Many people respond to workplace anxiety by trying to avoid it. But according to psychotherapist Jonathan Berent, that defensive strategy often makes the problem worse. 

For professionals struggling with performance anxiety – especially the fear of being noticeably nervous – real progress requires a fundamentally different approach: one built on action, repetition and intentional exposure rather than avoidance.

“Motion and active learning are what is needed to resolve performance anxiety,” Berent said. “You need to be the pilot of your ship or plane. You need to drive the healing process with intention.”

Berent, a specialist in social anxiety disorders with more than 45 years and 50,000 hours of clinical experience, explored the challenges of workplace anxiety in “Work Makes Me Nervous: Overcome Anxiety and Build the Confidence to Succeed.” In it, Berent outlines a 21-day developmental program designed to help professionals manage anxiety and approach high-pressure situations with greater control and confidence.

“Social anxiety remains a complex challenge for mental health professions because many sufferers never seek help,” Berent said. “Embarrassment and avoidance often prevent people from addressing the problem, even when it significantly affects their professional lives.”

Filled with real-life case studies – from entry-level workers to seasoned executives and famous sports and media figures – “Work Makes Me Nervous” presents Berent’s 21-day program that integrates anxiety-control techniques, practical exercises and guided self-therapy.

Focusing on proven tools rather than gimmicky quick fixes, this book lays out a straightforward self-help system that shows readers how to:

● Diagnose their particular symptoms and create a map for change

● Understand and balance their mind states

● Achieve and maintain a high-performance mind

● Master the adrenaline control technique

● Use the power of adrenaline to their advantage

● Keep their brain healthy and build on their success

“‘Work Makes Me Nervous’ lays out a proven therapeutic method for dismantling the wall between you and your ability to excel at work,” Berent added. “It will enable you to finally say, ‘I can handle whatever situations come my way.’”