Seth David Chernoff is an award-winning author, two-time cancer survivor, gifted speaker, highly successful marketing professional and founder of multiple companies. His new book is Manual For Living: Reality, A User’s Guide to the Meaning of Life. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Popular Mechanics, Business Week, USA Today, and on national TV and Radio.

By facing death as a two-time cancer survivor, Seth David Chernoff learned to experience the fullness of life. In his award-winning new book, Manual for Living: Reality, A User’s Guide to the Meaning of Life, he offers straightforward guidance for achieving lasting happiness, overcoming fear of death and finding true purpose.
He has lived his message, and pulls no punches as he writes about the hard subjects of death, illness, fear, finding balance, our toxic environment, our perception of what is real, our finances, and our need to accumulate. He deals with change and major transition, living in the “now” and so much more by answering life’s most burning questions.

Why are we always in such a hurry?

Can we really micromanage our life?

Are our physical ailments caused by frustration, anxiety or stress?

Why is it such a challenge to maintain inner peace?

Why doesn’t hard work always equate with results or fulfillment?
Why do we allow ourselves to suffer?

Why aren’t we guaranteed happiness?

How can we find true fulfillment and lasting happiness

What exactly is a spiritual life?

What is the meaning of life?

Seth David Chernoff is an award-winning author, two-time cancer survivor, gifted speaker, highly successful marketing professional and founder of multiple companies. His new book is Manual For Living: Reality, A User’s Guide to the Meaning of Life. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Popular Mechanics, Business Week, USA Today, and on national TV and Radio.

For more information please visit http://www.SethChernoff.com.

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There is one key factor that makes the difference between those who fully eliminate panic attacks from their lives and those who do not. The key ingredient is not medication, lifestyle changes, or relaxation exercises. It is when the individual no longer fears the thought of having a panic attack.

The first time a person experiences a panic attack it can feel like their world is falling down around them. Nowhere feels safe as the anxiety becomes like a stalker lurking in the background.

When this happens people begin to either avoid situations that make them anxious or they medicate themselves to the point where they are numb to the fear. I am sure you will agree neither of the above is a satisfactory solution.

The “When Anxiety Attacks” Program  is giving people the ability to immediately stop fearing another panic attack. It is very simple yet amazingly effective.

Available instantly!

Digital download for only: $39.95

Here is how it works:

After a person experiences a panic attack for the first time, the experience can be so impacting that it leaves a strong imprint on the persons psyche. This mental imprint generates a cycle or loop of anxiety whereby the person develops an unhealthy fear of having another panic attack. People can spend anywhere from months to years caught in this repetitive cycle of anxiety.

“When Anxiety Attacks” teaches a technique that now allows that person to break the cycle of anxiety and return to normal everyday living.

The really unique element of the technique is that there is no need for you to regress into your past and find out why you had your initial panic attack in order to get results. All that is needed is your willingness to break out of the anxiety cycle.

What are the symptoms of an anxiety attack?
Keep in mind that not everyone who gets panic attacks has an anxiety disorder. However, an anxiety attack starts suddenly and is often at it’s worst within 10 minutes. An attack may last for hours. Some of the typical symptoms are:

ANY OF THIS SOUND LIKE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW?

If so, you need this course. This program has helped thousands and it will help you!

During this course you will learn about depression as well as the following Anxiety disorders: panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Anxiety Attacks. You might be surprised to learn that Anxiety, OCD and Depression often go hand in hand. These are all real conditions that affect your body, the way you think and how you feel and act. They affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, lifestyles, races, and ethnic groups. Because we now know that with the right treatment and support you can get back to enjoying your life. You’ll be more productive and have clear thoughts once again. Most importantly, this course will teach you real life skills that you can use right now to begin living a better life. No fluff, just the facts learn and experienced first hand by a real life sufferer who’s lived it, been through therapy and survived! Steven Diamond answers every question you might have and teaches only what you really need to know. Saving you time and money in the process.

Here’s some of what you will learn:

CD Number One -

Introduction

The Basics

All About Anxiety

Common Fears / Handling Crisis

Taking Action

Causes of your Attacks

Breathing, Silence and Stillness




CD Number Two -

Exploring your Internal Dialog

High Expectations and Nutrition

Anger

Assertive Behavior




CD Number Three -

Guilt and Worry

Over-thinking Scary Thoughts

Getting the Help You Need




4th BONUS CD -

Guided Visual Relaxation Journey - If you can’t sleep at night, you’ll LOVE this CD!

You will learn to consistently elicit the relaxation response, which has a number of healing physiological responses, including increased heart-rate variability and lower pulse rate.

Relaxation therapy has been scientifically and medically proven to:

Decrease Arrhythmia

Improve Focus

Improve Sleep

Improve blood sugar and Cholesterol Levels.

