Deconstructing Anxiety: The Journey from Fear to Fulfillment

by Todd E Pressman

In 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 problems. Tapping into this source therefore holds the clues not only for escaping fear, but also for releasing 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” (one's fundamental interpretation of danger in the world) and “chief defense” (the primary strategy for protecting oneself from threat). The anxious personality is then built upon this foundation, creating a “three dimensional, multi-sensory hologram” within which one can feel trapped and helpless.

Replete with processes that bring the theoretical background into technicolor, Deconstructing Anxiety provides a clear roadmap to resolving this human dilemma, paving the way to an ultimate and transcendent freedom. Therapists and laypeople alike will find this book essential in helping design a life of meaning, purpose and enduring fulfillment.

Genres: Psychology, Personal Development, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Self Help

322 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2019

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this slim and readable book Todd Pressman has improbably integrated eastern wisdom traditions and western psychology into unique and powerful techniques for getting to the root of our fear and self delusion and achieving deep transformation and peace. He starts from three postulates: 1) that there is an absolute truth that can be realized, i.e. a primal state of wholeness, 2) that fear distorts this truth and 3) that deconstructing this fear can lead us back to wholeness. He then goes on to outline powerful techniques for identifying our personal core fears and our unique defences against these fears and finally describes practical exercises to face these fears and bypass our defences so that we can experience our birthright of peace and freedom from fear. He gives these techniques playful names such as "The Alchemist" a form of potent imaginal exposure to our core fear, "the Witness" a technique of somatic mindfulness and curiosity regarding the somatic manifestations of our fears and "the Warrior" a form of response prevention where we resist the behavioural or cognitive strategies we engage in to resolve our fears. I would quibble somewhat with the title of this book, as its goal is far more than deconstructing anxiety. Pressman's techniques are not limited to clinical anxiety, they apply to any and all of the many variations of human struggle. His main strength is his determination that we dig relentlessly down to identify the true fear that underlies the many variations of struggle that we identify at the surface. It is only by facing this fear often camouflaged by many layers of self deception that we achieve true peacefulness. Of course most of us will not succeed in in this endeavour without more personal guidance, but this book makes an honest effort to take you as far as any book can.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so eye opening in showing where our anxiety comes from and the defenses we have against it. This gets a bit wordy and heavy at times but gives you actual exercises you can do. Definitely recommend to any therapist!!

[Jeffrey Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provided me a some meaningful insight into my chief fear—one of five Pressman outlines in the book—and the primary defense mechanism I use.

Some very worthwhile techniques and exercises. I think a fierce editor could have slimmed it down 30%. The repetitive, sometimes meandering nature will likely bog some readers down—as it did me.

I'd recommend it to anybody who feels like anxiety and suffering loom too large in their lives.

[Andria Hollingshead · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you're ready to face yourself and your first fears this book is for you! Dr. Pressman is an excellent, insightful, rule defying instructor. I can't wait to be able to attend his training to train other people in this process. By helping us identify which of the 5 core fears you have you begin the route to freedom, by implementing, simple, effective strategies you develop the ability to face fear daily without strife, aggression or fighting yourself. take the time to read this you won't regret it!

[Paul Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second half of the book justifies slogging through the first half of the book.

I found the beginning of the book tedious (his on-lectured are more engaging). The second half of the book starting with the actual exercises (meditations if you prefer) are brilliant and highly enlightening!

[Julie]

I skimmed it enough to get a general idea