5 comments about The Kissing Hand.

1. I bought this book to help my 2-year old son with his separation anxiety, as he recently started at a daycare center and hates when I leave.
   
   It's a lovely book, well-written and beautifully illustrated, and it's so compassionate. I love it!



2. I really liked this book because it was a nice story. The best part was when Chesters mom gave him the kissing hand so he wouldn't be sad or lonely at school. I also liked when he gave one to his mom so she would have a kissing hand while he was gone.
   
   Nick



3. Beautiful children's story -- PERFECT for young, elementary school-aged children who get homesick easily or have a hard time being apart from parents. Illustrations are high quality. Excellent choice!



4. A wonderful book that helped my son get through the tough times of going to pre-school and being away from Mom. It helped him to know that I was always with him.



5. The Kissing hand is a wonderful book that show's how strong the bond is between a mother and her child. We started reading this book to my daughter when she was two years old. She is now seven and we still do the "Kissing Hand". It is a sweet story that you will fall in love with and your children will ask for it for years to come. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone, especially to any parents who need to be seperated from their child for any length of time.
   5 stars!!!

5 comments about The Feeling Good Handbook.

1. Cognitive therapy is a tested, effective treatment for depression. It can be used instead of medication, or to add to the effects of antidepressants. This book is clear and well written. It has helpful worksheets and exercises to reinforce the information. This book can help you break the negative habits that cause and maintain depression.



2. 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



3. 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



4. 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...



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

1. If you have a child that is just a little "out-of-sync" with their peers, this book is for you! A college friend that was a practicing Occupational Therapist recommended this book after I asked for her opinion on my second childs behavior during a gathering of friends at our home a few years ago. At the time (2003 - I read the first edition of the book), not many doctors or therapists were educated in working with sensory disorders. Even today 5 years later, many people will look at you like you have 10 heads if you start talking about it. I however, felt that the author must have been hiding in my house while writing the book. It was my child to a tee! I have continued to recommend this book no less than once a month since then and get feedback from people that it was perfect for understanding their child.



2. As a clinical psychologist, I have found this book to be invaluable in learning how to screen for Sensory Integration/Processing Disorders, to make recommendations for more precise assessment & services, and to educate parents and other clinicians about this area of practice. Most mental health clinicians--and even teachers--are fairly unknowing when it comes to this topic, I have found. I know that I was certainly in the dark about it until obtaining this book. The only complaint I can make is that the actual book itself is 'poorly integrated' and just completely fell apart after a couple of years! I wish there was a hardback version, but I am going to order a copy of the revised edition and hope for an improved binding! Highly, highly recommended for clinicians, educators, and parents.



3. This book has been Heaven sent, in helping to understand and developed stratigies for my 4 year old son, with Sensory Intergration function and High Functioning Autism. Don't get me wrong it is not a cure all, but helped me understand his sensory issues; therefore, I could aide him in certain areas. I was also able to communicate better with his OT and Developmental Pediatician. I have gained an insight into which sensory areas he has difficuly with. One Example: Never really understood why he would only sleep with 3 blankets over him, covered head to toe. After reading this book, I have come to realize he has a sensory need for deep pressure/touch. Light touch/pressure stimulates a pain response for him. Once this was realized, I spoke with his OT who gave me a list of techinques to intergrate deep pressure into his daily routine. Now this need is not as frequent in some areas. Highly recommend this book to anyone who cares for or teaches children with sensory issues. I have recommended this book to two parents, whom were grateful to have read it. It's clear cut, not full of medical jargon. I am gratefull to the authors for writting this book.



4. 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!



5. 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.

5 comments about The Essential Laws of Fearless Living: Find the Power to Never Feel Powerless Again.

1. I'll be frank - I haven't read it all the way through, but its pretty good.



2. I recommend this book for anyone because it makes you really assess the way you live your life. It really challenges you to learn more about who you are, which alot of us believe we already know ourselves, but this book goes into more depth for analysis of are true selves and the way we view ourselves. Very empowering. BUY THIS BOOK!



