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You're Not Crazy: Living with Anxiety, Obsessions and Fetishes
This book will change your life. You're Not Living with Anxiety, Obsessions and Fetishes is designed to help those who suffer deeply from anxiety and its manifestations, especially in these times of escalating mental health concerns exacerbated by the devastating pandemic.
Are you suffering from any of the following?
This illuminating workbook is filled with stories of humanity at its neurotic quirkiest who find life-altering transformation and offers readers a methodical solution that can liberate them from similar anxiety-based maladies.
Those who either suffer from such afflictions or who are family members of someone in desperate need of help will find hope in these pages as they read the stories of patients who discover empowerment, newfound confidence and, most importantly, the burst of freedom that comes with a rapid correction of maladaptive behaviors.
Are you suffering from any of the following?
This illuminating workbook is filled with stories of humanity at its neurotic quirkiest who find life-altering transformation and offers readers a methodical solution that can liberate them from similar anxiety-based maladies.
Those who either suffer from such afflictions or who are family members of someone in desperate need of help will find hope in these pages as they read the stories of patients who discover empowerment, newfound confidence and, most importantly, the burst of freedom that comes with a rapid correction of maladaptive behaviors.
226 pages, Hardcover
Published April 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 19, 2021
Can a hybrid of two therapy techniques, Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, help people overcome various concerns such as panic attacks, fetishism, social phobia, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, excoriation/skin-picking and conversion disorders/pseudo-seizures?
Laurie Singer is an award-winning licensed marriage family therapist who is board certified in applied behavior analysis. She holds a Master of Science degree.
In her recently published tome, You're Not Crazy: Living with Anxiety, Obsessions and Fetishes, she states she has used the combination of these two therapeutic techniques in her practice in helping people overcome their irrational behavior.
According to Singer, these therapies are "results-oriented, solution-focused processes relying on the examination of thoughts and unhealthy behaviors." Her discovery of this powerful tool enables her to address both the precipitating thought process and its behavior. Implementing this hybrid approach "provides relief from both the symptom and the problematic behavior."
As Singer explains, she has found, using this process, a disruption of the unhealthy thought-cycle of self-harm, self-risk or misconduct. It is replaced with newly learned behavior patterns.
During her many years of practice, we are informed that her discovery illustrates that building awareness of both the thought and the specific action into a treatment plan can quickly bring the sufferer's life back to a stable functioning.
The organization of the material in You're Not Crazy is well-planned with the layperson in mind.
The opening chapter defines in simple terms the disorders examined in the book. Singer aligns the following sections with the ghosts people are struggling with that cause them to live with unhealthy behavior. Case studies of anxiety-based conditions are presented. These are followed in the ensuing chapters with the therapy applicable in helping these sufferers. A further section brings the reader into the therapist's office and summarizes what transpires in the sessions. The concluding chapter of the book provides a workbook showing the simple steps to be taken to make a behavioral change.
Each scenario exposed in the book is drawn from Singer's own case studies. She connects her findings to help us understand how her two therapy approach works.
Names and details have been changed dramatically to obscure Singer's clients' and their families' identities. The confidentiality of her clients is of paramount importance to her and to her practice.
After reading these powerful narratives, what stands out is how Singer's clients bared their souls and eventually worked with her in implementing her therapeutic approach. She relates to her clients so intimately that it is impossible not to become engaged in their stories yourself.
One disorder of particular interest to me was the section dealing with agoraphobia. I have known members of my family who suffered from this anxiety disorder. Singer describes it as "a marked and disproportionate fear when confronted with at least two different situations, such as open spaces, public transport or crowded areas."
We are further enlightened that people who suffer from agoraphobia experience an immediate anxiety response, such as a panic attack, when they are exposed to the phobic stimulus. They recognize the fear as disproportionate.
