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The title says it plainly: the way past a fear or phobia usually runs through it, not around it. David Tolin makes that idea approachable, and he backs it with the treatment that has the strongest track record for phobias.
What this book is about
Tolin, a well-known psychologist and researcher, teaches exposure therapy in everyday language. He helps you understand your particular kind of fear, then guides you to face it gradually so your brain learns it’s safe. The book speaks to phobias, panic, social fears, and more.
Who this book may help
It’s a good match if you:
- Have a specific phobia that’s shrinking what you’ll do
- Want to understand exposure therapy before trying it
- Like real patient stories that show the method in action
- Prefer a readable guide over a dense workbook
Key tools in the book
You’ll identify your type of fear, build a step-by-step exposure plan, and learn to stay with the discomfort long enough for it to ease. Tolin explains why avoidance keeps fear alive and how facing it, in doses you choose, turns that around.
Clinical strengths
Tolin is a genuine authority, and he makes exposure feel doable rather than frightening. The stories of real people getting better are encouraging, and the science is sound. It’s a warm, credible introduction to the approach that works.
Limitations
Exposure is effective and also uncomfortable, and some people need a therapist’s coaching to keep going when it gets hard. A book can’t calibrate the pace for you. If a phobia is severe, or tied to trauma, please do this work with professional support.
My recommendation
I recommend this often to people ready to stop avoiding and start facing a fear. It pairs well with phobia treatment, where exposures can be planned and paced with help. Read it, build your ladder, and take the first small step this week.
View Face Your Fears on Amazon
This review is for general education and isn’t a substitute for professional care. If you’re struggling, a licensed mental health professional can help you find the right next step.
Dr. Joseph S. Weiss is a psychologist in Seattle, WA. He works with people dealing with anxiety, OCD, panic, insomnia, and phobias, drawing on CBT, EMDR, and other approaches with strong research behind them. He’s convinced that almost no one is as stuck as they feel, and that the right tools, used patiently, almost always make a difference.
