Social Anxiety Book Readers Comments

Stop Agonizing About Presenting Yourself to Others ... NOW!

Diagonally-Parked in a Parallel Universe:

Working Through Social Anxiety

WHAT PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS BOOK ...

“Dr. Dayhoff has done a remarkable job researching the current literature on social anxiety and its disorder. The text is well written and comprehensive. I enjoyed the use of humor."
- Stefan G. Hofmann, Ph.D., Director, Social Phobia Program, Boston University

"I very much like what Dr. Dayhoff's done!"
- Richard G. Heimberg, Ph.D., Adult Anxiety Clinic, Social Phobia Program, Department of Psychology, Temple University, author of Social Phobia and Managing Social Anxiety Client Workbook

“Dr. Dayhoff has done an excellent job covering … social anxiety, and [her] book will be valuable to both therapists and self-help readers. I definitely recommend it.”
- Albert Ellis, Ph.D., Founder and Director, Albert Ellis Institute for Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy

“Signe Dayhoff combines the best of both worlds – the knowledge and expertise of the professional and the insight and understanding of the consumer – and communicates these strengths to her reader. This is a winning recipe.”
- Ronald M. Rapee, Ph.D., Psychology Professor, Macquarie University, Australia, author of Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia: A Step by Step Guide

“Finally here’s a book that deals with SA/SP from the … insider’s perspective on this long-neglected anxiety problem. Because Dr. Dayhoff has lived through social anxiety herself, she is able to comprehensively cover both the personal concerns of suffers and current research and treatment options. I recommend it.”
- Thomas A. Richards, Ph.D., Director, The Social Anxiety Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

"I'm delighted that Dr. Dayhoff is taking what we know about SA/SP to the public."
- Mark R. Leary, Ph.D., author of Social Anxiety

“This is a highly readable book and gives good concrete examples and exercises. I particularly like the part about how to find a suitable therapist or treatment setting. That can be a real challenge for shy people. I am happy to endorse it.”
- Lynn Henderson, Ph.D., Director, The Shyness Clinic, Menlo Park, California

“Enlightening. Helpful. A wonderful blend of information about social anxieties and practical suggestions for overcoming them. She engaging puts wisdom and advice together to help others help themselves.”
- Daniel Perlman, Ph.D., Professor of Family Studies, University of British Columbia

“A significant addition to my professional library. My colleagues and I are especially grateful for chapters on blushing, sweating, and physiological symptoms. We’ve been looking for this kind of complete information for a long time. As a communications coach who frequently works with clients who have fears and anxiety, I appreciate Dr. Dayhoff’s work enormously. Congratulations!”
- Laurie Schloff, Director, Executive Training, The Speech Improvement Company, Boston, and co-author of Smart Speaking.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS BOOK…

“Diagonally-Parked is the socially-anxious person’s bible for thoroughly understanding the disorder and getting on the ‘yellow brick road’ to recovery. It’s also an imperative for the support people in their lives. Few writers have brought to light so many of the specific personal life challenges faced by social anxiety sufferers, along with expert and empathetic counsel at overcoming these challenges. The book delivers a message of hope: ‘There IS a way out!'”
- Coleen Louise Lawrence, Toronto, Canada

"I just had to write of Dr. Dayhoff's Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe to express my sincere admiration for her achievement. As a sufferer of generalized SA/SP for most of my 34 years, I can relate to so much of what Dr. Dayhoff has written, from the examples of first-hand tales to the searching for the origins and triggers of what truly paralyzes us and why. I myself am coping in my life by wearing a mask of extroversion even though my natural temperament is of the INFJ-INFP Keirsey type. Like most SA/SPers we are supreme actors but ultimately are only deceiving ourselves which makes Diagonally Parked a God-send in alleviating our fears and controlling our physical symptoms: the gist of our fear of embarrassment.