3. I have not finished reading this book but what I have read so far is outstanding. Guy Finley is a wonderful author who puts things into perspective that anyone can understand. I love his work



4. "The Essential Laws of Fearless Living: Find the Power to Never Feel Powerless Again" offers a lot of old stuff that has been used before by this author and re-presented in this book. It turns no new turf and gives the impression he is resting in his past record. It lacks substance and guts. He can deliver a lot better that he has in this book.



5. Guy Finley's book was exceptional. For me it came along at the right time. The book offers valuable insights that are like tiny treasures. I read the book through and now I pick it up and read 1 page or a few pages at a time to digest it. This is a book that when digested in small amounts fills you up. If you are one who has fears in your life "The Essential Laws of Fearless Living will help you navigate through the waters of your fears to a safe harbor and out again into the seas. Follow the laws and they will assist you greatly in finding your true self.

5 comments about Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome.

1. This book comprehensively addresses this condition, a condition that is likely more widespread than acknowledged. Much is written about stress and high cortisol but little is available on the symptoms that occur when your adrenals are exhausted and there is little cortisol. Even most conventional doctors know little about this condition nor how to treat it. Having been finally diagnosed (after probably 14 years of walking around with varying degrees of adrenal fatigue), I've used this book as a guide to healing naturally and selecting a doctor who really knew how to address this condition. This book appropriately managed my expectations as to how slowly I would heal and helped me identify much-needed lifestyle changes.



2. This book was ok, moderately helpful, but much of it I flipped through. I wish it had focused in more on the diet and vitamin portion because that was the only part I really got into and made notes from. Again, it was kind of helpful but it could have been better. I feel like I have to still do more research and reading to fully understand and treat my adrenal/thyroid functioning.



3. Very few people understand the impact of low functioning adrenal glands. This book explains in simple language how to improve your cortisol levels and energy through lifestyle changes and more.



4. The Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is a must read for everyone! If you have fibromyalgia, arthritis, stress or any other problem you should start here. It will save a lot of time and effort in the long run!



5. This book along with Fatigued To Fabulous is a lifesaver--literally. I have been sick for almost two years starting with a severe case of Epstein Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. My immune system which used to be excellent plummeted and I was sick constantly. All kinds of infections including pink eye several times, a bladder infection that lasted 5 months, a couple of stomach viruses, several upper respiratory infections and chronic sinusitis. Because of all of these I am now allergic to so many thing I never used to be allergic to, including some food items. I went to my regular doctor several times with the problems I was having outside of these "easy to diagnose, easy to treat" problems and they could do nothing for me. Finally my doctor told me I had fibromyalgia and I should go back to my rheumatologist. She turned around and said that I need to get my lip biopsed for a possible diagnosis of Sjogren's Disease. I already have Raunauds Phenomenom and eczema which are associated with the immune system.
   
   I went to a Naturopath who told me I was suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and adrenal gland fatigue---just a bit away from Addisons's disease which can be really bad. I am now on minerals and other herbal supplements to help with these problems. I was having diffuse muscle and joint pain, severe headaches, my hands hurt constantly and needed to be massaged, my feet also. I was constantly tired. I still am tired quite abit.
   
   Anyway, this book is wonderful. It is a no nonsense book and liese it all on the line for you. Tests that you can do at home to check for these problems and even certain protocols to help you through this time. It stresses that you can find relief and not to give up hope. This book believes in you and and your pain. When you cry "wolf" this book wil coming running for you no matter how many times you call wolf. Excellent book. I would recommend this book to any one having some of the above problems and those of you wholse family is not as caring as they should seem. this book will let you know that you are not online. Get this book along with "From Fatigued to Fabulous" and youcant go wrong! Enjoy!

5 comments about Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, & Distress Tolerance (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook).

1. A huge amount of information presented in a systematic way. I bought two workbooks. The other by Scott Spradlin. Both have their strong points. Spradlins is simple and clear and an excellent first choice. It provides a selection of methods which would be useful to anyone. This volume has significantly more detail and much more indepth discussions. While it might be a bit overwhelming, it has so much information that it cannot help but be useful. My only complaint is that the book frequently uses examples that include self mutilation. For this reason I would not give it to anyone who has not thought of cutting as an option.



2. I've been in therapy off and on my whole life and I have never gotten to the root of my problem until this book. It's easy to read and offers actual problem solving exercises you can do in minutes. I bought one for a relative for her birthday and another one for a friend that is in a month long in-patient program. It's been life changing for me!



