Dr. Ron Glassman, Ph.D., M.P.H., Fear, Phobia & Anxiety Specialist, Creator of the Neuro Immersion Method

 

Ron Glassman, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Fear, Phobia & Anxiety Specialist
Creator of The Neuro Immersion Method
TM
Trained at Harvard, Columbia & Rutgers

Welcome   ▪   About Ron   ▪   Conquering Fear & Phobias   ▪   Conquering General Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Frequently Asked Questions   ▪   Testimonial Letters   ▪   Contact Us

Welcome and thank you for visiting this web site.

You are taking the first step toward conquering your fear or phobia without drugs, risk or negative side-effects. This site is easy to use: either scroll and read at your leisure or click on the icons provided. Either way, please read the entire site to be sure you are a fully informed consumer. The more you know, the better. 


Conquering Fears & Phobias via The Neuro Immersion MethodTM

  • The Neuro Immersion MethodTM is most effective among people with the following fears/phobias: flying, boating, swimming, heights, small spaces, elevators, escalators, social situations, public speaking, driving, school tests/exams, tunnels, bridges and preparation for medical procedures, preparation for labor and delivery, performance anxiety (on stage or in sports) and panic attacks.

  • The Neuro Immersion MethodTM is 100% drug-free and risk-free, however, it can safely be used in combination with medication

  • There’s no risk of negative side-effects

  • Just one or two private office visits are required (However, it can be done by phone.)

  • 92% of clients experience complete resolution of their fear/phobia

  • 8% of clients experience significant reduction of their fear/phobia

  • About 3,500 teens and adults from 27 states and 10 countries have utilized it

  • Unsolicited testimonial letters (many are on this web site) substantiate the results

  • The Neuro Immersion MethodTM costs a fraction of the fee associated with all other fear/phobia treatments, while producing a higher success-rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions
click questions to view answer

  1. What’s the difference between a fear and a phobia? 

  2. What is General Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

  3. What’s Ron's background?

  4. What’s required to succeed?

  5. How many appointments are needed to conquer a fear/phobia? 

  6. How is it possible to conquer a fear/phobia with only one or two appointments? 

  7. What kind of results can I expect? 

  8. What happens during the initial visit? 

  9. What’s the likelihood of needing a second appointment? 

  10. How will I know if I need the second appointment?

  11. What happens at the second visit? 

  12. What will I hear on the CD? 

  13. How can playing the CD while I’m asleep be of any use to me? 

  14. How loud should the CD be?

  15. Do I need to wear headphones or earbuds all night? 

  16. How long will I need to use the CD?

  17. I’ve had a fear/phobia for many, many years... is it too late for me?

  18. I take anti-anxiety medication because of my fear/phobia. Will this impact my results?

  19. I take medication because of my fear/phobia. Will The Neuro Immersion MethodTM help me get off of my anxiety medication? 

  20. Can I do this by phone instead of coming into the office?

  21. How does the phone appointment work? 

  22. Is the success-rate lower if I don’t come to the office? 

  23. Can I speak with, or email Ron before my appointment? 

  24. Can I speak with, or email Ron after my appointment? 

  25. Is there a fee to speak with Ron by phone, or for him to answer questions by email?

  26. Whom do I call if I have a question that wasn’t answered here? 

1.  What’s the difference between a fear and a phobia? 

A fear is something that produces discomfort, but typically doesn’t stop someone from doing what they want. Example: feeling anxious about going up to a high floor in a skyscraper, but still being able to go into the building and take the elevator to any floor. A phobia, on the other hand, produces a more severe reaction: just the thought of going into the skyscraper causes anxiety and the decision not to even try entering it. So, a fear is manageable. A phobia causes you to alter your life and feel incapable of doing what you want, when you want to do it. A phobia is like a thief: it steels your freedom.

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2 What is General Anxiety and Panic Attacks? 

See section on Conquering General Anxiety and Panic Attacks on this website.

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3.  What’s Ron’s background?

