Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook , livre ebook

“If you have ever engaged in excessive worry, you will find value in The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook . This volume introduces the concepts of intolerance of uncertainty and the search for safety as key aspects of the worry cycle to explain the core processes involved in unwarranted worry. The real jewels of this book, however, are the very many concrete and applicable tools that it provides to readers, to help them both understand their worry and to correct their concerns, if necessary. This workbook is based on solid research as well as the framework of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and is written in an accessible and practical manner by two of the world’s leading authorities. I recommend it with no uncertainty.”
— Keith S. Dobson, PhD , professor of clinical psychology at the University of Calgary, Canada; past president of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy; and past president of the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy
“This is a fantastic workbook for several reasons: it is based on a treatment that has strong scientific support from multiple trials; it is brilliantly written, and is highly practical. The downloadable worksheets and exercises, clear examples, and obvious expertise of the authors make this an invaluable resource for people suffering from excessive worry, as well as health professionals.”
— Roz Shafran, PhD , clinical psychologist and professor of translational psychology at the University College London Institute of Child Health
“ The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook provides a thorough, engaging, and accessible guide for managing worry. The CBT-based approach is comprehensive, starts from basics, and should have something of value for everyone who struggles with uncontrollable and distressing worry.”
— Graham C. L. Davey, PhD , professor of psychology at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom
“Everyone who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or has any difficulties with worry should read this book. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook provides an outstanding step-by-step guide to understanding and overcoming worry and anxiety, utilizing scientifically proven techniques and strategies. Robichaud and Dugas are internationally recognized experts who so aptly translate the research findings and practical skills into a workbook that is reader friendly, engaging, and easy to understand. This book should also be required reading for professionals and students interested in the treatment of anxiety.”
— David J. A. Dozois, PhD , professor and director of the clinical psychology graduate program in the department of psychology at the University of Western Ontario
“Building on decades of research and their own extensive clinical expertise, Robichaud and Dugas provide easy-to-follow, useful steps that will help people struggling with worry to cope more effectively with those challenges. I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels anxiety is interfering with their lives, and for the therapists who are helping them.”
—Lizabeth Roemer, PhD , professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and coauthor of The Mindful Way Through Anxiety
“Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) continues to be one of the hardest-to-treat psychological conditions. Further, few people seek help for it, despite a multitude of findings that speak to its associated distress, difficulty functioning, loss of work, and relationship challenges. Robichaud and Dugas are experts in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, and this workbook benefits greatly from their wisdom. They have put together a clear and cogent guide for those suffering with chronic worry and uncertainty. The explanations and interventions outlined in this workbook are well supported, and will undoubtedly provide a vital source of help to those suffering with this debilitating condition.”
—Douglas Mennin , professor of psychology at Hunter College and The Graduate Center at the City University of New York in New York, NY
a comprehensive CBT guide for coping with uncertainty, worry, and fear
Melisa Robichaud, PhD, and Michel J. Dugas, PhD.
New Harbinger Publications, Inc. -->
Publisher’s Note
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright © 2015 by Melisa Robichaud and Michel J. Dugas
New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
5674 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup
Acquired by Jess O’Brien
Edited by Jasmine Star


All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Robichaud, Melisa. | Dugas, Michel J. (Michel Joseph), 1961-
Title: The generalized anxiety disorder workbook : a comprehensive CBT guide
for coping with uncertainty, worry, and fear / Melisa Robichaud, PhD, and
Michel J. Dugas, PhD.
Description: Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, [2015] | Includes
bibliographical references.
Identifiers: LCCN 2015026340| ISBN 9781626251519 (paperback) | ISBN
9781626251526 (pdf e-book) | ISBN 9781626251533 (epub)
Subjects: LCSH: Anxiety disorders--Treatment--Handbooks, manuals, etc. |
Cognitive therapy--Handbooks, manuals, etc. | BISAC: SELF-HELP / Anxieties
& Phobias. | PSYCHOLOGY / Psychopathology / Anxieties & Phobias.
Classification: LCC RC531 .R59 2015 | DDC 616.85/22--dc23 LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015026340
To Carolyn and Antony —MR
À Céline, Jérémie, et Sophie —MJD
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
1. Worry, Anxiety, and GAD
2. CBT for GAD
3. Is Worry Helpful?
4. Positive Beliefs About Worry: Examining the Evidence
5. Worry and the Threat of Uncertainty
6. Intolerance of Uncertainty in Action: Identifying Safety Behaviors
7. Tolerating Uncertainty: Testing Out Beliefs About Uncertainty
8. Moving Toward Embracing Uncertainty
9. Coping with Worries About Current Problems
10. Coping with Worries About Hypothetical Situations
11. Building on Gains: Managing Worries over Time
12. Bumps in the Road: Coping with Lapses and Relapses
Acknowledgments
References
Foreword
It’s an honor to contribute this foreword to The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook . I treated my first client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)—I’ll call her “Jacqui”—back in 1989, when I was still a graduate student. Jacqui was not just the first person with GAD I had worked with—she was my first client ever! We used a combination of strategies designed to help Jacqui challenge her anxiety-provoking thoughts and learn to relax, based on several early studies on the treatment of GAD. Despite my lack of experience, Jacqui did well in therapy, experiencing a significant reduction in her worry. This opportunity to work with Jacqui early in my career reinforced for me the value of changing the thoughts and behaviors that maintain problem worry in order to better manage anxiety (both Jacqui’s, and that of her brand new therapist-in-training!).
Fast-forward twenty-six years. Effective psychological treatments for GAD are now much better established. They are based on a more refined understanding of the nature of GAD, and are supported by many well-controlled studies, including groundbreaking research by the authors of this book. However, what has remained missing all of these years is a step-by-step self-help workbook describing these proven strategies for overcoming GAD. There are a number of good evidence-based self-help books for dealing with other anxiety-based problems, and for dealing with anxiety in general, but not much for GAD in particular—until now. I’ve waited more than twenty-five years for this book!
Melisa Robichaud and Michel Dugas have been studying GAD and its treatment for many years, and their treatment is among the best supported by research. A recent controlled study (Dugas et al., 2010) found that after receiving the treatment described in this workbook, 70% of participants with GAD no longer had GAD at the end of treatment. What’s even more amazing is that a year later, 84% of participants no longer had GAD. In other words, people continued to improve in the months after treatment had ended—likely a benefit of continuing to practice the strategies they learned while participating in the study.
I get asked a lot, “Can reading a self-help book really help me overcome my anxiety?” My answer is always the same: “No—no more than reading a book on physical fitness will help you to get physically fit.” To experience meaningful, long-term change, it won’t be enough to read this workbook. You’ll need to practice consistently the strategies described in it. For some readers, it will be possible to benefit from the treatment without the help of a therapist. For others, the support of a therapist will be important for reinforcing the strategies described in the book. Regardless of whether you decide to use this book on its own or in the context of therapy, I highly recommend it for anyone who is struggling with GAD.
Best of luck as you begin your journey toward a life with less anxiety and worry!
Martin M. Antony, PhD, ABPP
Professor, Department of Psychology, Ryerson University
Author, The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook and The Anti-Anxiety Workbook
Introduction
Given that you’re reading this book, you’re probably someone who struggles with excessive worry and anxiety. You might even have been told by a health professional that you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or you might have come to this conclusion on your own, based on things you’ve read. If so, this book will help you better understand the problem and provide you with concrete strategies f