The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook [Paperback]

Edmund J. Bourne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 157224223X | ISBN-13: 978-1572242234 | Edition: 3nd

This classic, best-selling workbook on anxiety and phobia explains cognitive-behavioural techniques in a step-by-step format. Widely recommended by therapists and other mental health professionals, this new edition has been substantially revised and updated to reflect new developments in the field of anxiety treatment that have appeared in the past five years. It includes an updated list of resources and web sites offering help for coping with anxiety disorders.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., has specialized in the treatment of anxiety disorders and related problems for two decades.

Product Details

• Paperback: 436 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns Inc; 3nd edition (November 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157224223X
• ISBN-13: 978-1572242234
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #193,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., has specialized in the treatment of anxiety disorders and related problems for two decades. For many years, Bourne was director of the Anxiety Treatment Center in San Jose and Santa Rosa, CA. His bestselling anxiety books, which have helped hundreds of thousands of readers throughout the world, include The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, Beyond Anxiety and Phobia, and Coping with Anxiety.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

198 of 203 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The single most helpful book for anyone with phobias/anxiety July 6, 2001

By John F. Schiff

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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!

78 of 83 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worked miracles November 20, 2003

By Lady Ash

Format:Paperback

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.

43 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It can really help! May 25, 2005

By Holly Wade VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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!