Education

Undergraduate School - Rutgers University

Graduate School - Columbia University / School of Public Health

Postgraduate Fellowship - Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ

Postdoctoral Studies - Harvard University / Mind-Body Institute

Continuing Education - New York University, Massachusetts General Hospital

College & University Guest Lectures

Harvard University Medical School (Conference on Anxiety-Related Disorders)

Newton-Wellesley Medical Center (Harvard-affiliated)

Columbia University School of Public Health

Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons

Cornell University Medical School

New York University School of Medicine & Dentistry

The New School for Social Research

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey

Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine and Dentistry

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Union County College

Bucks County College

Rutgers University

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Books & White Papers

The Alpha Solution (Random House Publishers - 2007)

Witness to the Pain: When Dads Hurt Moms They Hurt Kids, Too (iUniverse)

The Stress of ICU Nursing

Fear of Eating After Choking on Food

Jane Doe’s Obsession with Self-Mutilation

MRIs: Mapping Brain Function (world conference keynote speaker, May 2005)

Drug-Free Relief From Fears & Phobias: The Glassman Neuro Immersion MethodTM

The Anatomy of Anxiety

Adjunct Faculty Appointments

New York University 1987-1991

DeVry University 2002 - 2003

Columbia University Medical School - Guest Lecturer 2004 to 2010

University Student Mentor

Rutgers University Leadership Development Program - 2006 to 2009

Research Affiliation

Columbia University Medical School Center for Neurobiology & Behavior - 2005 to 2009

Corporate Speaking Engagements (Partial Listing)

Exxon Corporation

Merck & Co.

Johnson & Johnson

IBM

Lucent Technologies

iUniverse On-Line

New Jersey Hospital Association

United Way

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Community Speaking - (Partial Listing)

Girl Scouts of America

Columbia University Alumni Association

Hadassah International (numerous chapters)

Chamber of Commerce (various cities

The Exchange Club International

The Women’s Club of Smoke Rise

Optimist Club (numerous chapters)

Morristown Hospital

Overlook Hospital

AARP

Rotary International

National Association for Mental Illness

NJ Association of Women Business Owners

JCC MetroWest and West Orange, NJ

Diabetes Association

Memberships

Harvard University Postgraduate Association

Columbia University Alumni Association

Rutgers University Alumni Association

Clinical In-Service Presentations & Hospital Grand Rounds

Numerous hospitals and medical centers. Complete listing upon request.

Volunteer Service

Member, Dean’s Advisory Council - Rutgers University 2001- 2007

Trustee, National Children’s Leukemia Society 1993-1995

Trustee, Touro Foundation, Newport, R.I. 1991-1993

Vice President, Family Intervention Services 1987-1990

Trustee, Community Oncology Program 1985-1987

Pro-bono lectures to nonprofit groups

Awards

Palumbo Scholarship for Science

United States Public Health Scholarship

Braunstein Prize for Science

Beth Israel Medical Center Distinguished Service Award

International Association of Counselors & Therapists - Researcher of the Year

Media Interviews

Ron has been interviewed by newspapers, radio stations and television stations in dozens of cities, including St. Louis, Anchorage, Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Chicago and Dallas, to name a few.

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4.   What’s required to succeed?

Let me begin by being very up front: If you feel that you are not ready to do what’s required, please don’t even consider starting this process. You have to "see it through" to experience maximum benefit. I want to help you, but you must do your part.

Here’s what’s required:
First, you must want to conquer your fear/phobia. In addition, there are two steps to the process.

Step 1: You’ll need 1 or 2 private sessions (most people need just 1 visit).  You do not have to come into the office; this can be done by phone and mail.

Step 2: You’ll need to fall asleep listening to a CD for 14 nights in a row. The CD must remain on "continuous play" throughout the entire night, so it repeats over and over again. The CD will be custom-recorded specifically for you and your fear/phobia. The CD will consist of a pleasant male voice narrating a story. There’s no music on the recording. Generic CDs are never used in this practice; every CD is customized to the individual client. Succeeding requires reinforcement by using the CD at home throughout the night. You will not have to use the CD forever, but you will need to use it for at least two weeks.

