Introduction to Deconstructing Anxiety
Tokens may not be used with webinars
2025
Deconstructing Anxiety is a groundbreaking, evidence-based approach for rapidly uncovering the root causes of anxiety. You will learn unique and powerful techniques for releasing the resistances that keep anxiety alive, getting at their source and transforming them into a sense of high purpose and meaning.
This model puts forth–and demonstrates–the revolutionary idea that there is a singular “core fear” at the root of all suffering, expressing itself in five universal themes of loss:
• abandonment (loss of love)
• loss of identity
• loss of meaning
• loss of purpose
• fear of death
Each of us develops a “chief defense” as our best attempt to protect ourselves from our core fear. While this defense does have its silver lining, it inevitably backfires, creating more of the fear it was supposed to protect us from. It leaves us constantly holding vigil, on the lookout for the resurfacing of the core fear, never free to fully enjoy our fulfillment in the present moment.
The Deconstructing Anxiety model reveals the three ways in which defenses backfire: maintaining our fear, exacerbating our fear, and creating fear out of nothing. This insight reveals the master key to healing and growth–“doing the opposite of the chief defense”. This effectuates the needed exposure to, not just any fear, but one’s core fear, the true root of suffering in our lives. And with such exposure, the core fear is discovered to be an illusion.
The theory and techniques offered in this workshop will teach you how to uncover the core fear and chief defense quickly and reliably. Armed with this knowledge, new strategies for dismantling the chief defense have been demonstrated by research to be “extremely effective.” Come prepared for an exciting adventure into the deepest regions of the unconscious, where the hidden fears at the deep source of our difficulties live, making them available for rapid and lasting transformation.
Target audience: This course is appropriate for all mental health professionals
Content level: Introductory/Intermediate
Educational Objectives
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to
- Describe the core fear/chief defense model of how we build our personalities
- Utilize the principle of “Doing the opposite” of the chief defense
- Demonstrate how to resolve the “resistance to resistance” at the root of all defenses
Syllabus
Overview of the Deconstructing Anxiety theory
- Concept of the “Core Fear”
- Concept of the “Chief Defense”
- Principle of “Doing the Opposite” of the Chief Defense
Overview of the “Deconstructing Anxiety” Practices
- Digging for Gold: Finding the “Core Fear”
- Who are You Really? Finding the “Chief Defense”
- Defining “The Alchemist,” “The Witness,” and “The Warrior’s Stance”
- Letting Go the “Resistance to Resistance”
- Vision Questing
Q&A