HOW TO CONTROL YOUR ANXIETY BEFORE IT CONTROLS YOU; by Albert Ellis; Audio Literature. Abridged nonfiction. Two cassettes. Length: three hours. $17.95. Read by Stephen O’Hara. Available in bookstores or by calling (800) 383-0174.

The author of “How to Control Your Anger Before It Controls You” has mapped out a game plan for dealing with unhealthy anxiety. He outlines the theory and practice of “rational emotive behavior therapy” in an easy-to-follow format.

He teaches listeners to take the negatives out of their thoughts and the word “must” out of their vocabulary. He offers several variations on this theme, be it anxiety over job performance, social behavior or one’s sexuality.

Ellis gives concrete examples of anxiety along with several different methods of reframing our thinking, from humor to “shame attacking” exercises, which are basically a way of being less critical.

This effort is an example of an audio that works better than the printed book. Most of the original material is included, with some of the bloat trimmed.

Narrator Stephen O’Hara speaks clearly and energetically. He has a pleasant voice and manner that allow him to maintain our interest when the going gets dull.