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5How many appointments are needed to conquer a fear/phobia? 

1 or 2 private sessions. These can be done either in the office or by phone and mail. The initial session takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Most people do not need another appointment. However, if a second appointment is needed, it also takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

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6.   How is it possible to conquer a fear/phobia with only one or two appointments? 

The phone or office session represents just the start of the fear/phobia resolution process. The majority of the benefit you’ll derive comes over the two-week period to follow. This is the period of time you’ll be using the customized reinforcement CD. Details about how this process works will follow, so please continue reading.

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7.   What kind of results can I expect? 

With a maximum of two appointments, 92% of people experience complete resolution of their fear/phobia. The remaining people (8%) experience a significant improvement in their fear/phobia symptoms. This means that 100% of Ron’s clients benefit from The Neuro Immersion MethodTM.

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8.   What happens during the initial visit? 

Most of the time, you’ll be talking with Ron. Everything you discuss remains between the two of you. After your extensive conversation, he’ll ask you to relax in the waiting room for about 15 minutes. During this time, Ron will record a CD specific to you and the reason you came to see him. When he’s finished recording the CD, he’ll hand it to you along with a Compliance Sheet. The Compliance Sheet will contain very important information regarding the proper use of your CD. Following the instructions on the Compliance Sheet is vital to achieving optimal results.

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9.   What’s the likelihood of needing a second appointment? 

Fewer than 20% of people need a second appointment.

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10.   How will I know if I need the second appointment? 

If your fear/phobia is gone, there’s no need for another visit. If your fear/phobia is improved, but not completely gone, a second session is recommended. Fewer than 20% of people need a second appointment, so, you’re likely to need just one session.

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11.  What happens at the second visit? 

You’ll talk with Ron about the amount of benefit you’ve experienced after using the first CD for 14 nights. Then you’ll relax in the waiting room and he’ll make another CD for you, this time using a different technique. You’ll leave the office with a new CD. He’ll instruct you to use the new CD for 14 nights in a row. At the end of the 14 night period, you will have experienced the maximum amount of benefit that can be derived from The Neuro Immersion MethodTM.

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12.  What will I hear on the CD? 

The CD consists of Ron’s voice. Your job is simply to put the CD on, listen to the story, and let it lull you to sleep for 14 consecutive nights.

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13. How can playing the CD while I’m asleep be of any use to me? 

You’ll need to put the CD on at bed time. You’ll need to use a CD player that is capable of repeating a CD so that it remains on "continuous play" throughout the entire night. All you do is listen to the CD and let it lull you to sleep. Leaving the CD on throughout the night allows the subconscious mind to “absorb” the story at the “part” of the brain from which the fear response is controlled. Are you familiar with the term Fight-Flight Response? That’s the built-in response mechanism that allows you to flee when you sense trouble. When you confront your fear or phobia, that mechanism kicks in. That causes a response: anxiety. That anxiety is what stops you from freely doing what you want, when you want. The more this series of events occur, the more afraid you become. AVOIDING WHAT YOU FEAR CAUSES MORE FEAR, AND THEREFORE, MORE AVOIDANCE. That’s the cycle you’re in, yes? By leaving the CD on all night, you are exposing the part of the brain -- the subconscious, where the Fight-Flight Response is -- to the very thing you fear. By time you experience a few hundred repetitions of the CD, your subconscious is convinced that the Fight-Flight Response is NOT NEEDED in the situation that causes you the anxiety. This approach is why The Neuro Immersion MethodTM is so effective.

The story Ron is narrating will vary depending on your specific fear/phobia. The Neuro Immersion MethodTM desensitizes only the specific fear or phobia reaction you’re experiencing. It will NOT desensitize you to, say, the need to run out of a building that’s on fire! The Fight-Flight Response remains undisturbed, in such urgent situations; this is vital to human survival.

Many years ago, psychologists developed a desensitization therapy which has been the standard non-drug approach to fears and phobias for decades. The Neuro Immersion MethodTM is faster, much cheaper (about 1/10th the cost) and has a higher success-rate (nearly double).

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14. How loud should the CD be? 