Learning to recall this instant healing property of this pleasurable mental experience will help you to remain positive and focused.

This 4 CD enhanced audio course is not written from a doctor’s point of view, as Steven has only a high school education, but from the viewpoint of an actual sufferer, with key OCD / Anxiety incidents explained in layman’s terms. He hopes you will identify with what he has learned and experienced and in turn helping you to avoid some of the suffering he endured for so long.

Consider this audio course as an owner’s handbook of what to do and how to STOP anxiety and stress from controlling your life. When Anxiety Attacks – what to do and how to make it disappear, will move you, teach you and inspire you to use what you have learned to make the difference in your own life.

Available instantly!

Digital download for only: $39.95

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How do you really know if your therapy is working?

Good question huh?

Therapy that works is a two way street. Both you and the therapist are team mates. And it takes a serious commitment on both parts to make sometimes difficult changes in behavior or thinking patterns that you have established over a life time.

It’s always a good idea to discuss with your therapist just what you would like the outcome of your counseling to be. Talk about realistic time frames for reaching realistic goals and agree on how you will measure your progress as you travel down the path of wellness.

Remember to be completely open and honest with your therapist and try your best to establish a solid foundation of communication. Often, this requires an elusive “chemistry” between both of you in which you feel comfortable with your counselor’s personality, approach and style. However, keep in mind that your therapist is not going to be a friend so to speak. They are there to guide you down the path. I like to think of them as a “Tour Guide”. If after the first the first few sessions you are not feeling the “communication chemistry”, I advise that you look for another counselor with whom you will feel more comfortable, open and honest.

Finding the right therapist is only the first step. The real challenge is in understanding in such an emotional state just how effective his or her therapy is for you.

Here are some signs I think are important to look for:

Keep in mind that it’s really up to you to make the changes in your life. In other words… You have to work at it.  An effective counselor can help pinpoint the obstacles in your way. But you have to help by being a good communicator. A good therapist can spot what’s going on and help suggest behavioral changes so you can overcome them. If you find certain obstacles you face involve factors beyond your control, you “Tour Guide” can teach you coping skills that will foster your well being in trying circumstances.

An effective therapist is really good at spotting negative thinking patterns that may be feeding your feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. By encouraging you to muster up the personal strengths you need and teaching you real skills that really work, you can overcome self-inflicted feelings of hopelessness. Before you know it, you’ll develop a more positive attitude and outlook on life.

You will learn how to make positive changes in your relationships with others, helping you recognize behaviors that may be contributing to a troublesome relationship. A good therapist will teach you new ways of communicating, clearing the way for honest exchanges with people in your life who may be causing you emotional pain.

The best way to spot a great therapist is when they make you think about things or in ways that you never have before. Therapy is not a fast or easy solution. However, if you stick with it, in the end you will feel personal growth that empowers you to control your life and enjoy positive, life-affirming relationships with the people you care most about.

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So you’ve made the careful decision to seek professional therapy. You’ve checked your bank account and now you are ready. What’s going to happen when I sit down in that chair for the first time? What can I expect? What do I do? What do I say? Don’t worry, those feelings are all natural and here are some basic guide lines to help you understand the process.

The first session, your new therapist typically will ask certain questions about you and your life. That’s perfectly normal, they aren’t being nosey or trying to dig all up in your business. Try to relax and don’t be defensive.  This information helps him or her to make an initial assessment of your situation. They might ask you questions like:

Why did you decide to come to therapy. A particular issue probably led you to seek counseling, they know this already and that is what they are really asking. The therapist has to understand your surface problem(s) before he can get to the deeper issues.

What’s going on in your world and what was your childhood like. The therapist might ask you a series of questions about the history life you have lived. For example, because family situations play an important role in who you are, They might ask about your family history and your current family situation. Be truthful and answer the questions as honestly as you can.

What are you feeling inside right now. Your new therapist will attempt to find out through asking a series of in depth questions if you’re suffering from other symptoms of your problem. They want to know for example, if your problem might be caused by difficulty or stress at work, your home, in a particular relationship or any sort of combination.

Truly, they do need this information to better understand you and your current situation. And, while they may make a diagnosis at the end of your first visit, it’s more likely that a diagnosis will take a few more sessions. Trust me, they don’t always get it right the first time. So take any “first blush” diagnosis as just that.

You can’t just sit there and expect miracles to happen.

This is going to be a team effort if you ever expect to really get anything out of it. If you don’t take an active part and truly participate in the session, you won’t get much out of the overall experience and you’ll basically be wasting your money. I did that too in the beginning. No need to play games. You are the one paying for this. However, you have to participate because the therapist can do anything without honest answers from you.  Here are some things you can do to make your first session as successful as possible.