To exemplify, Singer shares the story about a young woman, Andrea, who put off going to family parties fearing that she would "freak out" if the party became crowded. Andrea would rationalize not going because she did not want to ruin her parents' anniversary. Singer explains how she dealt with Andrea and her disorder. Individuals such as Andrea arrive for treatment at her office very often when they have hit rock bottom. There is a reluctance to leave their comfort zone. These sufferers hold off seeing a therapist for as long as possible, trying to manage their behavior alone. Once they have taken the first step to see a therapist, they realize that their behavior has even put others in danger.
Singer hopes her book will give anxiety-sufferers the courage to step out of their debilitating behavior and use the tools and techniques to help themselves and those around them. She informs her readers that she also experienced anxiety and has used the tools and strategies to manage it when it occurs. And even if you are not ready to start the process exposed in the book, it is okay. The book will wait for you. Come back anytime, when you are ready.
Follow Here https://waa.ai/mXz2 To Read Norm's Interview With Laurie
Laurie Singer is an award-winning licensed marriage family therapist who is board certified in applied behavior analysis. She holds a Master of Science degree.
In her recently published tome, You're Not Crazy: Living with Anxiety, Obsessions and Fetishes, she states she has used the combination of these two therapeutic techniques in her practice in helping people overcome their irrational behavior.
According to Singer, these therapies are "results-oriented, solution-focused processes relying on the examination of thoughts and unhealthy behaviors." Her discovery of this powerful tool enables her to address both the precipitating thought process and its behavior. Implementing this hybrid approach "provides relief from both the symptom and the problematic behavior."
As Singer explains, she has found, using this process, a disruption of the unhealthy thought-cycle of self-harm, self-risk or misconduct. It is replaced with newly learned behavior patterns.
During her many years of practice, we are informed that her discovery illustrates that building awareness of both the thought and the specific action into a treatment plan can quickly bring the sufferer's life back to a stable functioning.
The organization of the material in You're Not Crazy is well-planned with the layperson in mind.
The opening chapter defines in simple terms the disorders examined in the book. Singer aligns the following sections with the ghosts people are struggling with that cause them to live with unhealthy behavior. Case studies of anxiety-based conditions are presented. These are followed in the ensuing chapters with the therapy applicable in helping these sufferers. A further section brings the reader into the therapist's office and summarizes what transpires in the sessions. The concluding chapter of the book provides a workbook showing the simple steps to be taken to make a behavioral change.
Each scenario exposed in the book is drawn from Singer's own case studies. She connects her findings to help us understand how her two therapy approach works.
Names and details have been changed dramatically to obscure Singer's clients' and their families' identities. The confidentiality of her clients is of paramount importance to her and to her practice.
After reading these powerful narratives, what stands out is how Singer's clients bared their souls and eventually worked with her in implementing her therapeutic approach. She relates to her clients so intimately that it is impossible not to become engaged in their stories yourself.
One disorder of particular interest to me was the section dealing with agoraphobia. I have known members of my family who suffered from this anxiety disorder. Singer describes it as "a marked and disproportionate fear when confronted with at least two different situations, such as open spaces, public transport or crowded areas."
We are further enlightened that people who suffer from agoraphobia experience an immediate anxiety response, such as a panic attack, when they are exposed to the phobic stimulus. They recognize the fear as disproportionate.
To exemplify, Singer shares the story about a young woman, Andrea, who put off going to family parties fearing that she would "freak out" if the party became crowded. Andrea would rationalize not going because she did not want to ruin her parents' anniversary. Singer explains how she dealt with Andrea and her disorder. Individuals such as Andrea arrive for treatment at her office very often when they have hit rock bottom. There is a reluctance to leave their comfort zone. These sufferers hold off seeing a therapist for as long as possible, trying to manage their behavior alone. Once they have taken the first step to see a therapist, they realize that their behavior has even put others in danger.