Just loud enough to hear it, but not loud enough to keep you from falling asleep as it plays.  Just think of it as a bedtime story and let it lull you to sleep.  It's that simple.

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15. Do I need to wear headphones or earbuds all night? 

You can if you wish. Or you can just listen to it from the speaker on your CD player. Or you can use a pillow speaker. This is a speaker that slips into your pillow case or you can just place it next to your pillow. The speaker is plugged into the headphone jack on the player.  Some people choose to get a pillow with a built-in speaker.  You can use any of these methods to hear the CD.

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16. How long will I need to use the CD? 

You need to use it for 14 nights in a row.  Some people need an additional 14 nights for maximum results.

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17. I’ve had a fear/phobia for many, many years... is it too late for me? 

Succeeding with The Neuro Immersion MethodTM has nothing to do with how long you have had a fear/phobia.

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 18. I take anti-anxiety medication because of my fear/phobia. Will this impact my results?

Many people with fears and phobias take anti-anxiety medication. This does not affect the results. Do NOT reduce or stop taking any medication unless instructed to do so by a qualified physician.

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19. I take medication because of my fear/phobia. Will The Neuro Immersion MethodTM help me get off of my anxiety medication? 

About 70% of clients no longer need their anti-anxiety medication after experiencing the benefits of The Neuro Immersion MethodTM. Most of the remaining clients (about 30%) are able to reduce their dosages. Some percentage of clients still need their medication because it helps them with symptoms unrelated to their fear/phobia. After completing The Neuro Immersion MethodTM, you can talk to your physician about changing your dose of anti-anxiety medication. Do NOT reduce or stop taking any medication unless instructed to do so by a qualified physician.

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20. Can I do this by phone instead of coming into the office? 

Yes, your appointment can be handled by phone. The success-rate is the same whether you come into the office or do this by phone.

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21. How does the phone appointment work? 

Just like an office appointment, a phone appointment is scheduled for a specific time. Ron will call you at that time. Once the phone consultation is finished and you hang up, he’ll record your CD. It will be mailed to you with the Compliance Sheet. The Compliance Sheet will have very important information on it regarding the proper use of your CD. Following the instructions on your Compliance Sheet is vital to achieving optimal results.  Two weeks later, you'll call Ron and tell him how you're doing.  Together, you'll decide whether a second appointment is needed.

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22. Is the success-rate lower if I don’t come to the office? 

No. The success-rate is the same whether your appointment is conducted in the office or by phone.

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23. Can I speak with, or email Ron before my appointment? 

Of course. Just call him at 908-301-0039. Or you can write him anytime at DrRonGlassman@yahoo.com

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24. Can I speak with, or email Ron after my appointment? 

We want you to do so! After using your CD according to the Compliance Sheet, we want to know how you’re doing. You should never hesitate to call or write anytime. Of course, we want you to call or write with results after using your CD for the required 14 nights.

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25. Is there a fee to speak with Ron by phone, or for him to answer questions by email? 

There is never a fee to ask questions via phone or email.

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26. Whom do I call if I have a question that wasn’t answered here? 

Call the office in Mountainside, New Jersey. The number is 908-301-0039. Ron will patiently and professionally respond to as many questions as you’d like to ask. You will never be obligated to make an appointment. You will never be pressured into purchasing anything. You have our word on this. If after speaking with Ron you feel comfortable proceeding, simply make an appointment. If you are not interested in making an appointment, that’s fine, too. The ultimate decision to move forward is always yours.

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Conquering General Anxiety & Panic Attacks

General Anxiety is characterized by feeling nervous and tense, sometimes for no apparent reason. This tension can last hours at a time, even all day long. Other symptoms include moist palms and muscle tension in the lower back, shoulders, neck or gut. Some people get headaches due to tension. Others will feel so anxious that their hands shake or tremor slightly. When anxious, the heart typically beats harder and faster than usual. Some people with general anxiety lose their appetite, while others eat more than normal because they’re so anxious.