3. Its an easy read but hard to understand at first. I suggest reading it through once before trying the lessons. The publisher must have rushed this book through I found three errors that should have been caught. One reference to a chart (wrong page). Gender shift (female becomes male in example). Number in the middle of a word. These aren't game breakers but the publisher needs to use a fact checker and spell check to have a great workbook. But the information is important and expressed well i would recommend this book.



4. I have found this workbook to be an invaluable resource in working with clients that struggle with distress tolerance. Not only useful for BPD clients, but also clients with addictions and other self harming behaviors. Everyone that I have used this with has found it to be extremely helpful.



5. If you manage enough creative people, you will need to know what coaching and therapy is available to help them. This book is a must because the method is so powerful.

5 comments about What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids).

1. This book was just what our family needed. My seven year old couldn't get enough of it. We saw a difference almost immediately. It helped her gain control of what she thought were impossible situations. We still re-read the book as needed. She was diagnosed with OCD recently, but because of the book, she already had a firm foundation for fighting her "worry bullies", and responded dramatically to therapy. I would recommend this book for all kids - from the ones that have just run of the mill anxieties to sudden on-set anxiety caused by a traumatic change to kids that have serious anxiety related disorders.



2. If you are a parent of a child with anxiety, you know how it can feel like your family is held hostage by your child's worries! This book saved our family! It was recommended by our child's therapist and I just can't say enough about it. It is written for kids to understand, but it is not condescending so even an older child or teen would benefit from it. Several specific strategies are described in the book. We saw improvements almost immediately and within a month or two, our daughter had actually retrained her brain and she is now a different child. Now, if we see the anxiety coming, all we have to do is mention a few specific words and she is back on track!



3. This book gave my 8 year old the tools necessary to understand and combat her worries. Within a week, we saw an amazing transformation in her ability to manage her worries as well as her body's reaction to those worries. Excellent resource.



4. This book is great for a child that worries more than the average kid. My daughter is 9 1/2 and she has always worried about things that she can't control (house catching on fire, tornados, lightning, etc). This book has been a blessing! I wish I had discovered it a few years ago. It is written on a kid-level with chances for them to write/draw about their own worries.



5. This is an excellent book. It acknowledges how worried children feel and gives them tools to deal with those feelings while still validating that this isn't always an easy task. It is in language kids can understand but also also gives the non anxious person insight into what it is like to be anxious. It doesn't blame or judge but rather has an accepting tone. The strategies it gives are actual cognitive behavioral techniques used with kids and adults. What an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and therapists of anxious children! I highly recommend this book!

5 comments about The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition.

1. This is the very best book ever written for those suffering from Panic/Anxiety attacks! I could not face life without it! It covers everything about what panic/anxiety is, to how to deal with it, information to help to heal with meditation, diet, drugs, connecting your with higher power. GREAT, GREAT book! I also know of Panic/Anxiety support groups that use this as "the book" for information.



2. I bought this book after my therapist recommended it. I cannot put into words how much this has helped. The advice is practical and seemed to be written directly for me. I do not have any phobias so I only use about 1/2 the book... but it is still well worth the money.



3. This is an actual "workbook". It doesn't just say that you should do certain things to overcome anxiety. It gives specific details about specific techniques you can use. There are pages that you fill out to assess your specific breed of anxiety, and it recommends certain techniques for each type of anxiety. This book is written in a way that the general public can understand. The beginning has an overview of the types of anxiety/phobias. A lot of information is repeated in different sections, but that just helps reinforce the knowledge. This is great in conjunction with Lucinda Bassett's book, From Panic to Power.



4. As someone who suffers from social anxiety disorder, I have done extensive research and testing on many different things that claim to "cure" anxiety. Because medication and professional therapy is not an option for me (due to lack of insurance), I decided to try a more natural approach to treatment. I picked up this book recently and although it does have some really good ideas, it's a tad bit incomplete.
   
   Let's talk about the positives. First, this does act as a workbook which encourages you to partake in the activities and write down your experiences. Second, the writer suggests quite a few different techniques to help treat you. He discusses meditation, positive thinking, breathing techniques, and he even touches on something that I personally believe is the most helpful-exercise and nutrition.
   
