Mindful Way through Anxiety

Susan M. Orsillo, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Suffolk University in Boston.Lizabeth Roemer, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston.Drs. Orsillo and Roemer have written and published extensively about anxiety, emotions, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and values-based actions and have been involved in anxiety disorders research and treatment for more than 25 years. With funding from the National Institutes of Health, they spent 15 years developing and refining the treatment approach that is the basis of this book and their related resource, Worry Less, Live More: The Mindful Way through Anxiety Workbook. Their website is www.mindfulwaythroughanxiety.com.

"Potentially of great benefit to anyone suffering from anxiety in this era of relentless drivenness, social isolation, stress, and perpetual digital distraction. The authors' wise counsel based on their own clinical experience and research, coupled with vivid stories of their own and other people's lives, provides compelling evidence for why mindfulness is so important in reclaiming your life, and effective guidance in how to go about it in meaningful and very practical ways."--Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, coauthor of The Mindful Way Through Depression"Anxiety is an emotion that begs us to mishandle it through worry and rumination. In a careful, step-by-step fashion, Drs. Orsillo and Roemer show you how to use mindfulness to break free from the grip of anxiety and move forward now toward the kind of life you want to live."--Steven C. Hayes, PhD, author of Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life"Whether you suffer from milder worries or a clinical disorder, this book shows you a clear, scientifically validated path toward feeling better. Lots of books propose to teach how to beat anxiety. Some are good, others less so. The Mindful Way through Anxiety is destined to be one of the best. Drs. Orsillo and Roemer are renowned experts in the science of beating anxiety, and their book is readable, informative, and practical."--David F. Tolin, PhD, coauthor of Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding"This book is user friendly, practical, and quite comprehensive. Readers will benefit greatly from the insights and exercises provided in these pages."--Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness "If you're looking for a fresh way of relating to--and healing--anxiety, you'll find this book an invaluable guide. The authors bring alive the path of mindfulness in a clear and accessible way."--Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance"In the Alice in Wonderland world of emotions, anxiety is the Red Queen--always a future threat and sometimes a present danger. This superb book shows how mindfulness can help ease the ravages of anxiety. Nobody knows more about this topic than Drs. Orsillo and Roemer, and their approach will be a godsend for many."--David H. Barlow, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, Boston University, and Founder and Director Emeritus, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders"By far the most sophisticated and engaging guide I have seen on mindfulness and anxiety. This book is a gem. Two of the field's most knowledgeable and creative experts skillfully take you on a journey into the hidden corners of your anxious mind. With a seamless blend of interesting stories, state-of-the-art research, and exercises, this book leads you step by step toward a fuller, more meaningful life. It is an excellent resource for anyone who seeks a path to freedom from anxiety and stress."--Christopher K. Germer, PhD, author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion - This is an informative and highly practical book....Can be used as a self-help resource or as an adjunct to working with a therapist to develop mindfulness skills....Offers many case examples, stories, and quizzes. --Nursing Standard, 1/20/2011ƒƒ Orsillo and Roemer painstakingly lay out the habits of mind that contribute to our suffering. They also provide a compelling, evidence-based argument for bringing mindfulness and self-compassion to these habits. The authors illustrate each point with creative metaphors and clear, relatable case studies that help the reader recognize that their suffering is not so different from others'. The authors also anticipate and address common questions, misconceptions, and reservations in Q&A format throughout the book....Grounded not just in traditional mindfulness practices, but also in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). --Shambhala Sun, 1/20/2011ƒƒ By far the most sophisticated and engaging guide I have seen on mindfulness and anxiety. This book is a gem. Two of the field's most knowledgeable and creative experts skillfully take you on a journey into the hidden corners of your anxious mind. With a seamless blend of interesting stories, state-of-the-art research, and exercises, this book leads you step by step toward a fuller, more meaningful life. It is an excellent resource for anyone who seeks a path to freedom from anxiety and stress. -Christopher K. Germer, PhD, author of The Mindful Path to Self --Compassion, 1/20/2011

• Introduction: How This Book Will Help You 1. Understanding Fear and Anxiety: Turning toward Your Emotions 2. How Is Anxiety Getting in Your Way? 3. Changing Your Relationship with Anxiety: Embarking on a New Path 4. An Introduction to Mindfulness: Noticing a Skill You Already Possess 5. Developing the Skills of Mindfulness: How to Bring Kind Attention into Your Daily Life 6. Befriending Your Emotions 7. Using Mindfulness to Clarify Muddy Emotions 8. The Allure and Cost of Trying to Control Your Internal Experience 9. Acceptance and Willingness: Increasing Flexibility and Opening Up to New Possibilities 10. Clarifying What Matters to You and Setting a Course for Change 11. Bringing It All Together: Making a Commitment to Yourself 12. Overcoming Challenges to Cultivating Self-Compassion 13. Staying Open When the Going Gets Tough