Panic Attacks are characterized by a sudden surge of anxiety, as if you’re under a threat. This feeling can be accompanied by fear, chest tightness, nausea, pounding heart and sweating. Some people will even feel a sense of doom, fearing that the panic attack will lead to a heart attack or even death. In fact, some people will go to the emergency room assuming they are having a heart attack only to be diagnosed with Panic Attack or Panic Disorder.

Panic Attacks, when they occur often enough, can turn into Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is defined as the intense fear of leaving the house. The primary fear, of course, is that a panic attack might occur while out in public or while driving. The more someone fears having a panic attack in public or while driving, the more they remain inside. This is also called avoidance behavior. It can be very debilitating and can lead to depression.

Addressing Anxiety & Panic

The standard approach to treating anxiety and related disorders in the United States is prescription medication. However, not everyone wants to take medication. More and more people are choosing to use drugs only as a last resort.

There are non-medication alternatives. These are very often the first step people take in Canada, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. Many of these alternatives are thousands of years old; some were developed much more recently in response to research conducted at Harvard University in the 1960s and 1970s. They’re very effective for the vast majority of people.

For my clients, I use a two-step approach, one of which relies upon The Neuro Immersion MethodTM that I developed. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the web site for more on this.

Step One involves teaching you an Anxiety Reduction Technique that must be practiced on a daily basis for two weeks. The technique is easy to learn and takes about five minutes to do. To be most effective, the technique should be practiced several times a day: five minutes in the morning; five minutes in the mid-day and five minutes in the evening. I will teach you this technique and encourage you to immediately begin practicing it three times a day.

Step Two involves using a CD at night, while you’re drifting off to sleep, every night for two weeks. This is The Neuro Immersion MethodTM. This CD will enhance the benefits derived from the Anxiety Reduction Technique described above in Step One. You’ll leave the office with this CD so you can begin using it immediately. The CD will be customized to you and your specific needs.

If you take anxiety medication, you can still use my approach. It can only help. Many people who practice this technique are able to reduce or get off of their medication. Note: Do not stop or change medication without consulting your physician.

Long-term success requires you to do two things: (1) practice the Anxiety Reduction Technique at least twice a day after the initial two weeks, and (2) use the CD at least one night a week after the initial two weeks.

Success-Rates, Appointments, Fees

I have never had a client express dissatisfaction with my approach to general anxiety and panic attacks. Not everyone experiences complete anxiety resolution, but everyone benefits. About 90% of people experience significant to total benefit, while about 10% experience some benefit. Many of my clients who take anxiety medication do so well that they are able to reduce them or stop them entirely. NOTE: Never stop or change medication without consulting your physician.

If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please call Ron at 908-301-0039. Ron will patiently answer all of your questions and tell you the fees. Most people need just one appointment, however, about 20% of people need a second appointment. You will never be pressured into making an appointment. You have my word on this. If you choose to make an appointment, just ask. The appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This can be done by phone, as well. Feel free to ask about this option.

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Testimonial Letters

We have on file hundreds of thank you notes, letters and emails from former clients. We do NOT ask clients for these testimonials; they choose to write these notes of appreciation. They serve as a means of encouraging others, like you, to use The Neuro Immersion MethodTM. Here’s a sample of just a few of the letters:

Name of Client: Benjamin B., Attorney, Bergen County, NJ

Type of Fear/Phobia: Bridges

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“I know you’ll remember me, because I’m the guy who couldn’t even look at a bridge without feeling anxious. I want you to know that I am completely comfortable with seeing and driving on bridges now. In fact, I am right now just across the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge and Tunnel, the longest bridge/tunnel structure in the US. It was a thrill to experience it with a sense of wonder, rather than a sense of doom and fear. I wasted so many years afraid of bridges. Thank you so much.”

 

Name of Client: Anna  A., Teacher, Union County, NJ

Type of Fear/Phobia: Agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house)

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“I am writing to tell you about my results. I am so glad that my doctor recommended you. Thank you for everything. I am back to my old self with very little anxiety, if any at all, about being in the world again. It’s easier and easier each day, and it’s only been two weeks since I started the process.”

