I don't think the psychologist is encouraging avoidance. I think that's just how johnyricer is applying what he's learned to his fear right now. I belive that the psychologist istrying to prove that by thinking positively, you feel stronger and healthier. For instance, if you worry about v* and tell yourself you're getting the sv*, you'll probably get a stomachache and feel n*. This fear of getting the sv* and v* makes us feel vulnerable, weak and out of control. However, if you replace those negative thoughts with positive self-talk like the doctor illustrated, you feel stronger and in more control of the situation so the whole anxiety cycle could be stopped, avoiding rising panic and increased symptoms. If you think about it, it's quite coincidential that we all fear v* and feel n* more than the average population. If you focus on any one part of your body for a few minutes, I guarantee you will feel sensations in that area that you never noticed before. That's what we do by focusing on our fear, magnifying normal bodily functions that most people don't even notice. Then each gurgle, pop, or ache causes our panic to kick in, which increases anxiety levels and symptoms.


Sorry this is so long, but I think about this a lot as I truly believe it is the key to feeling better. Unfortunately, however, I have yet to master this skill. D'oh.