Be open and honest. This is the most important thing you can do. Good therapists are highly trained to ask the right questions, but they’re not mind readers either. So answer the questions openly and honestly from day one.

Go in there fully prepared. Before you go, stop and think about how to describe “what’s wrong in my life.” and “what is it I really want to change”. The best way to prepare I found, is to write down the reasons you’re seeking help. Make a list and then read it out loud. Hearing yourself say it a few times will help you describe things more clearly to the therapist.

Be brave and ask questions. The more you understand by asking questions, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Knowledge is power and unless you ask, there is no real way to fully know.  Ask questions about the overall process, and do NOT hesitate to ask the therapist to repeat anything you don’t fully understand. Remember, questions are FREE. Well, sort of…

Don’t be overwhelmed, relax. I know that your head will be spinning with all sorts of questions and worries and concerns during this first session. Relax. Breathe deep.  Listen to your own reactions and gut feelings, and share them with the therapist. You’ll both learn from these insights.

Don’t set overly high expectation for your therapy. Therapy is not a quick fix or a magic cure for your problems, rather it is a process or as I like to think of it, as a journey. In time, you will begin to see the difference in your life and feel better about the direction you are traveling.

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How To Choose The Right Therapist

Choosing a Therapist

Anxiety Disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals, including: psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers and psychiatric nurses. Primary care physicians are also becoming increasingly aware of the problems of anxiety disorders and depression and are making these diagnoses with more frequency. A primary care physician may prescribe medication, or may refer a patient to a mental health provider.

Finding the right therapist can be tricky, as satisfactory credentials are not the only factors to take into consideration. It is important to feel comfortable with one’s therapist. Speak to the therapist, either on the phone or in his/her office, and do not be embarrassed if you feel uncomfortable and would rather see someone else.

The most important thing to remember is that you have to feel comfortable with this person. You need to feel comfortable telling them everything about you and your life in the most honest detail you have ever spoken. The truth. The unvarnished truth. This person you are so carefully choosing will be the one to help guide you to a path of healing. However ONLY if you tell them the truth. They need you to open up and be uninhibited in your conversations.

I always tell people that if you get a bad vibe or it just doesn’t click, then find someone else. You need to be able to communicate with your therapist openly and honestly in order for therapy to truly work for you.

Why is this choice so important?

Therapy is a collaborative process, so finding the right match-someone with whom you have a sense of rapport-is critical. After you find someone, keep in mind that therapy is work and sometimes can be painful, VERY painful. Not to mention VERY expensive.

Below are some typical questions you might have when beginning your search for the right therapist for you:

Can a therapist share what I have said during therapy?

You can rest assured that all mental health professionals are ethically and illegally bound to keep what you say during therapy confidential. However, therapists also are bound by law to report information such as threats to blow up a building or to harm another person, for example.

What are the steps for choosing a therapist?

1. See your primary care physician to rule out a medical cause of your problems. If your thyroid is “sluggish,” for example, your symptoms-such as loss of appetite and fatigue-could be mistaken for depression. That happens allot.
2. After you know your problems are not caused by a medical condition, find out what the mental health coverage is under your insurance policy or through Medicaid/Medicare. Because therapy is not cheap. Currently a good therapist can cost anywhere from $125 and up per hour, per week.
3. Get two or three referrals before making an appointment. Specify age range, sex, race, sexual orientation or religious background if those characteristics are important to you.
4. Call to find out about appointment availability, location, and fees. Ask the receptionist:
   • Does the mental health professional have availability for new patience?
   • Does he or she accept your health insurance or Medicaid/Medicare?
5. Make sure the therapist has experience helping people whose problems are similar to yours. You may want to ask the receptionist about the therapist’s expertise, education, and number of years in practice. Then Google them to see what you can find.
6. If you are satisfied with the answers, make an appointment.
7. During your first visit, describe those feelings and problems that led you to seek help.
8. Find out:
   • What kind of therapy/treatment program he or she recommends;
   • Whether it has proven effective for dealing with problems such as yours;
   • What the benefits and side effects are;
   • How much therapy the mental health professional recommends; and
   • Whether he or she is willing to coordinate your care with another practitioner if you are personally interested in exploring credible alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.
9. Be sure the psychotherapist does not take a “cookie cutter” approach to your treatment-what works for one person with major depression does not necessarily work for another. Different psychotherapies and medications are tailored to meet specific needs.
10. Although the role of a therapist is not to be a friend, rapport is a critical element of successful therapy. After your initial visit, take some time to explore how you felt about the therapist. Go with “your gut instinct”.
11. If the answers to these questions and others you come up with are “yes,” schedule another appointment to begin the process of working together to understand and overcome your problems. If the answers to most of these questions are “no,” call another mental health professional from your referral list and schedule another appointment.

