book and read it in a week. I put the techniques into place - in particular the breathing exrecises, deep muscle relaxation and exercise - and after just 2 weeks i feel relaxed, in control and confident.

I had an interview this morning and didn't panic, shake or feel nervous - it was wonderful! I owe it all to the advice in this book which talks to the reader in a direct, intelligent manner and is not patronising. Personally I find NHS leaflets on the subject rather patronising and uninformative (cartoons, captions etc!) but this book was amazing.

I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers at any degree of anxiety. It has changed my life."
~ Written on 2007-03-15

"If you are looking for a very comprehensive book on anxiety and phobias, then this book is for you. I came across this book while looking around in the health library of my employer and I am so glad I did. This book covers just about everything, from learning relaxation techniques to regular exercise, nutrition, cognitive therapy, assertiveness training and much more. In my opinion it is simply the best book ever on this topic, because it covers so much but also because it gives you a lot of exercises to do which helped me to feel I can finally do something to get better. Highly recommendable! "
~ Written on 2007-02-27

"Basically it is a step by step recovery program. It works on the Physical , emotional and behavioral,
It also has lots of ways and improving your self esteem and self image.
It has a weekly practice chart which includes, relaxation technique, exercise, countering negative self talk, assertive communication, self esteem, etc.
You do these exercises every week and there is a detailed chapter on every exercise you have to do.
The book covers phobias, social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder,
What I love about this book is that its so detailed! It gives a plan and a list of things to work on everyday. It does involve a lot of commitment, "
~ Written on 2007-01-16