5 comments about Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-IV-TR (Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from Dsm).

1. Once it was apparent my product order was lost in trasit a replacement was quickly shipped out and received. It was in great condition as expected.



2. Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-IV-TR (Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from Dsm)
   
   Received as stated and on time.



3. The book arrived in a timely manner and in excellent condition. I have not completely read the book as of yet, but it is an excellent resource guide and a valuable accessory to add to my library.



4. This reference manual is very well organized, comprehensive and portable. The front part has a "cheat sheet" that is very useful. A must-have for special education personnel, diagnostic clinicians, etc.



5. i was very happy with the speed and quality of my book when it arrived

5 comments about The Feeling Good Handbook.

1. Abstract
   
   The following study investigates the text, The Feeling Good Handbook, by David Burns. Specifically addressed are issues regarding the cognitive-behavioral model of twisted thinking, moral relativism, and the denial of objective truth. It was found that the text provides an inadequate definition and application regarding moral and objective truth issues. Recommendations for revision of the model are included.
   
   
   A Critical Analysis of the Feeling Good
   Handbook: Its Usefulness in Counseling Practice
   
   In addition to the popular text Feeling Good, which became a national bestseller, and The Therapists Toolkit, a resource developed for mental health practitioners, David Burns released The Feeling Good Handbook, a 729-page (including index) guide to cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. Semantically speaking, the text is well written, in simple (approximately 8th grade level) English, and is specifically marketed as a self-help text, though its usefulness for counselors is evident in that throughout the text the reader is often asked to assume the roll of the counselor, and after Burns describes a therapeutic technique, the reader is asked in a presented milieu, to implement that technique (for example, responding to a hypothetical client in a vignette empathetically).
   
   In beginning to review this text, it is noticed a review can be accomplished in two ways. One, the text can be analyzed in respect to how it communicates the points it attempts to make (presentation), how it facilitates the ability in the reader to implement what is learned into his/her life or practice (application), and it can be reviewed in regards to how accurately the book delivers the ideas of cognitive therapy, mood therapy, empathetic response, etc. In all these aspects the book veers well--quite well--for even Albert Ellis (who holds a reputation of not being impressed with others' therapeutic approaches) critiques the text as "Clear, systematic, forceful."
   
   The second approach to analyzing the text, the approach that will be taken, involves an investigation of one can trust as a suitable methodology the tenets from which the text is written, the tenets of cognitive therapy. It will address where the tactics disclosed by Burns are believed to be useful, and when it is hypothesized they would falter in a counseling practice.
   Understanding Your Moods
   
   Burns begins discussing moods by stating the fallacy clients often share, which is "I just can't help the way I feel" (Burns, 1999, p. 3). He then states a grounding premise of cognitive behavioral theory, which is that one's thoughts create moods. Quoting Ellis, the acronym A + B = C is stated. In this formula, A is the presenting event, B is the thoughts of the client, and C is the way the client feels. This formula is to show As do not create Cs--that is, what happens to a person does not effect that person's mood. The thoughts the person maintains affect the person's mood.
   
   However, in reading the text, it is found that the true formula used in the text is not A + B = C, it is B = C, A = 0. The point being, the book extremely minimizes the effect of A. A, in essence, is described as a force that is prone to trying to manipulate one's B to produce unpleasant C's, but is in itself generally insignificant. More clearly, the situations, trials, relationships, and anything else external a person confronts merely challenges a person's thoughts. If the thoughts can be changed, or maintained as healthy thoughts, the person will always report a pleasant mood (C).
   