 

Name of Client: Gary A., Medical Student, Union County, NJ

Type of fear/Phobia: Anxiety During Tests and Exams

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“For the first time in my life, I can take exams feeling no fear. It’s wonderful. As a result, my mind is clearer and my memory is sharper. As a med student, I know that anxiety clouds thinking, so without the test anxiety, I am much more clear-headed.” I just gave your name to two friends; I hope they come to see you. I know my father made an appointment already for his fear of flying. Thank you again for your valued help.”

 

Name of Client: Rebecca F., Math Teacher, Somerset County, NJ

Type of Fear/Phobia: Flying

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“I just returned from a flight to Chicago. Wow! So, that’s what it’s like to feel free. It’s the greatest and so are you. My mom, as you know, also used your method and she is going to call you with her good news. I don’t want to give it away, because she wants to tell you herself.

I cannot wait to go to Europe. My honeymoon will be Paris, so I am thrilled I’ll be able to do the trip without using medication. Thank you a million times. I will never forget you.”

 

Name of Client: Andrew T., Retired Telephone Repair Man, Union County, NJ

Type of Fear/Phobia: Highway Driving

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“I just returned from Boston. I drove the entire time with little or no fear from Springfield, NJ. My son was with me just in case, but I didn’t have to ask him to bail me out, as I’ve had to do so many other times. Thank you so much for everything you did.”

 

Name of Client: Andy M., Medical Doctor, New Hampshire

Type of fear/Phobia: Public Speaking

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“Do you remember meeting me at the conference last year? Well, I can’t forget you, because I used The Neuro Immersion MethodTM for my fear of public speaking. I should have gotten back to you months ago, but I simply have been so busy with research and patients. I’m sorry. Anyway, the results are fantastic. No more pounding heart and sweating palms. It’s been nearly a year since I saw you and everything is going just fine. I have probably done 50 talks and presentations in the hospital and there’s been no problem handling it. I am going to attend the annual conference at Harvard in November and hope to see you there. I tell everyone about Neuro Immersion. Scientifically, it makes perfect sense. I’m glad I did this. Thank you.”

 

Name of Client: Stephen B., Sophomore at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Type of Fear/Phobia: Tests and Exams

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 2

 

“You might recall that I saw you lecture at Rutgers a couple months ago, and then I called about my fear of test-taking. I came into your office for an appointment and I needed the second one, which I did by phone. The second session did it! I am doing really well when I prepare for exams and when I’m taking them. I am much more relaxed and confident. It’s been a 100% turn-around. My parents are stunned. (Me, too). It was the best money I ever spent. I wish I’d known about this in middle school where the problem started. Better late than never... My sincere appreciation! Go Rutgers!”

 

Name of Client: Angela G., Aspiring Actress, Los Angeles, CA

Type of Fear/Phobia: Flying for More Than Two Hours

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 1

 

“The best thing my grandfather ever did was give me your name and number! I can’t believe that this problem is behind me and that I didn’t even have to come to your office! I have been flying everywhere with a whole new outlook on long plane flights. Instead of feeling closed in, I feel like I’m on an adventure. This is real freedom. Freedom! Wow this feels empowering! I cannot wait to meet you one day. I will be in New Jersey over Christmas. I will call your office and maybe arrange meeting? I’d love to give you a hug! Thank you, thank you!”

 

Name of Client: Ellen V., Registered Nurse, New York City

Type of Fear/Phobia: Swimming/Water

Number of Appointments Needed to Succeed: 2

 

“As you might recall, I spend over 30 years afraid of water. So much wasted time! Now that I moved to the suburbs, I want a pool! I only wish I could afford one. For now, I enjoy going to the YMCA two times a week, thrilled and amazed about being in the pool. This is great. I can never thank you enough.”

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Contact Information

   

Office Address:

1501 Fox Trail
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092 USA

 

Phone:

908-301-0039

 

Fax:

908-301-0056

 

E-mail:

DrRonGlassman@Yahoo.com

 

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Travel Directions

Travel directions will be provided upon request.  Please call the office at  908-301-0039.

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