Singer hopes her book will give anxiety-sufferers the courage to step out of their debilitating behavior and use the tools and techniques to help themselves and those around them. She informs her readers that she also experienced anxiety and has used the tools and strategies to manage it when it occurs. And even if you are not ready to start the process exposed in the book, it is okay. The book will wait for you. Come back anytime, when you are ready.
Follow Here https://waa.ai/mXz2 To Read Norm's Interview With Laurie
January 17, 2026
You’re Not Crazy is a compassionate, direct, and deeply human guide for those living with anxiety and its many complex manifestations. At a time when global mental health challenges have intensified, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, Laurie Singer offers readers clarity, validation, and practical hope.
What distinguishes this book is its refusal to shame or sensationalize conditions that are frequently misunderstood. Anxiety disorders, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, fetishes, and psychosomatic symptoms are presented not as moral failings or oddities, but as human responses rooted in fear, conditioning, and trauma.
Singer’s approach is grounded in empathy. Through real-life stories and therapeutic insight, the book reassures readers that they are not broken, dangerous, or alone. The repeated message, that symptoms are not identity, provides immediate emotional relief to those accustomed to secrecy and self-blame.
The workbook format transforms understanding into action. Rather than offering abstract theory alone, the text guides readers through structured reflection and behavioral correction, emphasizing that maladaptive patterns can be unlearned with the right tools and support.
Particularly powerful is the way the book reframes recovery. Progress is not portrayed as perfection or the elimination of intrusive thoughts, but as empowerment, the restoration of agency, confidence, and freedom from fear-based control.
By addressing topics often avoided even within mental health spaces, You’re Not Crazy broadens the conversation and challenges stigma directly. It speaks not only to those who suffer, but also to loved ones seeking comprehension and compassion.
This is a book that meets readers where they are, afraid, confused, exhausted, and gently reminds them that healing is possible, dignity is intact, and they are not alone in their struggle.
What distinguishes this book is its refusal to shame or sensationalize conditions that are frequently misunderstood. Anxiety disorders, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, fetishes, and psychosomatic symptoms are presented not as moral failings or oddities, but as human responses rooted in fear, conditioning, and trauma.
Singer’s approach is grounded in empathy. Through real-life stories and therapeutic insight, the book reassures readers that they are not broken, dangerous, or alone. The repeated message, that symptoms are not identity, provides immediate emotional relief to those accustomed to secrecy and self-blame.
The workbook format transforms understanding into action. Rather than offering abstract theory alone, the text guides readers through structured reflection and behavioral correction, emphasizing that maladaptive patterns can be unlearned with the right tools and support.
Particularly powerful is the way the book reframes recovery. Progress is not portrayed as perfection or the elimination of intrusive thoughts, but as empowerment, the restoration of agency, confidence, and freedom from fear-based control.
By addressing topics often avoided even within mental health spaces, You’re Not Crazy broadens the conversation and challenges stigma directly. It speaks not only to those who suffer, but also to loved ones seeking comprehension and compassion.
This is a book that meets readers where they are, afraid, confused, exhausted, and gently reminds them that healing is possible, dignity is intact, and they are not alone in their struggle.
May 5, 2021
This exciting new self-help book is aimed at individuals struggling with unhealthy behaviors associated with anxiety. It's a highly positive and inclusive approach that enlists family and other loved ones to help support the practical therapeutic techniques outlined. Combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques, Singer provides time-tested observations to offer quick and effective relief for troubling behaviors associated with anxiety, such as agoraphobia and social phobia as well as conversion disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and fetishes, among a list of many other conditions that can be alleviated with her system. . .
Read more at The US Review of Books - https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1...
Read more at The US Review of Books - https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1...
June 24, 2021
useful guide for actually changing a behavior. includes author’s personal perspective, multiple clinical psychology angles, case studies, & how-to workbook. clear, engaging, & well-organized. I especially appreciated how YOU’RE NOT CRAZY connects a wide range of challenges by a consistent thread of underlying anxiety.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews