Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life

Rating:
Summary: First Class Book on Cognitive Behavior Therapy--
Review: A while back, I was doing extensive research before writing up a discussion on the use of cognitive behavioral therapy. I went to the original texts by Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, and they were great for theoretical info, but this book was THE BEST for simple, easy to understand discussion of how to use the principles and techniques of cognitive behavioral therapies to help control anxiety, depression, self esteem, moods and other aspects of your life. It provides short, simple explanations and well thought through exercises you can use to take great charge of your life.

It is an excellent book for therapists who want to have a quick referral resource for patients and it is a super self help book.

Like the authors say, it is not a replacement for treatment by a doctor, but it sure goes a long way for helping some basic issues. I've used the techniques listed here along with biofeedback interventions (see more about them and how to read articles I've written on my website listed in my profile)

Bottom line-- for self help in cognitive therapy, consider this the layman's bible, and an essential bibliotherapy resource for therapists..

Rating:
Summary: REAL Self-help!
Review: I began using this book in conjunction with a therapist and did quite well. When my therapy ended, I bought my own copy, since one can use this book alone, as well. Simple and clearly understandable, I found the book an immense help.

While for some problems the authors do NOT recommend using the book without a trained therapist, for many with more easily treated problems it is a wonderful program of self-help.

I used the book for cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and it was most effective.

Rating:
Summary: Useful and well done self help book
Review: Starting with the premise that our thoughts create our feelings, the authors offer lots of ways to learn to listen to what our thoughts are telling us. They explain the techniques used in cognitive therapy and give practical steps for improving your life. I've used this book myself to help me get through some bad times, and given copies to several friends. I used to buy the self help books for a big library so I've seen a lot of them; this is probably my favorite for all around usefulness.