And How Does That Make You Feel?

Everything You (N)ever Wanted to Know About Therapy

by Joshua Fletcher

4.5(530 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book goes behind the scenes of therapy to reveal how professionals help people navigate anxiety, panic, OCD, and grief. Expect to learn the truth about why our minds react the way they do—and discover practical, compassionate ways to find your own balance.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what really happens in therapy beyond the iconic question “And how does that make you feel?” In reality, counseling rooms are places where raw emotions, misunderstandings, and surprising breakthroughs unfold, guided by empathy and curiosity.

This book invites you into that world. Through relatable stories and everyday dilemmas, we see that therapy isn’t about quietly judging you. It’s about working together to find clarity when life’s complexity becomes overwhelming.

You’ll witness everyday courage as people face fears around panic, complicated grief, and intrusive thoughts. Along the way, you’ll learn how therapy principles—like identifying unhelpful beliefs—can apply to your own challenges.

Whether you’re curious about starting therapy or simply want to become more self-aware, you’ll find warm guidance here. Let’s open the door to a journey that can illuminate how we confront anxiety, nurture ourselves, and spark real change.

The Roots of Anxiety

Anxiety is as old as humankind, originally designed to keep us safe from predators. Our ancestors developed a keen sense of danger, which helped them spot threats—like hungry lions—from afar. That evolutionary legacy still runs in our veins today.

In modern times, though, those ‘lions’ have taken shape as social fears, performance worries, and dread of being judged or left behind. Our amygdala, the part of the brain overseeing fear, hasn’t quite updated its software to align with everyday city life.

While anxiety gets a bad rap, it’s meant to protect us. Picture it like a vigilant sentinel scanning the horizon for danger. The real challenge is when this guard sees threats everywhere—leading to racing thoughts and sudden dread over situations that aren’t truly harmful.

Understanding the roots of anxiety can help us realize that we’re not flawed for feeling on edge. Instead, we can learn to spot when the alarm is genuine or just an old habit. Awareness is the first step in working with, rather than against, this ancient mechanism.

Sometimes, anxiety is simply our mind trying to keep us safe in a world that no longer matches our primal fears.

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What is And How Does That Make You Feel? about?

"And How Does That Make You Feel?" by Joshua Fletcher guides readers through the often-misunderstood world of therapy, demystifying the process while providing insightful revelations on mental health. This book tackles essential yet complex topics such as anxiety, panic, OCD, and grief, offering a blend of scientific explanations and practical advice. With a compassionate approach, Fletcher seeks to break down the barriers to understanding how therapy works and its positive impact on mental wellness.

Catering to a society that increasingly acknowledges its mental health needs, this book sheds light on why our brains trigger certain defenses and how therapy can effectively address these concerns. By examining the science behind our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, the author provides tools for readers to recognize and mitigate these patterns. His focus on exposing the real workings of therapy paves the way for personal empowerment, offering readers a map to navigate their inner turmoil and find clarity.

Engaging, relatable, and timely, "And How Does That Make You Feel?" offers a beacon for those seeking to understand therapy, encouraging readers to embrace the journey of mental well-being with openness and empathy.

Review of And How Does That Make You Feel?

Joshua Fletcher's "And How Does That Make You Feel?" stands out for its unique and approachable exploration of therapy and mental health themes. Delving into anxiety, OCD, panic, and the depths of grief, Fletcher skillfully connects these conditions to the intricate workings of our minds. His strength lies in breaking down complex psychological concepts into accessible and digestible content, ensuring readers feel both educated and supported throughout their journey.

One of the book's key strengths is its practical application. Through relatable anecdotes and tested methodologies, Fletcher offers insights into how therapy can be integrated into daily life, emphasizing the importance of finding the right therapist for effective healing. By addressing common misconceptions, the book serves as both an informative guide and a comforting companion for anyone curious about therapy.

In terms of style, Fletcher's writing is accessible and never feels academic or distant, making it a suitable read for anyone regardless of their prior knowledge about mental health. His tone, warm and empathetic, resonates with a diverse audience, offering a reassuring hand to those hesitant about therapy. Whether you're anxious, grieving, or simply curious about self-awareness, "And How Does That Make You Feel?" is a compelling and invaluable read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking enlightenment and healing through therapy.

Who should read And How Does That Make You Feel??

Mental health enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of therapy and its processes will find this book an enlightening resource.
Individuals battling anxiety, panic disorders, or OCD who are seeking compassionate strategies for managing their mental health will resonate with Fletcher's insights.
Therapy newcomers either curious or hesitant about the process will benefit from the demystification of counseling rooms presented here.
Mental health professionals interested in alternative perspectives on therapy and patient engagement can gain valuable insights from Fletcher's comprehensive approach.
People experiencing grief looking for a better comprehension of their emotions and actionable steps for emotional processing through therapy.

About the author

Joshua Fletcher is a UK-based psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders. He holds an MSc in Counselling Psychology from Keele University and a PGCert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from Salford University. With over 7 years of experience, he has written several best-selling self-help books on anxiety and mental health, including "Anxiety: Panicking about Panic" and "Untangle Your Anxiety." He is also known for his popular podcasts and social media presence, where he shares insights and advice on managing anxiety.