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Scott Symington PhD

Freedom from Anxious Thoughts & Feelings

A Two-Step Mindfulness Approach for Moving Beyond Fear & Worry

New Harbinger, 2019

15 min read

8 take-aways

Audio & text

What's inside?

Think of a purple elephant. Now, don’t. Impossible? It’s the same with your fears. Here’s how to deal with them.

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Imagine a pink elephant in a tutu. If someone mentions this image to you, it’s impossible not to think of it. Similarly, it’s hard to ignore the negative thoughts and feelings banging around inside your head. Your negative thoughts and feelings are part of you, but they don’t define who you are. Clinical psychologist Scott Symington reports that his emotional management system – the “Two-Screen Method” – helps people deal with worries, fears, anxieties and addictions. While getAbstract never gives medical advice, Symington offers interesting ideas for those seeking peace of mind.

Summary

Negative thoughts and feelings and addictive or destructive behaviors plague many lives.

Too many people live unhappy, unfulfilled lives burdened with anxiety, worry and fear. Many regularly suffer bouts of depression or addiction. On the surface, these people may look like they’re fully functioning, but down deep, they often harbor emotional pain.

Most unhappy people want to be happy, and most have the willpower to change but don’t know how.

Unhappy, distressed people don’t want to be sad, but they often have no idea about how to extricate themselves from their troubled thoughts and feelings or their addictions.

Many have the willpower to change – but not the knowledge. They don’t know how to deal with their negative thoughts, nervous feelings or destructive actions. They feel trapped in recurring “worry loops.”

Most people learn to manage their external reality, that is, the world outside themselves, but few receive training in how to deal with the often negative thoughts and feelings inside their heads. They have little understanding of their internal world and what transpires...

About the Author

Clinical psychologist Scott Symington, PhD, helps adults overcome worry and anxiety, negative moods, addictive behaviors, and other conditions that steal their joy and freedom.

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P. F. 4 years ago

This is a must read. It shares a wealth of knowledge that can benefit everyone.
L. K. 4 years ago

This is interesting.
P. F. 4 years ago

Excellent read. It is educational and calming.

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