Anxiety Unpacked

by Noelle McWard Aquino

Anxiety Unpacked challenges the widespread misconception that anxiety is a one-size-fits all experience. By identifying three distinct anxiety types - each with unique characteristics and solutions - readers will uncover their personal anxiety profile and gain powerful strategies to address its root cause, not just its symptoms.



Drawing from extensive clinical experience and her journey as a mother of a child battling anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Noelle McWard Aquino offers a fresh, deeply personal perspective on understanding and overcoming anxiety. Through relatable narratives and practical insights, she provides a transformative approach that resonates with real-life experiences.



Readers will



The three root causes of anxietyThe unique characteristics and underlying needs of each typeTargeted strategies to resolve anxiety at its core - not just mask its symptomsThe objections each anxiety type uses to sustain itselfA clear roadmap to lasting calm and peace

With these insights and tools, readers will feel empowered and equipped to take control of their anxiety - and their lives.

295 pages, Hardcover

Published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[Shari Biery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxiety Unpacked doesn’t just talk about anxiety in a general sense. Noelle gently and clearly shows that not all anxiety is the same and that’s what makes this book such a breakthrough.

Noelle takes you deep into the why behind anxiety, and helps you see the specific patterns you might be stuck in without even realizing it.

Her ability to blend clinical insight with personal experience especially as a mom makes this book relatable, practical, and refreshingly honest. She provides the tools I you can actually use.

This is a book I’ll return to and recommend to clients, friends, and anyone who feels like they’ve “tried everything” but still feel stuck in anxiety. It’s not about fixing yourself it’s about finally understanding yourself and how you can take action to help alleviate anxiety’s grip.

[Tammy Letherer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, an anxiety book that doesn't just tell you to practice mindfulness and call it a day! Noelle McWard Aquino breaks anxiety into three distinct types - catastrophizing, control, and distorted beliefs - and honestly, I saw myself so clearly in the "control" category it was almost uncomfortable. Her approach feels fresh because she's not treating all anxiety the same way. The real-life client examples are incredibly relatable, and her personal stories about her own anxiety and her son's journey add authenticity. The interview with her son at the end is beautiful and hopeful. This isn't a quick fix book - it's about understanding the root of your anxiety so you can actually address it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to go deeper than surface-level coping strategies.

[Jessica Miro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a thoughtful, grounded look at anxiety. I really enjoyed how the author breaks down anxiety into different points of origin and different strategies depending on what meaning you hold behind the anxiety symptoms themselves. The book makes something that can feel overwhelming seem clear, relatable, and practical.

As a therapist, I found the explanations and examples really helpful, and I plan to recommend this book to clients. It’s a great way to help normalize anxiety and give people language and tools to better understand their own experience. Highly recommend!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing examination of what anxiety is, how it works on us and how you can challenge it to live more fully. As a therapist, I see this book providing resources to both therapist and anxiety-sufferers themselves. A practical, straightforward approach to treatment of anxiety. I highly recommend this book!!