   According to Burns, "sadness and depression result from thoughts of loss," "Anxiety and panic result from thoughts of danger," and "Guilt results from the thought that you are bad" (Burns, 1999, p. 5). To Dr. David Burns' credit he does state the following, which he titles a disclaimer: that there are times when negative feelings are appropriate and healthy, and that "learning when to accept these feelings and how to cope with a realistically negative situation is just as important as learning how to rid yourself of distorted thoughts and feelings" (p. 7). The reader must ask him/herself at this point, if Dr. Burns believes this amazingly astute point (i.e. equal importance), why then is only one line spent addressing that As are relevant, while 728.5 pages are spent denying their relevance?
   False Sincerity of the Empathetic Response
   
   A rebuttal to the statement that Burns' methodology denies all relevance of coping with a negative situation would probably include the premise that such is accomplished with the use of the empathetic response. The problem with this premise however, is the use of the empathetic response validates nothing. The therapist agrees to none of the truth that the client speaks. The empathetic response simply makes the client aware that the counselor is aware of his/her hurtful thinking.
   
   Reading the text a reader might be perplexed with the question, when is there objective truth in thinking? More specifically, can not hurtful thinking (i.e. I have been a terrible father) be accurate? And if it is accurate, who is to say disposing of this accurate--though hurtful thought--is in essence better for the client than allowing the client to maintain this thought until the client changes his/her behavior so that the client can display another more healthy, and accurate, thought, (i.e. I am no longer a terrible father). However, by Burns' model, the man who states he is a terrible father, even if it is true (by all ability to quantify what a terrible father is), will be handled in the following way.
   
   One, the client would be empathized with: "You are telling me that you are not a very good father, and you are clearly upset with that." Two, the counselor might disclose an "I feel" statement: "I would definitely not want to feel like I was a terrible father. That must be a horrible feeling." Three, it would be suggested to the client that he has twisted thinking which include "Should Statements" (You are wrongly telling yourself you should not be a terrible father), "Labeling" (there is no such thing as a terrible father, just persons who act the roll sometimes), "All-or-Nothing thinking" (surely you have done something that was not terrible--for example you are in therapy), "Overgeneralization" (Being a terrible father is a general simplification. Burns states "there are no Jerks in America" only persons who act like jerks from time to time), "Mental Filter" (you are pretty upset over this whole fatherhood thing. Lets think on things you're not terrible at), and the list goes on.
   
   Burns' model provides no basis for determining what is "twisted thinking" and what is thinking that is the downright painful truth. He states, there are no Jerks in America--just those that act like Jerks. But if a "jerk" does not exist, then from what basis can one state an action as jerk-like? Furthermore, in the 700 plus pages of text on how to handle clients, not once does Burns confront a client because his/her thinking was pleasant but skewed. Therefore, it is a safe conclusion that--though Burns may briefly claim otherwise--to Burns pleasant thinking is correct thinking.
   
   This is further evidenced in text when Burns addresses confrontation. Choices of words include "it was unpleasant when" or "I felt uncomfortable when" (Burns, 1999, p. 156). Both are notoriously relative remarks. There is no claim to objective truth; there is no "what you did was wrong," or "I was treated unjustly." Such relativism can be no more apparent than in the following excerpt:
   You may have difficulty with this idea [that there is not use for shoulds]. You may insist that there's nothing wrong with using the word "should." You may think that it's your duty to clean your desk or to study hard. You may feel it is something you should do!
   
   There are actually [only] three valid uses of the word "should" in the English language. One is the "moral should." You "should" not intentionally take advantage of someone, because this violates your moral code. The second is the "legal should." You should not drive at 90mph because it is dangerous and you'll probably get a ticket. The third is the "laws of the universe should." Things "should" happen because the forces of nature make them happen. For example, if you drop a pen, it "should" fall because of the force of gravity (p. 179).
   
   The enormity of the errors in the thinking above is staggering. First, the only two claims of truth presented above are (one) that it is wrong believe one ought to believe there are moral shoulds or shoulds caused by one's duty, and (two) that the English dictionary agrees with David Burns. Both claims are false.
   
   It is very possible that someone could have a duty to study. A physician being paid to study the effects of a rare disease infecting his/her patient, for example, is an explicit instance when there is a definite "should" due to duty. One would concur that the situation would not have to be so dire (matter of life and death) to still constitute a legitimate should. Though Burns--in the quote above--states that one "feels" shoulds, and does not know them or objectively understand them (lines 3-4).
   
   Next, Burns' first definition of a true should is logically meaningless, in that he states it is truth that one should not take advantage of someone (a valid should) because it violates the person's moral code. Therefore, Burns is saying, as long as one is not violating their own relative moral code, he/she can take advantage of anyone and not be violating a "should." Burns' second definition, regarding the legal should, is quite depraved in that he states speeding violates a legal should (true) because one could hurt him/herself or get a ticket. In reality, Burns is not addressing a legal should at all for legally the should would remain constant whether on not the violator injures him/herself, or receives a ticket for the violation. What Burns is really stating in his example is the claim that one should not partake of behavior that may cause As that could instigate unpleasant Bs.
   
   Lastly, Burns demotes the laws of physics, to the shoulds of physics! If one drops a pen according to Burns, it should hit the floor. According to the law of gravity however, if one drops a pen, it will hit the floor.
   Discussion
   
   Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective. Burns does a fantastic job of describing how to implement cognitive principles into one's personal life, even into one's counseling practice. The ideas are useful for healing. However, the theory is weak in that it does not provide the practitioner, nor the client, correct direction regarding what is twisted thinking, and what is true--though painful--thinking.
   
   Final Note: Telephone and Online Counseling may be a good way to provide quick and effective care to clients. Learn to provide Telephone and Online Counseling with this very well done book: The Therapist's Clinical Guide to Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling: The Definitive Training Guide for Clinical Practice



2. If you just want to read "Feeling Good", do not buy this handbook version of the book.
   
   The author uses imperative statements and not so subtle naratives to coerce the reader into doing the exercises. The objective... teach in simple practical terms Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods for reprogramming out thinking.
   
   Plan to read a few pages and then work on some exercises and ponder over your beliefs and values.
   
   This is not a book for speed reader rabbits. It is more for the the thoughtful, consistent tortoise.
   
   Michael P



3. I bought this for myself over a year ago and cannot say enough good things about it (this purchase was for a dear family member). This book has opened up my eyes and the dark clouds that surrounded me for years...



4. I had read this book years ago in a different version. At the time, I found it a very helpful point of view. Now cognitive therapy is not so new and I am accustomed to realizing that my attitude toward unfortunate situations are in my control, whether the situation is or not. The exercises are helpful to put your events in perspective. Even if you think you know the things that are suggested, putting your own problems on paper and practicing the steps, is more enlightening than you might expect. If you have not encountered cognitive therapy before, this book, the ideas that are outlined, and the exercises, if you will do them, are essential for your well-being. You may not feel "good," but I bet you will feel "better."



5. I won't write a novel here, but I wanted to say a few things about this book. I have started countless self-help books over the years, only to get bored and never finish them. This is the first one that I have read cover to cover and it has made the most sense to me. Many of the situations and case studies he describes relate directly to me, and it made me feel like I was not alone in my self-esteem issues. A few times I was overcome with emotion, feeling like for the first time, someone truly understood how I felt, that I was not the only person in the world who processed thoughts this way, and was there to help me make changes that would improve my quality of life.
   
   I highly recommend this workbook version (there is a regular book), as the exercises make all the difference if you take the time to do them. I can't say I'm a totally new person, but my way of thinking and perceiving has altered for the better. It's a long process...a ship doesn't turn on a dime in the ocean. This is an excellent place to start.
   
   Try it, and take the first step to a better life.

5 comments about The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy.

1. My wife was given this book early in her pregnancy. I know many reviewers say that you need to have a sense of humor to appreciate this book, but this book was not that funny and did nothing to "guide" us through our pregnancy. All it did was scare my wife by talking about all the bad things about being pregnant. This is a good book to read if you don't want to get pregnant or are jealous of those that are.



2. This was given to me as a gift during my pregnancy, and is now the number one thing I recommend to pregnant women! It was informative AND made me laugh out-loud. I also bought "What to Expect..." but I don't like the question-answer format as well as the chapter segments in "Girlfriend's Guide." Great, great book.



