Suzana Sjenicic 
Today, I would like to spend some time sharing the journey of my book, Anxiety Free. It shows how the concept came about and then developed from there onwards. Join me on a personal adventure to see how the idea evolved into something beautiful and profound.
The Anxiety Free Journey
“Anxiety Free” book started as an idea based on my extensive work with clients with anxiety disorders and recognizing the lack of specific resources focused on coping tools that could support them between our weekly psychotherapy sessions. Despite the multitude of resources in terms of workbooks, podcasts, and meditation recordings, I felt that it would be helpful to have all the coping tools in one toolbox for people to pick and choose from based on their personal needs and preferences.
The idea was further supported by my mother being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and having panic attacks fairly frequently, which helped me learn a lot about anxiety firsthand by helping her cope with it. I began to understand my clients’ experiences better, and the progress that they were making in treatment was noticeable.
“Anxiety Free” was originally written in English, but shortly thereafter translated to Serbian, as I was offered a publication by a publisher in Serbia. I translated the book myself to ensure the accuracy of the information and get the desired contact with readers.
The book was published in Serbia in February 2019, and by the end of the year, the first edition was sold out. In April 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, Celenic Earth Publications published Anxiety Free in English. Ever since, I have been holding workshops to educate the public on anxiety and panic disorders, speaking at conferences and summits, and collaborating with institutions such as colleges and private organizations.
As the time went on, the idea to create the “Anxiety Free App” was born. The app is a companion to the book, and I personally show and guide users through the series of exercises described in the book. The goal is for users to feel that they are supported and most importantly, not alone in how they are feeling. The app has been available for iOS users since August of 2022, and is available in App Store.
The latest Anxiety Free product is the “Anxiety Free Program” available both in-person and online since June of 2023. The program consists of 6 modules that will help educate you on anxiety, explore your personal history with it, and provide you with a vast amount of coping tools, resources, and personalized suggestions to use for coping and prevention of anxiety. The program is available for the desired amount of sessions specific to your needs, starting with two sessions during which we can cover the brief version of the 6 modules.
As I continue to build “Anxiety Free,” brainstorm about new ideas and products, and work with clients in my private practice, I am using my spare time to continue providing psychoeducation to the community via workshops, recordings, social media posts and articles.
I am grateful to be able to contribute to those who need additional support and help remove at least some mental health-related stigma. While I enjoy the growth of the “Anxiety Free” idea and continue to add to it, I am honored that the Serbian version of the book is on its 4th edition, and that readers worldwide have described the book as their “pocket therapist.”
