Professional Development

Authors:  Martin M. Antony & Mark A. Watling

Originally published: 2006, New Harbinger Publications

Download here:  https://martinantony.com/publications/overcoming-medical-phobias-how-to-conquer-fear-of-blood-needles-doctors-and-dentists/

Description: This book teaches people to overcome their fears of blood, needles, and related situations, using well established, evidence-based treatments.  Many readers may find it most helpful to work with another person (e.g., a therapist, friend, or family member) as they implement the treatment strategies. Chapters 1 and 2 provide general information on the nature and causes of medical and dental fears.  Chapters 3 and 4 prepare the reader for treatment, including developing an exposure hierarchy. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 discuss core treatment strategies, including graduated exposure to feared situations, applied tension for preventing fainting, and challenging beliefs and predictions that contribute to the fear.  Chapter 8 provides tips to prevent the fear from returning, and the final chapter (chapter 9) provides instructions for friends or family members who are helping the individual to overcome their fear.

Authors:  Martin M. Antony & Randi E. McCabe

Originally published: 2005, New Harbinger Publications

Download here:  https://martinantony.com/publications/overcoming-animal-insect-phobias-how-to-conquer-fear-of-dogs-snakes-rodents-bees-spiders-more/

Description: This book contains everything a person needs to know in order to overcome a fear of dogs, cats, birds, mice, spiders, bugs, snakes, or other animals. It begins with a discussion of the nature and causes of animal fears. Next, it discusses how to prepare for treatment, including how to develop an exposure hierarchy, and where to find animals for exposure practices.  For post people, it will be important to include a helper (e.g., a therapist, friend, or family member) to locate the materials needed for exposure and to control the animals during the practices.  The helper should be familiar with the treatment strategies discussed in the book, and they should pay extra attention to the final chapter, which is written specifically for the helper. The treatment strategies are based primarily on exposure therapy – the only approach that has been shown in controlled studies to be effective for overcoming animal-related fears.  The book also discusses how to supplement exposure therapy with cognitive strategies to identify and challenge anxiety-related thinking. Finally, the book discusses strategies for keeping the fear from returning in the future.

Authors:  Martin M. Antony

Originally published: 2004, New Harbinger Publications

Download here:  https://martinantony.com/publications/10-simple-solutions-to-shyness-how-to-overcome-shyness-social-anxiety-fear-of-public-speaking/

Description:  This book discusses 10 well-established steps, tips, and strategies for managing excessive shyness, social anxiety, and performance-related fears.  These strategies include (1) understanding the nature and causes of social anxiety, (2) planning for treatment, (3) challenging anxiety-related thinking, (4) confronting anxiety-related situations, (5) improving communication skills (e.g., making small talk), (6) medications (note that although most of this chapter is still accurate, there are a few newer medications that are missing from this chapter, and a few older medications that are no longer used), (7) strategies for coping with rejection, (8) strategies for meeting new people, (9) overcoming fear of public speaking, and (10) dealing with perfectionism.