3. I found the tone of this book to be a bit too "freak out" for my tastes. She uses exaggeration for comic effect, but in this case, when you're going into pregnancy for the first time, not knowing what to expect, it is hard to separate exaggeration from reality. For example, the weight gain. I was seeing myself becoming the stay-puffed marshmallow woman after reading this book-- not just during pregnancy but afterwards too. Maybe the idea is that if you can make peace with that, you will be okay for whatever happens... But she's the same way about sagging this and gaping that... Anyway, if you want a real in-your-face "you'll never be the same again" perspective to prepare you for anything, this book will give it to you.
   
   I am giving this book 3 stars because she did help me through the first trimester cramping-- I was worried that they meant the pregnancy was going to end until I read her book (she makes a point of saying not to worry about those, as she had worried about them a lot). She also gives a good discussion of her genetic testing experiences/choices.



4. This is a comical and informative girlfriend type of guide to pregnancy. Whereas other books might put you to sleep, this one actually entertains. I certaintly would still encourage purchasing one of the sleepy medical based books too though. Sometimes I would even read this book while I was not feeling well and for a moment here and there it would actually distract me from my misery. As long you have a good sense of humor and aren't easily offended, then you'll be happy you purchased this book. Most of all, it is fun.



5. My sister-in-law gave me this book to read when I was pregnant. It is very funny! Its the "everything you need to know about pregnancy that no one will tell you" book. Just what someone with fatigue, gas, swollen ankles and a squished bladder needs! Relax, put your feet up and enjoy this great, light-hearted book.

5 comments about Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.

1. Really great information. Convinced the biggest exercise procrastinator on earth to buy a heart monitor and hit the track!



2. Dr. Ratey always has the ability to bring science and practical wisdom together into big ah-ha moments. (I loved his book "Shadow Syndromes.") Funny, and sad, how we have gotten so far from what our bodies were designed to do - move, exercise, dance, swim, skate, walk, run, skip, play, learn and practice a skill or sport.
   
   Exercise is that crucial missing piece that we all think is something we have no time for in our schedule, today, as if it were a luxury. But Ratey explains exactly why we have to discover that time. Exercise, or the lack of it, affects success in school, at work and in life, and contributes to an overall sense of satisfaction and pleasure. It's not just about the body. It's about the brain.
   
   We need exercise to activate those dopamine neurons in the reward center of the brain. (P.142) The fact that we have a reward area in the brain, is absolutely fascinating to me. Working with ADHD adults, I have had the opportunity to observe the proof of exactly what this book explores. Those adults who exercise, who find new ways to MOVE and do so in a ways that appeal to them - find more contentment, satisfaction and success.
   
   "Spark" certainly creates a mandate for what is lacking in our educational system and in our country's future. If we don't truly get the role that exercise plays, if we can't see the simple science of it all, where are we headed? You know, there is a lot of hope in this book, if only we could share it with all those who design programs for children.
   
   So, get up and move!
   
   Linda Anderson, MA, Master Coach
   Specializing in ADHD Adults



3. John Ratey is well known for his groundbreaking work on Attention Deficit Disorder. He coauthored the book, "Driven to Distraction" with Ed Hallowell. His newest book is "Spark- The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain." I found Spark a fascinating read. Ratey cites dozens of studies that span decades and continents. All point to the same conclusion: exercise, and aerobic exercise in particular, boosts the release of important neurotransmitters and enhances cognitive function. For people with ADD or ADHD, this boost can be life changing. Ratey is not prescribing exercise as the "cure" for attention issues, but he does offer specific examples of people who have used exercise to combat the negative effects of stress and attention problems. Many were able to reduce or eliminate ADD medications, though he clearly states that for some people, a combination treatment of both medication and structured exercise may be best.
   
   Ratey talks at length about the success of a special gym program instituted in Naperville, Illinois. The emphasis is on personal fitness. Students in this area have very strong tests scores and a very low rate of childhood obesity. In other places around the country that have implemented a similar program, standardized scores have risen dramatically. These case studies are fascinating.
   
