Anxiety and the Gift of Imagination: A new model for helping parents and children manage anxiety

"In her engaging book, Alter focuses on the connection between anxiety and the often overactive imagination that accompanies anxious children, and, in turn, contributes to their anxiety if not held in check. While a highly developed imagination can be a gift, Alter likens an undisciplined imagination to a powerful car or bike with no brakes or steering.

This book provides values and very practical tools and strategies, which take a child's developmental abilities into account and are child-friendly and engaging.

There is something for everyone in this book. There are chapters written exclusively for children, which will leave them feeling proud of their exceptional imaginational abilities, along with tools to better direct them. There are creative strategies for parents and therapists, (even seasoned ones like myself), who work with anxious children.

With this book Alter has made an important contribution to the literature on childhood anxiety and treatment and has added something valuable to our collective 'tool boxes.'"

Dr. Debby Zweig, Psychologist
Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic
York Central Hospital
Richmond Hill, Ontario

"Overall I think it's very readable and accessible. Concerned parents are likely to find it both reassuring and filled with practical advice. The illustrations are also great fun."

Paul Harris, Prof in Psychology
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass


"A wonderful, clear, concise guide, chock full of easy-to-implement ideas to help your child tame their imagination and manage their anxiety. A must read for every parent and therapist."

Charlotte Reznick, PhD
author of "The Power of Your Child's Imagination"
Los Angeles, Ca

"Dr. Robin Alter has written a creative and imaginative book on childhood anxiety. It explains and develops constructive anxiety as well as destructive anxiety. It spans both ends of the spectrum and teaches how to advance positive dimensions and how to correct negative factors.

Her book was clearly influenced by her own clinical experience, which generates insightful perspectives, as well as realistic corrective strategies. It is insightful, practical and useful for clinicians, educators and parents. This book is an imaginative gift in dealing with degrees of day to day anxiety and the constant challenge of survival and growth. In all of my years as a psychiatrist (over 40 years), it is one of the most useful books I have ever read!"

Dr. Ed Sowa, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Toronto, On

"Dr. Alter shines a light on a common problem and offers practical and useful information that can liberate children and their parents from the restrictive world of anxiety and stress. She turns upside down what may have been debilitating and offers a kaleidoscope of possibilities that help children lead more fulfilling lives. An important breakthrough in how we understand and assist children with anxiety!"

Sylvia Pivko, MSW, RSW,
Executive Director Blue HIlls Child and Family Centre
Aurora, On

Dr. Robin Alter is a registered clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping troubled children in the Toronto area. She has taught at York University and is a trustee with the Psychology Foundation. She is a member of the American Psychology, Canadian Psychology and the Ontario Psychology Associations. She has published and traveled widely giving lectures on topics pertaining to children's mental health.