Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health problem.  These disorders tend to be chronic, causing the sufferer to abandon hope for a cure and resort to medications for symptom relief.  Conventional therapy has offered minimal relief for these persistent conditions.  This workshop will present a different perspective on anxiety and an alternative approach to treatment based on mindful acceptance.  Anxiety is presented as similar to an addiction in its excessiveness, repetitiveness, and loss of and craving for control.  Anxiety is like a stimulant drug that excites, numbs, and possesses.  The Twelve Steps of A.A., which have offered many with a variety of addictions hope of recovery, will be explained as a framework of recovery for those suffering fear and anxiety.  The Steps propose a commonsense way of transforming the habit of anxious reacting to conscious value-directed responding.

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify the addictive quality of anxiety as a stimulant drug.
2. Implement the wisdom of the Twelve Steps to treating those with anxiety.
3. Describe methods to help clients change their relationship with their anxiety and find relief.