   "Spark" has inspired me to increase my own exercise routine, and also to institute morning recess at home each day. My homeschooled kids are absolutely loving it and we're finding the morning transitions go much more smoothly when we all look forward to getting outside and moving our bodies! We've been running laps on the driveway (five times back and forth to the mailbox is about a mile), doing calisthenics, playing four square, jump rope, and kickball. My three year old has her own method of jumping jacks that is just hilarious to watch. My daughter who has the hyperactive sort of attention deficit enjoys sprinting before school, and appears to have less trouble focusing after she has been active. I think my next investment will be a basketball hoop!
   
   Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body, but it is high time that we recognize how good it is for the mind. For a child who has attention issues, a solid workout each morning may make a real difference. I'd be skeptical of a drug that claimed to, "supercharge your mental circuits to beat stress, sharpen your thinking, lift your mood, boost your memory, and much more" , but these are very real affects that regular exercise can produce. Not all exercise is equally effective in fighting symptoms of ADD. Read this book to find out how to implement a regimen that will work for you or your children.



4. Great Book - Tells the average Joe six pack how to improve his life, mind and Body through exercise . Use your bodies Natural drugs to feel better- and there are Legal



5. The content is interest and important, but he simply repeats himself too much. This is a 250 page book with 75 pages of substance.

5 comments about Atlas of Human Anatomy: With Netteranatomy.com (Netter Basic Science).

1. If you're taking anatomy, you need this book...period. Very good illustrations of all the structures. I would recommend getting the hard cover since mine is falling apart slightly.



2. We use Netter's atlas for anatomy lab and in our own personal studying. The atlas has excellent cut-aways and has proven to be incredibly helpful when pulling all of the information together for exams.



3. Nice illustrations, but the organization just is not logical. It is difficult to find what you want and if you're looking for a specific muscle, don't you dare rely on the index, because it probably won't be there. The muscle attachment illustrations are not in the same sections as the muscles themselves. I would recommend Theime's Atlas of Anatomy instead of Netters if you are looking for a better organized and clearer anatomy text.



4. This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone taking an anatomy course.



5. Such a GREAT supplement to the Anatomy Coloring book. It's better to color the coloring book using the same color scheme as this book. Everything is big, colorful, plenty of labels, and very helpful for learning anatomy. It's now my "bible" for school.

5 comments about Maxwell Quick Medical Reference (Maxwell, Quick Medical Reference Maxwell, Quick Medical Refe).

1. It is so worth the seven bucks. Especially if you are entering into an advance practice role. It is the best pocket size reference tool :)



2. First off, this "book" is really tiny--11 pages that resemble someone's 3x5 note cards. The print is tiny, and aside from the laminated cover, the pages don't seem durable or well-printed. After reading the all the rave reviews, I was very disappointed when I received this. This thing is not worth the price and could be easily replaced by a dozen self-made notecards stapled together.
   
   This is by far the worst medical "book" that I've ever purchased.



3. Book is very nice organize,fit into the pocket,useful,but very small print hard to read on red /orange pages and all pages should be laminated.



4. This quick medical reference is a sure must have especially for medical interns like me. It is a necessity for all medical students likewise.



5. a tiny little aid during rounds and rotations. it is perfectly color coordinated by categories, really easy to read and follow with the basic info on many subjects. i found the part on writing everyday patient notes extremely helpful since i tend to forget a few things.
   i decided to laminate the pages so that it can outlast stains and possible spills. wonderful purchase :)

5 comments about Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination (Saunders Comprehensive Review for Nclex-Rn).

1. This book arrived on time and as described will recommend it to all nursing students.



2. The book was brand new came in a timely fashion. I would definitely purchase other items from this seller!!!



3. I'm currently in nursing school and this book has been very helpful. IT has content review in every chapter followed by sample NCLEX questions at the end of each chapter. It also has a comprehensive test at the end of the book and a cd-rom with 3,000 additional questions. It has been amazing when studying for tests!