   Furthermore, the author gives specific examples of things to tell yourself if you're experiencing self-doubt. He also describes how to meditate and even what to think about when meditating. If you believe that CBT is right for you, this book does a good job of explaining everything.
   
   And now for the negatives. I understand this is a book for anxiety and phobias in general but some of these things just didn't/won't work for someone in my situation. Because I experience free floating anxiety a lot, it's hard to "talk yourself out of the situation" when you don't understand why the heck you're experiencing anxiety in the first place.
   
   Another thing I disliked is that the author suggests that you correct your negative thoughts and instead change them into positive. What the author doesn't discuss is what to do if you don't actually BELIEVE the positive statement you're telling yourself. For example, if I'm in a situation where I feel that everyone is judging me and I become anxious, it doesn't help to tell myself "Oh don't worry about what they're thinking. They're not even looking at you." when there are, in fact, people looking at you. In terms of the whole imagining yourself in an anxious situation and then actually visiting this place, I don't think this would work for people with my disorder because it's all on a case by case basis. Whereas sometimes I'll feel uncomfortable standing in line in a certain grocery store, I'll be fine in other stores. It's not the actual place but the people you're around.
   
   Although I do think there's a wealth of information on this book, I don't think all of the ideas work for every person with anxiety issues. There are books out there that are more "understanding" than this one so just search for one that is specific to your phobia.



5. This book is pretty good except he has me doing tons of stuff to get well. Walk an hour a day, eat better, mediatation, autogenics, downtime, massive vacations, and the list goes on. Come on who has the time to do all that and work and raise a family. Who has the money to take long restful vacations. Certainly not me after paying for the doctor and the SSRI. Preacher wants me to read the Bible through every year, husband wants me to work full time, therapist wants me to utilize this book to the max, mother wants me to take her places, and now this author has me doing tons of stuff. So I give it only 3 stars.

5 comments about Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Revised and Updated.

1. This book is truly awakening, it made me realize how distorted I view the world. I believe that the learnings I have gained from this book will make me a better wife, mother and friend. Good luck to all in the frustrating battle with depression, I hope you find the book as helpful as I did!



2. Good book! Arrived on time and in good condition. This book would help anyone to analyse their thoughts and make corrections in actions and thought toward a better life. I highly recommend it!



3. I've read several "self help" books on depression and I got the most out of this one, by far. I think maybe because it was so easy to identify with much of what he said. Like when he is talking about the different types of distorted thinking, "Hey, I do that!" His suggestions are simple and easy to follow. He admits to thoughts you may have as you read and responds to them. Just overall, I really felt like this book spoke to me more than any of the others that I have read.



4. This is one of the best books written for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression who are looking for tools that the can use daily to help themselves feel better. The author, who is a psychiatrist, is a pioneer in the field of cognitive behavioral therapy. His premise is simple..." the way you think determines the way you feel"
   
   And he is right.
   
   For the individual who is willing to put the time in and work through this book the rewards will be great.
   
   I have recommended this book to a number of my patients
   
   Dr Alagia



5. I feel that David Burns has been able to put a good edge of stability on my day to day living. Stuff that I think I might have worked out myself but Burns deals with in a simple direct way and how to cope with them whatever youve decided your problems are; that one has a procrastination issues, surviving negative people and situations, you know...just dealing with life in general. He shows how to cope with situations either by writing activities or by your own mind revision.
   IE. pge 138, dealing with critisism.
   1.Always speak the truth.
   it might be biazarre and weird truth but the attacker will run out of steam and it will lose their grip on you.
   The book is focused on depressed people. I dont think I am actually 'depressed' but certainly had my issues and one of these is dealing with antidepressants in the past and this book has a great section on the treatment of antidepressants.

5 comments about Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness.

