Freedom from Anxious Thoughts and Feelings

“Scott Symington tackles an important topic that affects almost 20 percent of all people at any given time—anxiety. In this easy-to-read book, he guides the reader through an innovative approach called the Two-Screen Method, where we learn how to deal with worries visually, and apply mindfulness principles when we need it the most. Through specific steps and well-told client stories, the readers are provided with a blueprint to ease themselves from their own anxious patterns and break the loop of fears that hold them back from achieving advancement, peace, and better relationships. A must-read for anyone!” —Karen J. Miller, PhD, clinical neuropsychologist and health sciences professor at the University of California, Los Angeles

“It is rare that a new book actually presents a truly new thought, perspective, or tool. Scott Symington’s Freedom from Anxious Thoughts and Feelings does all three; his groundbreaking Two-Screen Method for dealing with anxiety is broadly applicable and effective. We use his approach regularly in working with clients who are struggling with sexual issues. We find it is a tool that people can easily visualize and apply in order to accept, but put aside, interfering emotions while focusing on and pursuing spiritually sound, relationship-enhancing, and life-giving goals.” —Clifford and Joyce Penner, sexual therapists, educators, and authors of The Gift of Sex

“Scott Symington’s remarkable book is apt to enhance the emotional well-being of anyone who simply reads it through carefully one time. For those who wish to gain the best possible benefit of the book, he provides the tools. This is no theoretical work or an extended sales pitch for starting therapy. Symington is confident that most readers who suffer from anxiety, worry, or depression will significantly enhance the quality of their inner lives by diligently following his Two-Screen Method guidelines for about twelve weeks. He makes a convincing case and offers tremendous hope in an overly stressed world.” —Anthony J. Mulkern, PhD, president of Mulkern Associates

“Scott Symington’s Two-Screen Method combines several years of clinical therapeutic experience with the practical skills of mindfulness training to provide a process that creates internal psychological space within the person, which allows for the growth and development that permits us to be free of anxious thoughts and feelings. This method visually guides us toward self-acceptance by challenging distorted views of our identity, so that we can live in the present moment and find our true self and ultimate value.” —James A. Van Slyke, PhD, associate professor in the department of psychology at Fresno Pacific University, and author of The Cognitive Science of Religion

“Scott Symington has done a masterful and creative job in synthesizing psychological research and clinical practice into a book that is relatable, easy to understand, practical, and easy to apply. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to both therapists and their clients, as well as anyone interested in acquiring effective tools for dealing with anxiety. Indeed, freedom from problematic anxious thoughts and feelings is possible. I expect many lives will be profoundly impacted by this book.” —Paul Lo, PhD, clinical psychologist and chief of the Mental Health Clinic Section at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA

“Scott Symington uses captivating imagery to not just tell, but vividly show how to change your relationship with anxiety. The two-step approach in this book is a powerful way to evade the clutches of anxiety, and then use the momentum to experience life more deeply and take action to live your best life. I personally use this practice regularly and teach it to my clients who are delighted by how simple and profound it is.” —Jeanette Lantz, PhD,BCB, founder and director of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Northwest

“Living as we do in a world of fear and anxiety, Scott Symington gives us a powerful tool to face, accept, and move beyond these pervasive forces inside and around us. This book is a practical, realistic, and transformative guide. Read it, practice it, and find freedom.” —Mark Labberton, PhD, MDiv, president of Fuller Theological Seminary

“With this book, Scott Symington shares the secrets he has unlocked through years of real-world clinical experience with a wide variety of anxious clients. A unique combination of time-tested therapeutic techniques coupled with innovative practices, his Two-Screen Method is a valuable addition to the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tool chest. The easy-to-follow explanations and recommendations will open readers up to a world of sweet relief as they move through the steps and shed the fears that have held them hostage. As you climb the Freedom Ladder, prepare to trade in your exhausting anxieties for a new set of positive, life-affirming beliefs that will carry you forward into a happier ever after.” —Susanne Whatley, news host on NPR affiliate KPCC in Los Angeles, CA

About the Author:

Scott Symington, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who is dedicated to helping adults overcome worry and anxiety, negative moods, addictive behaviors, and other conditions stealing people’s joy and freedom. In addition to a full-time private practice, he regularly speaks at professional conferences; large church groups; graduate schools and universities; and business groups, including the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Symington earned a PhD in clinical psychology from the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, and completed an MA in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His career path began in the business and consulting world. Then in 1998, after much soul searching, he decided to leave a lucrative position brokering agricultural products to pursue his true passion: clinical psychology—a profession that lined up with both his head and heart.

One of his primary interests, which is informed by his diverse experiences and training, is making the evidenced-based methods of psychology and spiritual wisdom easy to understand and easy to apply to your daily life. Symington practices and resides in Pasadena, CA.