By Friedemann Schaub

If the anxious mind is a spiraling whirlpool of what-ifs and self-doubt, then The Fear & Anxiety Solution is an anchor that helps keep the spirit moored. Author Friedemann Schaub has a keen understanding of how anxious individuals constantly struggle against themselves, and his book will resonate with anyone who has ever felt that an internal saboteur is magnifying every decision and mistake times a thousand.

Schaub digs deep into the root causes of fear and anxiety—he suggests that they arise as protective mechanisms in early childhood and can impact the body on a cellular level. Though Schaub delves into the murky territories of the subconscious and the higher consciousness, he writes like a no-nonsense coach sizing up his opponent with clarity and precision. This nuts-and-bolts approach to resolving anxiety is a welcome change from the hippy-dippy “just think happy thoughts!” brands of self-help.

So how exactly does one reprogram the subconscious? Schaub offers concrete, step-by-step thought processes and visualization exercises for addressing the deep-seated causes of that overwhelming negative self-talk tailspin. Envisioning the past and future floating above the body or noticing the brightness and color of intimidating situations offers a unique perspective on self-perception, though at points these exercises veer into abstraction. Overall, the book presents a different paradigm, helping readers to see anxiety and fear not as enemies but “as friends and guides that are right there to help you claim your power.”