What is the difference between psychiatrists and clinical social workers?

Two kinds of therapists warrant special note: psychiatrists and clinical social workers.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication.

Clinical social workers are trained in client-centered advocacy and can assist you with information, referral, and direct help in dealing with local, State, or Federal government agencies. As a result, they often serve as case managers to help people “navigate the system.” Clinical social workers and many other mental health professionals cannot write prescriptions. However, nurse practitioners that specialize in psychiatry and mental health can prescribe medication in most states. And, under a new law, psychologists in New Mexico can prescribe medications after receiving training (New Mexico State Legislature, 2002).

For more information:

For information on finding services in your area, write, call, or e-mail SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center. The Center can also provide you with a list of community mental health centers and hospitals that provide psychiatric services in your State.

SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center
P.O Box 42557
Washington, DC 20015
Telephone: 800-789-2647
Fax: 240-747-5470
(TDD): 866-889-2647
E-mail: nmhic-info@samhsa.hhs.gov
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov

Other Referral Sources
American Association of Marriage and
Family Therapy
112 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3061
Telephone: 703-838-9808
Fax: 703-838-9805
www.aamft.org

American Association of Pastoral Counselors
9504-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031-2303
Telephone: 703-385-6967
Fax: 703-352-7725
E-mail: info@aapc.org
www.aapc.org

American Psychiatric Association
1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901
Telephone: 703-907-7300
Toll Free: 888-357-6850
www.psych.org

American Psychiatric Nurses Association
1555 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 515
Arlington, VA 22209
Telephone: 703-243-2443
Fax: 703-243-3390
www.apna.org

American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Telephone: 800-374-2721
Fax: 202-336-5510
www.helping.apa.org

National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
Telephone: 800-638-8799 or 202-408-8600
Fax: 202-336-8310
E-mail: info@naswdc.org
www.naswdc.org

National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Telephone: 703-684-7722 or 800-969-NMHA (6642)
Fax: 703-684-5968
www.nmha.org

Psychology Today
115 E. 23rd St., 9th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Telephone: 212-260-7210
www.psychologytoday.com

Remember:  If you don’t think you can be honest and completely open with this person, find someone else. You’ll only be hurting yourself in the long run. Trust me.

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Behavior Therapy

The goal of Behavior Therapy is to modify and gain control over unwanted behavior. The individual learns to cope with difficult situations, often through controlled exposure to them. This kind of therapy gives the individual a sense of having control over their life.

Cognitive Therapy

The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to change unproductive or harmful thought patterns. The individual examines his feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with Behavior Therapy, the individual is actively involved in his own recovery and has a sense of control.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Many therapists use a combination of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies, this is often referred to as CBT. One of the benefits of these types therapies is that the patient learns recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation Techniques help individuals develop the ability to more effectively cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include breathing re-training and exercise.

Medication

Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and it is often used in conjunction with one or more of the therapies mentioned above. Sometimes anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward. Medication is effective for many people and can be either a short-term or long-term treatment option, depending on the individual.

However, the most satisfing therapy is the one you choose for yourself. Let’s face it, no one knows you, like you. Most people do not need expensive face to face traditional therapy. Learning the proper coping skills can in most cases can produce signifigent results. You can do it yourself once you know how.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW to learn how you can begin your journey to a better more peaceful life today!
When Anxiety Attacks

You’ll be so glad you did.

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Questions To Ask Your Therapist

A good therapist should be willing to answer any questions you may have about their methods, training and fees. (Currently good therapy can cost anywhere from $125 and up per HOUR per WEEK.)

It’s not cheap. It’s another reason why I created this supportive community. I get a ton of email through my subscribers, (When you sign up for my email list you can contact me directly anytime) and many of you have written to me and asked “What are some really good questions to ask my new therapist?” or “How do I know if my therapist is going to be a good fit for me?”

These are really great questions and the answer is: “Ask them the right questions.” Simple as that. So here are a few questions that you can ask to help you get an idea if your therapist will be the right one for you. Remember… if you don’t feel comfortable, find someone else. Listen to your “gut instinct”. It will tell you the truth.

These are just a few questions you may want to ask a therapist during the first consultation:

• What training and experience do you have in treating anxiety disorders?
• What is your basic approach to treatment?
• Can you prescribe medication or refer me to someone who can, if that proves necessary?
• How long is the course of treatment?
• How frequent are treatment sessions and how long do they last?
• Do you include family members in therapy?
• Will you or a staff member go to the home of a phobic person, if necessary?
• What is your fee schedule, and do you have a sliding scale for varying financial circumstances?
• What kinds of health insurance do you accept?
• What if I don’t have any health insurance at all?

Remember, if a therapist is reluctant to answer your questions, or if you do not feel comfortable, see someone else.

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