1. If you want to know more about your subc.I heartily recommend these CDs:
   
   The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
   The Master Key System
   Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World
   The Science of Getting Rich
   The Science of Mind
   Think and Grow Rich: Original Version



2. I initially saw Dr. Amen on PBS television show. Something about him made me watch. I became very interested in what he was discussing and as a result purchased the book and CDs. The book was very interesting and well written. Very easy to understand, especially when reading about a rather technical subject. Dr. Amen made is easy with his explanations and use of examples. The CDs followed the book very closely and made everything fall into place. I have heard many public speakers and listened to hundreds of CD programs; Dr. Amen is best speaker I have ever listened to. He is articulate and clear and speaks with sincerity, care and knowledge. I plan to take the master questionnaire as soon as it arrives. In my opinion his work is ground breaking and has the potential to help many people. My only regret is that I live on the East coast and it would be very difficult to visit him. As I feel at this time, it would be my number one choice if I could have three wishes. I hope that anyone considering purchasing this book does so.



3. One of the problems in today's treatment approaches--whether they be the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, the psychiatrist's counseling, the scans, the pharmaceuticals, nutritional imbalance, or altering behavioral disorders--is that they don't touch many of us who believe in cure by the power of God.By the Power of God: A Guide To Early A.A. Groups and Forming Similar Groups Today ; God and Alcoholism: Our Growing Opportunity in the 21st Century; and Cured! Proven Help for Alcoholics and Addicts. As a recovered alcoholic, I've done my turn in a treatment center, a psychiatric ward, a therapist's chair, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Christian fellowship. And I've profited from all. But sad it is that a popular book and approach such as this just doesn't cover help from the Creator. Belief in God, acceptance of Christ, study of the Bible, prayer, renewing the mind to God's word, and working with others were all part of the highly successful early A.A. fellowship.When Early AAs Were Cured and Why, Third Edition And I believe strongly that professionals like the good doctor should be introduced to, understand, and be able to work with the power of God as an element of healing much used and needed by many. All the areas of his practice involve human means, but they need to take account of spiritual help. Not self-help, not group-therapy, not rehabilitation, but embracing these within the original, old-school A.A. Christian approach.Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in Vermont



4. I first saw Dr. Amen on a public television fund raiser. I was surfing
   and stopped cold when the list of behaviors he was describing fit my current
   boyfriend, I'm talking about all of them. He has had a rough go of it; I believe
   he has had ADHD from birth (maybe never diagnosed), but two yrs he suffered
   a brain aneurysm and stroke.
   I needed help!
   I tuned in and immediately sent for the book. It gave me so much insight into
   creating a more successful environment to continue my relationship and it
   empowered me with strategies to use to deescalate situations when circum-
   stances arise. I haven't shared the book yet but I plan to because it makes so
   much sense to me that the physical brain would dictate what is going on
   behaviorally. I would love to attend some workshops of Dr. Amens', that is
   my next goal.



5. Instead of repeating other reviewers, let's focus mostly on some unmentioned and undeveloped content. The deep limbic system is responsible for such things as PMS, clinical depression, negative emotions, etc. These problems are exacerbated by ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) which become self-perpetuating with constant repetition. To eliminate them, the person needs to reframe negative thoughts and experiences as positive ones. Philippians 4:8 is cited as to the need for focusing on positive emotions. POLYANNA is mentioned favorably, including her statement that the Bible has about 800 "Glad Passages', indicating God's priority in this regard. Medications such as Saint-John's-wort can also be helpful in alleviating limbic-system dysfunction.
   
   The basal ganglia are the person's natural "idle". When set too "high", they are responsible for such things as anxiety, fear, avoidance of conflict, the "freeze" response during emergencies, sloppy handwriting, TS (Tourette syndrome), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), etc. To deal with problems related to the basal ganglia, the person should, besides killing ANTs, engage in guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, meditation/self-hypnosis, etc. Medications such as lithium and Valium can also help with basal-ganglial overactivity. In cases of basal-ganglial underactivity, as in ADD, the person often enjoys conflict with others as a form of self-stimulation.
   
   The cingulate system is the person's natural "gear shifter". Problems with the cingulate include oppositional disorder in children, cognitive inflexibility, repetitive thoughts, and persistence of grudges. Such problems can be helped with SSRI drugs such as Prozac, as well as by physical exercise, the making of paradoxical requests, etc.
   
   Other sections of the book include discussion of problems related to the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes. The book concludes with a list of references, to articles in medical journals, which the research-oriented reader can use for further study.