Take Control of Your Anxiety: A Drug-Free Approach to Living a Happy, Healthy Life

A Non-Pharmaceutical, Evidence-Based Approach to Mastering Anxiety and Living a Productive, Well-Balanced Life

Do you know what really triggers panic attacks? Are you aware of what thinking patterns create anxiety? Are you a chronic worrier? Have you ever self-medicated with alcohol or tranquilizers?

According to mental health professionals, anxiety disorders have emerged as the common cold of mental illness. Every family is touched in some way or another by anxiety issues and, with ever-increasing frequency, diagnosable anxiety disorders.

In Take Control of Your Anxiety--an easy-to-read, self-help book for the layperson--Drs. Cortman, Shinitzky, and O'Connor present the current understanding of anxiety: its genesis in the brain, its functions and contributions to human survival and growth, and its progression to pathology.

Each of the five major anxiety disorders is featured in a chapter that explores its etiology, practical steps and exercises for successful resolution, and real-life case studies of patients who have overcome the disorder. The authors use some levity to teach their concepts, including Dr. Seuss-like poems, popular music parodies, and other easy-to-remember aids. A tool box of simple resources and self-help techniques is also included. Most importantly, the authors emphasize a non-pharmaceutical, evidence-based approach to mastering anxiety issues and living a productive, well-balanced life.

Chris Cortman, PhD has been a licensed psychologist for 28 years. He is a much-sought-after speaker, has facilitated more than 60,000 hours of psychotherapy, and has provided psychological consultation at five hospitals in the Sarasota/Venice area. Dr. Cortman is the co-creator of a youth prevention and wellness program called The Social Black Belt.


Harold Shinitzky, PhD has been a licensed psychologist for more than 20 years and was on the faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He specializes in sports psychology and works with Olympians and athletes from every professional association. He was the recipient of the Florida Psychological Association Distinguished Psychologist Award and the Outstanding Contributions to Psychology Award. He is the coauthor (with Dr. Cortman) of Your Mind: An Owner's Manual for a Better Life.


Laurie-Ann O'Connor, PhD has graduate degrees in both clinical and counseling psychology as well as postdoctoral training as a trauma professional. Dr. O'Connor's writings have appeared in newspapers, professional trade magazines, and peer-reviewed journals. She has studied in both Canada and the US and is currently located in Venice, Florida where she works in association with Dr. Chris Cortman. Most recently, she has been instrumental in integrating The Social Black Belt program into high school classes.