Description
Book SynopsisIn Deconstructing Anxiety, Pressman provides a new and comprehensive understanding of fear's subtlest mechanisms. In this model, anxiety is understood as the wellspring at the source of all clients' problems. Tapping into this source therefore holds the clues not only for how to escape fear, but how to release the very causes of suffering, paving the way to a profound sense of peace and satisfaction in life. With strategically developed exercises, this book offers a unique, integrative approach to healing and growth, based on an understanding of how the psyche organizes itself around anxiety. It provides insights into the architecture of anxiety, introducing the dynamics of the "core fear" (the fundamental interpretation of danger in the world) and "chief defense" (the overarching strategy for protecting oneself from the threat). It elaborates the ways in which clients build personalities upon the foundations of these dynamics and isolate themselves. Replete with processes that bring the theoretical background into technicolor, therapists of all schools of psychotherapeutic thought will find this book useful and applicable in their practice.
Trade ReviewKudos! A truly excellent book…A great book for clients and therapists. Dr. Pressman provides insight and clarity for working through the root causes of crippling anxiety/fear that block a more fulfilling life. -- Peter Gariti, former clinical associate professor of psychiatry in social work, University of Pennsylvania
This is fascinating! Deconstructing Anxiety. . . is a guide to recognizing and addressing the underlying fears we all carry. . . the exercises will help readers learn to confront and remove barriers that prevent them from. . . living their best lives. [It has] substantially improved my life, helping me see my fears for the illusion they are and allowing me to move more fully into my potential. -- Gail Tishman, Jewish Spiritual Leader
Fear is the basic cause of anxiety, depression, anger and guilt . . . indeed, the stress reactions that are the cause of virtually all illness. Deconstructing anxiety is the key to health and happiness. This book gives you that key. -- C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., Founding President, American Holistic Medical Association
Compelling! [This book] is not only a formula for individual freedom; it is a compendium of wisdom for . . . liberation. -- Jonathan Cohen, licensed psychologist and leader emeritus of The Mankind Project
Truly a breakthrough! An extraordinary analysis that transforms worry and anxiety into fulfillment. Integrative and complete, this book allows for a new view and experience of one’s world! -- Leonard Grossman, philosopher
Dr. Todd Pressman has taken on one of the most important questions in psychology today. Why are so many people, especially teenagers and young adults, having such psychological difficulty? Why so much fear, anxiety, disquiet and angst? [In this book], Dr. Pressman helps us to look at the deeper levels of fear, for only there can real change be made. Positive affirmations, exposure therapy, and insight therapy are all potentially helpful, but they don’t take us to the bedrock of fear, so no real cure is possible. What is required is that we acknowledge we are responsible for what we see, and we choose the feelings we experience. As Dr. Pressman expresses it, ‘We must be willing to follow fear to its most subterranean hideout.’ Only then can we be free. -- Jon Mundy, author of Living a Course in Miracles
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION PART ONE: CONSTRUCTING A NEW MODEL FOR ANXIETY Chapter 1: Understanding the Birth of Fear in the Psyche Chapter 2: How Fear Really Works Chapter 3: The Core Fear and Chief Defense Chapter 4: The Architecture of Personality PART TWO: NEW STRATEGIES FOR RESOLVING FEAR Chapter 5: The Principle of Doing the Opposite Chapter 6: Finding the Core Fear Chapter 7: Uncovering the Chief Defense Chapter 8: Exercises for Doing the Opposite and Resolving Anxiety Chapter 9: Resisting Resistance Chapter 10: The Failsafe Rule for Navigating through Fear PART THREE: PUTTING THE PLAN INTO ACTION Chapter 11: Finding a Mighty Purpose Chapter 12: Continuing after Therapy