4. I have been looking for a NCLEX-RN book that would help get me prepared for BIG TEST. I been using it has we cover the sections in my lecture class. So far, I have used it as a study guide for endocrine and cardiac exams with success. I haven't found any differences for this review book and my lecture book.
   I think that is a really great book because it is almost like a med-surg book without all of the information that you do not need. NOTE: This is a comprehensive book--meaning it is not just a book full of questions. It is an outline of each system. The CD has the NCLEX questions on it (however, the book about 30 questions at the end of each chapter).



5. Although I am only halfway through the text, I have found it covers a multitude of topics and is very easy to use. I especially enjoy the accompanying CD which provides questions similar to the ones I experienced in nursing school. As an added benefit, there are a few assessment questions with an audio component that require knowledge from a student's clinical experience. With over twelve hundred pages, it is rather large and time-consuming, and some topics are not discussed in great depth. However, for an outstanding general review this book is well worth the money.

5 comments about Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder.

1. The book is a revelation - it offers practical knowledge and advice in plain english. it helps you to understand what it going on in the life of your loved one and how to deal with the rollercoaster that you end up on when living with this person. I highly recommend this book.



2. It deals with extraordinarily complex issues in a way that makes them understandable, and can lead the reader to take real productive action. I must say I am amazed at the insights from this book. I also recommend other book on this topic is: I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't



3. Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder A must read for those of us who must learn to adapt, overcome and improvise. Recommend highly.



4. Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality DisorderThis is the most important and valuable book for parents and friends of borderline personality disorder victims. BPD is an obscene illness that defies logic and common sense. The authors do a superb job of introducing the reader to the illness, walking through its components and syndromes, and establishing effective strategies to deal with the disease. If you follow the advice, you will no longer be a co-dependent, lashed to the bizarre behavior of the victim, responding inappropriately and dangerously. You will get your life back and actually help the victim by breaking unhealthy bonds and establishing necessary tough boundaries. This is especially important for parents, moreso for mothers because of nature's bonding ways. The authors have hit many home runs with this foundational effort.



5. Most of this book is devoted to how to cope with, coddle, make excuses for and accomodate the BPD in your life, using techniques from AA, the usual pop-psych bromides and advice from Dr. Susan Forward, a radio talk show shrink with specious credentials. Most of the examples of BPDs cited in this book are female, perhaps because females are more likely to seek treatment. On the other hand most of the people sent to anger management classes or incarcerated for abuse are males with BPD who don't voluntarily seek treatment. BPD is a personality disorder that is generally considered to be intractable. This book presents a distorted, rosy view of the possibility of improvement and, after telling the "non-BP" not to play therapist, then goes on to tell the non-BP that if they just handle the BP correctly all will be well, thereby making them responsible. The best advice you can give a person (usually a woman) living with a person with BPD (usually a man) is to protect herself and her children by leaving.

5 comments about Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain.

1. I had five years of chronic knee pain cured doing these knee postures three times. The very straightforward approach of this book is to get your big muscles doing big muscle work again. Pain is caused when the small muscles take over. I am a doctor and have used this effectively with many patient. More accurately I have given them the book and they have done it.



2. Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain
   This is a fabulous book. I had borrowed it from a a friend and decided I wanted my own copy. The concept is when your muscles are not strong your body is out of alignment and causes pain. The exercises don't require any expensive equipment and they work. The exercises also are not exhausting nor time consuming. In a few minutes a day you can do them. I love this book and system.



3. I have been plagued with plantar fasciitis for years. After doing the exercises in this book for 2 days, the pain has already subsided and I am able to run 10 miles again without pain. The concepts are straight forward and make complete sense. Would recommend to anyone with pain.



4. I saw the author on the Today show many years ago when I was suffering from a cervical compression (neck and shoulder) and had had 6 months of physical therapy but still had pain. His recommended exercises cleared the problem up in less than a month.
   
