Managing Worry and Anxiety: Practical Tools to Help You Deal with Life's Challenges by Jean Holthaus

Managing Worry and Anxiety: Practical Tools to Help You Deal with Life's Challenges

by 

Jean Holthaus

About:

Scripture says "be anxious for nothing," yet most of us find ourselves increasingly worried and anxious--about our families, our jobs, our finances, our security, and so much more. We're even worried about our level of anxiety!

Integrating both the psychological and spiritual aspects of anxiety, therapist Jean Holthaus offers this research-driven and faith-informed approach to understanding why we experience anxiety and shows us how to effectively manage it by developing three essential skills: 

- living in the present moment
- suspending judgment
- believing yourself to be competent and equipped by God

Our world is never going to be a completely safe and understandable place. But with Holthaus's help, our hearts and minds can experience greater and lasting peace.

My Thoughts:

Managing Worry and Anxiety: Practical Tools to Help You Deal with Life's Challenges by Jean Holthaus is   a book that explains anxiety and depression in a way that readers can understand, relate and appreciate. 

As a social worker, who is a LMSW, I have a great appreciation for this book and the work of Jean Holthaus. She combines her faith, with the science behind the brain, behaviors and complexity that we as humans face on a daily basis. This book is filled with pictures, graphics and scripture, to point the reader back to their faith. While she addresses the many aspects of both anxiety and depression, I feel that this book has insight for the clinician, as well as the individual looking for answers. I do not believe this is a one-size fits all book, but rather a book that encompasses a scope of people looking for deeper answers to the "why" question. 

This particular book is one that I have read slow, to gain insight and knowledge from another clinician in hopes to be able to help individuals in the future. I recommend this book with a caveat.. It is important for the reader to find out the root of their anxiety or depression, which is something Jean addresses. If you are looking for tips and answers, this book will help you, but if you don't go to the root and seek the source, you'll never find true freedom. 

About the Author:

Jean Holthaus, LISW, LMSW, has more than 25 years' experience providing therapy. She currently works as a clinician and manages two clinics for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Her professional experience includes working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with abuse, anxiety, depression, marital issues, divorce, spiritual issues, changes of life, parenting, and more. A member of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Association of Christian Counselors, Jean lives in Pella, Iowa.