The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping with Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

by Raeann Dumont, Aaron T. Beck (Foreword)

"A unique description of how clients think in the situations that produce anxiety, and how they can work on changing their thinking and reclaiming their lives, which have been lost to fears, rituals, and patterns of avoidance."--Aaron T. Beck, M.D., from the foreword Gracie hasn't left her house in thirty years out of fear she'll be contaminated. Jerry spent hours each day picking up debris on the subway platform. Norm's bridge phobia led him into alcoholism. David bright, young, ambitious feared he'd lose his job because he so dreaded giving sales presentations.

These are some of the case studies exemplary of the approximately fourteen to twenty million people who suffer from anxiety disorders in this country that are found in this riveting and instructive book. Raeann Dumont lays bare the features of obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, and panic. Utilizing cognitive therapy and self-help techniques, she helps readers recognize anxiety-producing thoughts and shows how, through reality testing and assessing anxiety situations, these compulsions can be managed.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone struggling with, loving someone who struggles with, or has a passion for understanding phobias, panic, and obsessive compulsive disorders. The author is an experienced therapist who specializes in the treatment of these disorders. She labels anxious thinking as magical thinking, and offers excellent metaphors. I loved reading about the various clients she’s worked with. She even includes a whole step-by-step self-help section, along with plenty of helpful charts & worksheets.

[Jay Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sky is Falling is a very practical and very readable book about dealing with phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders and magical thinking. It is written in a language that is easy to follow and understand with some, but not excessive, professional terms. The author details case histories and how she worked with clients to help them overcome their fears and obsessive behaviors. She used a variety of techniques in working with these people and divulges her techniques, her "homework" and her thought process as well as her clients' thought process. The back portion of the book is a guide for readers who want to self-help and it is quite useful and do-able.

I recommend this book to anyone who has problems with phobias of any kind, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or magical thinking that inhibits a daily, normal life. I also recommend this book to anyone who knows anyone who fits the description above. You will find that reading this book will help with understanding and working through these difficult thought patterns.

[Lindsay Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening and helpful. Surprisingly engrossing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the subtitle states, this gentle and compassionate book deals with the plight of those who suffer from Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. The author takes you with her as she meets individuals who deal with frustrating and life-impacting fears and compulsions. She describes the therapeutic work she undertakes with them, and ends with suggestions for the reader. I saw my mom in this book and wish that it had been written when she was alive. This book is powerful, informative, calming, and hopeful, and I recommend it highly.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for anyone fighting anxiety disorders and phobias. It gives case study examples and then provides instruction on systematic- desensitization. The case studies are all both humorous and sad.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many interesting case histories. Discusses "cognitive therapy", which doesn't use drugs. This therapy is very time-consuming. I think only wealthy families can afford this kind of treatment for their afflicted family members.