Licensed therapist Rhodes-Levin delivers advice to help people “rewire” their brains and discover practices that will help alleviate anxiety. She uses a combination of her personal experiences, clients’ stories, and evidence-based research to support these bold claims. Each chapter begins with a synopsis, followed by a personal anecdote and what Rhodes-Levin terms the “anxiety user manual” section, in which she defines a particular facet of anxiety before offering up journal prompts, questions, and action steps…. There’s value in seeing the shared struggle, and Rhodes-Levin offers readers that companionship by showing up with and for them. With short chapters and some valuable tools, this title isn’t a substitute for therapy, but it does build a sense of community by chipping away at the stigma surrounding anxiety in ways that may appeal to readers who need a little extra support.

Library Journal

Convinced that she was born with anxiety, Rhodes-Levin understands the power it can have over your life. After years of therapy and study, she finally feels freed from its grip. Anxiety is both genetic and learned, says the author, and it can be unlearned. The first step is identifying life events and family stories that trigger the feelings that manifest themselves as the “Wounded Child.” Secondly, Rhodes-Levin offers ways to combat these feelings, including asking for help, therapy, self-talk, spiritual beliefs, and setting healthy boundaries. Finally, readers are asked to imagine a life free of anxiety and filled with purpose. The chapters are brief and filled with examples from her life, direct talk, questions to ponder, and exercises to work through. Readers are encouraged to “build their own toolkit” and to create an “Anxiety User Manual.” Rhodes-Levin drew on her experiences and hard-won wisdom to found the Missing Peace Center for Anxiety, where therapy, yoga, meditation, massage, and other practices counter anxiety, depression, and trauma. Readers willing to put in the work will be inspired and comforted by her message.

Booklist

Having worked with Laura at the Missing Peace Center for Anxiety for two years now, I have enjoyed a front row seat to all of her greatest hits: the hilarious and touching personal stories, the profound wisdom and insights, and the practical tools for overcoming anxiety and all of its related challenges. With this book, Laura has encapsulated a lifetime of personal and clinical lessons for living your best life. I had already heard most of what I read in this book, and I still couldn’t put it down. And I know I will come back to it again and again when I need to remind myself of the pearls of life fulfillment it offers.

Ryan Dusick, MA, AMFT, founding drummer of Maroon 5, therapist, advocate, speaker, and author of Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery

The Missing Peace offers a valuable guide for individuals, professionals, or loved ones who want to understand the root causes of anxiety and learn healthier ways to face each day. By sharing personal stories, therapeutic methods, and practical action steps, Laura Rhodes-Levin leads readers through the healing process and counters the lies, fears, and hurts that can hold us captive in life. This book will help readers step away from “survival” strategies and find the PEACE they’ve been seeking, all while reminding them they’re not alone.

Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Perennials

There’s something profoundly refreshing about The Missing Peace: Rewire Your Brain, Reduce Anxiety, and Recreate Your Life by licensed therapist Laura Rhodes-Levin, LMFT. It could be Rhodes-Levin’s Gen X sensibility or her propensity for honesty and self-disclosure. Whatever it is, her book is animated by a willingness to be real about exactly what has helped her and her clients successfully manage anxiety. For the spiritual and woo averse, be warned, there is talk of quantum fields. But even for someone who is more science-y, I found that the mix of these elements instructive. This book, out new this month, can help you build a user manual for anxiety-reduction with instructions dog-eared from those who’ve successfully made their way before you.

Emily P.G. Erickson