As with all of my many books, I must thank my wonderful wife and son for their help with this story. It would have never happened without the long, detailed conversations with my son, as well as my wife helping me make this a fun and informative adventure.
I want to also thank, Lily Wang, whose constant support and sense of humor never fails to brighten my day.
I’d like to thank my friend, Dr. Jennifer Smitkin, who I’ve known for a long time. Her advice about anxiety and coping strategies she uses with her patients were critical to the book. Facing the Beast Within would be a hollow story without her insights and knowledge.
I’d also like to thank the psychologists at Dr. Jen’s practice called Psychology Wellness Practice. These psychologists were kind enough to read Facing the Beast Within and provided input/suggestions as to anxiety coping strategies I could incorporate into the story. Their knowledge of anxiety and how to help those afflicted with this terrible condition was extremely helpful. I deeply appreciated their help and advice. Here they are:
Psychology Wellness Practice
- Dr. Jennifer Smitkin, Clinical Director (Dr. Jen)
- Dr. Zachary Longo, Clinical Supervisor
- Andrea Kay, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Griffith Jenkins, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Shannon Flanigan, Licensed Master Social Worker
- Jasmine Sale, Licensed Master Social Worker
- Kim Corker, Licensed Master Social Worker
- Catherine Gazdik, Graduate Intern
- Olivia Burns, Undergraduate Intern
- Hailey Novellino, Undergraduate Intern
If you’re a parent with a child who struggles with anxiety, here are a few resources Dr. Jen thought might be helpful.