My Personal and Professional Journey Through Anxiety Therapy”
By Joshua Fletcher
Hi, I’m Joshua Fletcher, also known as @anxietyjosh on social media. I want to share with you my journey, which inspired my latest book, “And How Does That Make You Feel? Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Therapy.” My story began in 2012 with a diagnosis of panic disorder and OCD. It was a tough time, filled with anxiety, fear of panic symptoms like feeling detached from myself and my surroundings, obsessing over my heartbeat, and avoiding places for fear of a panic attack, or the associated thoughts and fears that come with it like losing control in some way.
Fast forward to today, and my life has transformed. My panic attacks are rare, and when they do happen, they don’t scare me anymore. I’ve learned not to obsess over every sensation or thought. My experience led me to become a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders, and I’ve also completed a master’s in counselling and psychology. Plus, I’ve written several best-selling self-help books on anxiety.
My upcoming book is something I’m really passionate about. It’s not just a self-help guide; it’s an insight into what it’s like to be an anxiety therapist who has experienced anxiety firsthand. It’s a book about being an anxiety therapist, and lets the reader take a look behind the scenes of what is a profession often shrouded in mystery.
In “And How Does That Make You Feel?”, you’ll meet four characters, each with their own struggles:
1. Daphne, a Hollywood actress dealing with identity issues and nighttime panic attacks.
2. Levi, a nightclub doorman fighting intrusive thoughts.
3. Zahra, a GP who struggles with driving anxiety and the shame of panic.
4. Noah, who finds socializing difficult and carries a secret he fears sharing in therapy.
These stories represent the real challenges faced by people with anxiety, brought to life through anonymized characters. The book gives an inside look at how I approach therapy with each of them. You’ll get a glimpse into the various thoughts and perspectives that run through my mind during sessions – from anxious thoughts to compassionate and critical analyses.
The book is also filled with informative content about anxiety – its causes, how to manage it, and what effective therapy looks like. I do this by including psychoeducation that is interspersed throughout the book. It’s about understanding the therapy world, especially from the viewpoint of someone who’s been on both sides of the therapeutic process.
For example, like Zahra, I had driving anxiety. I use my personal experiences and professional training to help her and many others who come to me with a variety of challenges. The book covers topics like exposure therapy and the importance of understanding your own body and mind.
I wrote this book to resonate with those who have experienced anxiety, to make them feel seen and understood. It’s also for people who might not know what living with anxiety is like. The book is engaging and aims to enlighten readers about anxiety disorders and the stigma around mental health.
My friends and publisher have praised the book, describing it as a perfect mix of an engaging narrative with valuable insights into anxiety. It has been described as “stealth-help” which I am delighted with. It’s meant to help readers empathize with those who struggle with anxiety disorders. I also discuss the concept of emotional conservatism in the book, emphasizing that those who face anxiety are not weak. They are incredibly brave for confronting their fears daily.
“And How Does That Make You Feel?” is a tribute to outstanding therapists and everyone battling anxiety. It’s about finding hope, experiencing joy, and showing that there’s always a path out of panic and anxiety. I’m excited for you to read it and join me on this journey. It’s a significant achievement for me, and I hope you find as much joy in reading it as I did in writing it.
Click here to preorder “And How Does That Make You Feel”.