Humour, that all important element for a successful recovery, is present with charming drawings of scenes we can all relate to. My favorite drawing on page 87 makes me laugh every time I see it, expressing my inward reaction to fear as my "extroverted act" starts showing cracks. For someone who has experienced what we feel everyday, Dr. Dayhoff's writing of this book shows a tremendous amount of courage in "coming out", something we can all feed off and find hope in. I myself would never post to a newsgroup for fear of critical scrutiny. The fact that I wrote this review speaks for the effectiveness of Dr. Dayhoff's insight and approach. Once again, kudos, Dr. Dayhoff!"
- Brian Jay, Ontario, Canada

“I’m very impressed! I like the detailed stories that let me into the minds and fears of other social phobics, something you don’t generally get to experience. Dr. Dayhoff puts into words what it’s really like so you can relate to them.”
- Eric Joffe, editor, Social Phobia Newsletter http://www.spnewsletter.com/

“First chapter, ‘Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!’ accurately describes my social phobia. It’s exactly what I go through everyday at school, even down to the drinking problem to help me get through the day. Anyone who suffers from social anxiety/social phobia must read this book.”
- Owen G., Fargo, ND

“Finally a comprehensive guide for anyone who is suffering from any level of social anxiety or social phobia. Only someone who has been there and talked with many others who have been there could have thought to include such a complete list of topics. Anyone with a computer will enjoy the added bonus of finding places to go for support and help from others with this affliction.”
- Doug (battling social phobia), Sioux City, IA

“Social phobia is a kind phrase for a highly invisible, disabling disorder. Its intensity is alarming and confusing to those who are caregivers and extremely painful for those who suffer, mostly in silence. IT’S TIME for Diagonally-Parked in a Parallel Universe. This book is dynamically informative and compassionately written by someone who has endured SA/SP’s grip and ultimately moved past this affliction. Dr. Dayhoff is dedicated to guiding and supporting others in their journey to recovery.”
- Cynthia Long, Joseph’s mom, Sunnyvale, CA

“An excellent and enlightening read which echoes the thoughts I had when I ‘didn’t know I had’ SP.”
- Orya B., Cambridge, England

“I found this book enlightening while being very entertaining. Dr. Dayhoff lets us have the facts but laces them liberally with great humor and insight. A great read.”
- Leslie Day Ebert, Santa Ana, CA

“A comprehensive guide for understanding and overcoming social anxiety and social phobia, covering all the aspects and many important topics not covered by other books.”
- Roland P., Berlin, Germany

“I recognize myself in so many situations Dr. Dayhoff describes. The book covers a vast array of important topics, like getting a job, something which is very hard for anyone let alone someone with social phobia. Dr. Dayhoff understands the irrational fear which keeps us alone and afraid of being alone.”
- A. Mcintyre, Perth, Australia
“It’s an immensely exciting discovery for someone who has recently understood that they suffer from social phobia that someone who really understands this condition has written a book on it. This book is a great help for those who suffer from social phobia and those who care for us and support us.”
- Adrian S., Adelaide, So. Australia

“Thank you for writing a book specifically and especially for and about those with SA/SP. Now when people don’t understand, I can say ‘read Diagonally-Parked in a Parallel Universe and you’ll get a glimpse of what my life is like.’ This is also a must read for all who work in the mental health field!”
- Barbara, Lafayette, LA

“I think this book will help people. I really related to Dr. Dayhoff’s examples, like how social phobics feel more comfortable on the Internet and how one woman’s caller ID was more essential to her than her microwave. I started laughing…because she did exactly what I do.”
- Sherry Mattingly, Louisville, KY

“I love the way Dr. Dayhoff writes about social anxiety. It’s so casual and conversational. Even though social anxiety is serious, the way she writes about some of her own experiences with it makes me laugh out loud. This addition of humor makes SA/SP all the more understandable and human.”
- Anne Marie Fetcho, Rio Rancho, NM

“Well-written and in-depth. For anyone who wants to know more about social phobia. The book not only explains it in great detail without being too complex to understand, but also covers areas that other books on the subject fail to explore.”
- Carolyn, United Kingdom

“I think this book would be useful not only for people suffering from this anxiety but just anyone in general. Everyone suffers from some sort of anxiety at some point in their normal lives. As a worrier, I can relate to some of the situations. I’d absolutely recommend it to a friend whom I thought might find it helpful.”
- Marilyn J. Westbye, Dresden, ME

“This is a highly readable book that holds your attention and is applicable to everyone (young and old, professional and non-professional). It makes two very important points: You’re not alone (there are a lot like you) and there’s help!”
- David I. Fallk, Attorney, Specializing in Anxiety-Disordered Clients, Scranton, PA

For 170+ readers' reviews of Diagonally-Parked in a Parallel Universe, go to Amazon.com