Overcoming Social Anxiety: Practical Guide for Confidence & Communication | Self-Help Book for Workplace, Dating & Social Events

It was a Christmas gift. Hope it is helpful.This is the bible of working through social anxiety disorder. An intense read. If you like to put notes in the margin, get the book. I got both the Kindle version and the paperback. Well worth it. This book lets you know you are not alone with social anxiety disorder. There is actually a name for how you feel. It gives you insight into identifying anxiety in yourself and in other people. Most importantly, it shows you the way to stop living with all that fear.If you are seeking HELPFUL material to work through Social Anxiety issues, this is NOT the book you need. It contains alot of "fluff" and not enough clear, concise cognitive behaviorial exercises. Instead purchase the most current CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) text on Social Anxiety, "Managing Social Anxiety" by Debra Hope. Dedicate yourself to following the exercises & using the worksheets in this book on a constant basis and YOU WILL move forward. THIS MATERIAL WORKS. I have read every book out there on Social Anxiety and this one has been the only LIFE CHANGER!Starts out okay but after several typos and other editing errors I realized that this book was self-published. Written for an audience with no prior knowledge of social anxiety. References in the book seem dated. Exercises are not explained well. Examples are heteronormative. Gives unnecessary dating advice. I'd kill for parenthetical citations a la APA to back up ideas and claims. Any editor worth their salt would send this back filled with highlights and strike throughs.Good read and some amazing insights.If you want to know how good this book really is, check out the over 174 positive reviews of the 2000 version. I read that edition of Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe and it got me to where I can meet strangers and make small talk. No mean feat. I am also reading the 2010 edition which has even more exercises and assignments and tips for increasing my confidence. Absolutely no fluff in this book. I highly recommend it.Signe Dayhoff's passion and expertise shine through this very helpful book. No need to feel stuck behind old fears, Dr. Dayhoff supports and calls forth the true strength of your character - just what's needed.