What is CBT? Neal Sideman and Melanie VanDyke, PhD break down the treatment option and how it differs in treatment for anxiety or depression.
Neal Sideman, Public Education Committee Co-Chair
Member Since 2007
Neal Sideman recovered from disabling panic disorder & agoraphobia in 1998. For the last 22 years, he has served as an internationally-known coach and teacher for people recovering from panic disorder and agoraphobia. Neal's website, paniccure.com, has reached over 800,000 people. Neal has provided support, guidance and coaching to over 4,000 people working for their recovery from panic attacks, panic disorder. Neal is the co-chair of the Public Education Committee.
Neal and ADAA
ADAA was essential to Neal's recovery. In 1997, he came across Jerilyn Ross' book "Triumph Over Fear." He contacted ADAA, and found his amazing CBT therapist as a result. After completing his recovery work, Neal joined ADAA. He attended his first ADAA conference in San Diego, in 1999. The following year, the journal of the ADAA, The ADAA Reporter, published Neal's essay: "How I Achieved My Cure of Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: An Open Letter to Those on the Healing Path." Neal started giving presentations at ADAA conferences in 2005. In 2011, Neal was invited to participate in the newly-formed ADAA Public Education Committee, under Sally Winston's leadership. Sally initiated the public education webinars the following year, and Neal began hosting and then helping to organize the webinar series. Neal is excited to continue contributing to ADAA's mission!
Melanie VanDyke, PhD
Melanie VanDyke, PhD is a licensed psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Dr. VanDyke specializes in treating anxiety-related disorders such as social anxiety, panic, hoarding, and OCD. She was awarded Missouri Psychological Association’s Psychologist of the Year in 2023 and serves as the Chair of the Evidence-Based Practice Committee. Dr. VanDyke is the Missouri Representative to the American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives. She was awarded Special Recognition for her contributions to the Public Education Committee for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Dr. VanDyke has authored numerous research articles, book chapters, and educational materials for professionals, patients, and families. She was a co-investigator on the family well-being consultation research project and a co-author of the newly released book, When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment: How to Promote Recovery and Reclaim your Family’s Well-Being. Dr. VanDyke supports interprofessional healthcare professionals through training, consultation, and supervision.
