Episodes

Welcome to A Slice of Life from Anxiety Master. My name is Dominic Decker, a teacher and U.K. registered therapist. The idea of self-acceptance is often a bit of a puzzle, seemingly contradictory in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world. On the one hand, we are encouraged to embrace our authentic selves, accepting our strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities. On the other hand, we are constantly bombarded with societal expectations, ideals, and pressures to conform and improve. The in...

Welcome to the second episode in a short series - on learning to process your emotions. Learning to hear and describe your emotions is a vital skill that can significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore the importance of this skill, and why it's so essential to your overall health. Emotions are a fundamental part of the human experience, but they can also be incredibly complex and difficult to understand. It's not uncommon for us to feel overwhelmed o...

Welcome to this episode - the first in a short series - on learning to process your emotions. So how do you tend to manage emotional situations - those events that stir strong feelings? Think for a moment about moments that can result in emotions that are hard to control. From the more mundane but no less relevant interactions. A stranger being rude or a loved one appearing short or unavailable - across to life's steeper challenges. Relationship breakups, health issues, the passing of loved o...

Depending on who you ask, personality tests represent either helpful and informative instruments for assessing temperament and job suitability or a Buzzfeed quiz on steroids kitted out with a fancy name. Either way, at the behest of corporate HR departments, colleges and even government agencies (so I'm told), large numbers of employees have had the experience of taking them. In this episode, we briefly touch on the well-documented validity issues around personality tests to focus on various p...

Do you have a troubling habit that has you in its grip, and do you need some help to regain control? If so, you'll know that willpower alone isn't enough to escape the allure of addiction's intoxicating offer. Any activity - shopping, gambling, sex, porn, drugs, botox, junk food, alcohol - that promises swift relief from emotional distress has the power to override common sense and become addictive. Why? Because impulsive habits represent an antidote to something having gone awry in life. Th...

Shopping, gambling, sex, porn, drugs, botox, junk food, alcohol … any activity that offers relief can hijack your emotions and govern your behaviour. You might think of it as your little thing. An emotional release. Your secret habit or guilty pleasure. A soothing sanctuary to help reduce life's noise and escape it all. It feels delicious while you're there - at least it used to. Warm, embracing, and non-judgemental. You revel in the flow, and things - momentarily - seem as they should. Easy, ...

Welcome to the third instalment of one man's journey out of addiction. If you haven't already, check out the previous two episodes. Part (1/3)- HERE Part (2/3) - HERE Along the path to crushing addiction - whatever your habit - setbacks are expected because life tends to test your resolve, especially when you commit to improving. Life's inevitable instances of grief, shock and pain can knock us for six and send us searching for a quick way to remove or deaden the suffering and discomfort. Pe...

Workplace envy got you feeling blue? Don't let jealousy hold you back.Let’s turn that green-eyed monster in to a tool for your progress. Join me for a humorous and insightful discussion on how to beat workplace jealousy and succeed in your career.

Structural Alignment is a tool you can use to understand your habits, motives and inclinations, i.e., uncover what drives your behaviour. If you put this to use in your life, it will help you explore four different components of personal meaning and fulfilment: Truth Vision Purpose Higher Self If you'd like to read along, you can do so here. Please let me know if you have any comments, feedback or suggestions. I'd love to hear from you. You can contact me here. Thanks, Dominic

In our relationships, we seek not just love, but also acceptance, belonging, and a genuine sense of connection. Yet, when these vital elements are missing, it can lead to feelings of rejection and stress. In today’s episode, we break down five crucial building blocks for a fulfilling relationship. Get a FREE PDF Summary of this Episode HERE In This Episode, We Discuss: Effective Communication: The bedrock of any relationship. Identifying Relationship Needs: Understand what you and your...

Our first episode offers you an audio version of 'Your Emotional Health Check-Up' - a free emotional health assessment available at anxietymaster.org In this brief episode, we consider: Why it's hard to change anxious thinking A powerful framework for a better place to start Important questions to ask yourself Your personal check-up for wellbeing By downloading and completing the pdf, you will be able to assess your current wellbeing and identify any existing gaps for you to attend to. I hope th...