   I have given away 5 copies of this book and have recommended it every time that someone tells me they are in pain.



5. Pain Free is the simplest, most direct explanation of the Egoscue Method available...if you'd like to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars over therapy, get this book.
   
   Pete Egoscue deserves enormous credit for introducing the concept that structural integration - aka postural alignment - is the primary method for relieving all kinds of chronic pain. Western medicine is fantastic at combating "acute" problems (broken bone, heart attack), but has not traditionally been so great at tackling "chronic" problems... something that I think postural alignment really addresses much more effectively than most western physical therapy. I personally thought so highly of the Egoscue Method that after I bought and read this book I went to get treated at an Egoscue clinic (where I think they correctly diagnosed my problem), I bought his two other books, took the P3 seminar to get their lowest certification, and referred my dad and a good friend to Egoscue for their problems.
   
   I would say that the biggest criticism I have of Egoscue is the time required to do the "e-cises"... these can literally demand 30-45 minutes PER DAY to apply appropriately. Also, Egoscue's depiction of the ideal posture, which I originally accepted as gospel because I had no comparison, I have since come to think of as slightly flawed.
   
   I prefer Esther Gokhale's "8 Steps to a Pain Free Back" for two reasons:
   
   1. It takes MUCH less time - you simply learn the Gokhale method and then integrate it all the time without separate exercises.
   
   2. Instead of trying to figure out from an engineering perspective what's best for the body as Egoscue has done, Gokhale went out to indigenous peoples with very low incidences of chronic pain and simply observed what they were doing...her depiction of the ideal posture is based on this, and is what produces the slight variations with Egoscue's ideal posture. I think Gokhale makes a convincing case for her method because of this.
   
   If you're sold on the Egoscue Method, then I highly recommend "Pain Free" as the book to get at the method the quickest (well-done book with illustrations and explanations); but I prefer Gokhale and would recommend checking that out as well.

5 comments about The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition.

1. I found this book to be very informative about sensory disorders and ways to help children overcome them.
   
   The first section dealt with the types of sensory disorders. This became somewhat drawn out for me. There were paragraphs about each type of sensory processing along with a chart of normal and SPD kids reactions. I found that the charts were more interesting to read and that I was able to see the disconnection of the child with SPD much better. The checklists for identifying which SPD your child might have were interesting in the details it provides. Unfortunately(?), my son never really fell into one category but had a few "hits" in many categories.
   
   The second part dealt with ways to help SPD kids overcome their issues. I found this section to be the best part of the book. It showed ways to provide support at home and at school. It gave examples again between normal and SPD kids. I found myself highlighting much of the chapter on how to help kids with SPD progress. I'm looking forward to working with my son on those activities.
   
   Overall, the book was very good. For those who have researched SPD before, the first section might be a bit repetitive. But, the second section was well worth it!



2. This book was recommended to me by my son's occupational therapist. I finally got around to reading it about six months into his therapy. My only regret is that it took me so long! It brought comfort to my husband and I that much of our child's "difficult" behaviors could be explained in such a sensible way. For instance, we never could understand why he would hit other children at daycare when they tried to gently touch his shoulder. Now we realize that light touch actually is painful to him. The quizzes are wonderfully effective tools. They helped us to know what specific things we needed to ask our OT to help him with.



3. This book is awesome. It helps you understand sensory issues and how to help with them. I highly reccomed this book!
   Barbara v



4. This book title was given to me by an OT. Since I knew little about the sensory issues in children I bought it. Was I ever glad I did. It has really helped me deal with the student in my classroom. Plus it has made me aware of possible sensory problems in my future students.



5. When you finally have a resource in your hands that shows a mirror to the child you're trying to help...well, you know what a great feeling that can be. While I could re-read many sections so that I could better understand the deficiencies my child's nervous system has, I came away from this book knowing that I finally have a handbook on his problems. It's a very comprehensive collection of both explanation and resources. I'm telling my whole family to read it.