Joseph E. Ledoux, professor of neuroscience and psychology at New York University, concedes that people tend to avoid events that they know or think will cause them stress. This is especially true after a particularly traumatic event such as the 9/11 attacks in 2001 or the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon. In the past, Ledoux agreed with authorities who urged people to set aside their fears and resume their normal activities. However, Ledoux has since come to believe that people who have fear associated with stressful situations can learn to overcome their fears through “proactive avoidance." This technique allows an individual to create strategies to control his or her anxieties.Read the entire article here: For the Anxious, Avoidance Can Have an UpsideClick to learn more about anxiety therapy and treatment with Dr. Jane Rubin.