Health psychology Books

Book SynopsisOne of the most important objectives of health psychology is to promote people''s mental health. Mental health is a decisive factor in the daily well-being of the individual, improving their own quality of life as well as that of those in their direct social environment. Some of the important criteria of mental health include a high level of subjective well-being of the individual, adequate coping strategy, an ability to overcome tensions, an ability of self-expression and social support. The emergence of these abilities are in close relationship with socialisation of the individual in the family, the treatment the individual receives from their parents. A number of studies have been produced on the connections between parental attitudes and mental disturbances. Traumas experienced in childhood, ignorance on the side of the parents or inadequate parental attitudes play an important role in the emergence of psycho-pathological syndromes and dysfunctional behaviour in adulthood, especially if the effects of family socialisation are boosted by the genetic vulnerability of the individual. All these point to the necessity of being familiar with the psycho-social factors that constitute mental health and help in its preservation, as this knowledge is indispensable both for effective cure and effective prevention. The common objective of the studies summarising the research in health psychology and included in this volume is to survey the risk and protective factors related to mental health among non-clinical young people (college students). The factors discussed include, among others, family socialisation, parental attitudes and circumstances that threaten mental health as well as those that serve as protective and preventive elements for mental health.

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Book SynopsisNearly half of people at the end of life will receive hospice care, but few psychologists, nurses, physicians, chaplains, and hospice workers have been trained specifically to recognize and address the psychological, social, and emotional issues that may arise in patients who are dying. Patients in the midst of advanced terminal illness may experience a variety of distressing emotions, and may feel anxious, frightened, regretful, or desperate. This guide was created specifically to guide helping professionals of all kinds through the process of working through patients' psychological issues to allow them peace and comfort in their final moments.The Helping Professional's Guide to End of Life Care clarifies the spiritual and emotional care that patients need and presents an evidence based approach integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), transpersonal psychotherapy, hypnosis, mindfulness, and guided imagery to help patients manage emotional distress at the end of life. Through case conceptualizations and detailed treatment planning guidance, readers learn to formulate comprehensive assessment and treatment plans for patients and gain skills that will help them manage the emotional intensity of this work. This secular, professional treatment model can be applied to patients of any religious or spiritual background. The book also addresses integrating the patient's therapeutic team with the medical team, addressing the emotional needs of friends and family of the dying, crisis intervention for suicidal patients, working with clients on psychotropic medications, and how helping professionals can manage their own emotions to become more effective clinicians.

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Book SynopsisMany have wondered if there is a key ingredient to living a full and happy life. For decades now, scientists and psychologists alike have been studying the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The positive psychology movement was founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play. At the same time, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-a mindfulness-based, values-oriented behavioral therapy that has many parallels to Buddhism, yet is not religious in any way-has been focused on helping people achieve their greatest human potential.Created only years apart, ACT and positive psychology both promote human flourishing, and they often share overlapping themes and applications, particularly when it comes to setting goals, psychological strengths, mindfulness, and the clarification of what matters most-our values and our search for meaning in life. Despite these similarities, however, the two different therapeutic models are rarely discussed in relation to one another. What if unifying these theories could lead to faster, more profound and enduring improvements to the human condition?Edited by leading researchers in the field of positive psychology, Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology is the first professional book to successfully integrate key elements of ACT and positive psychology to promote healthy functioning in clients. By gaining an understanding of "the seven foundations of well-being," professionals will walk away with concrete, modernized strategies to use when working with clients. Throughout the book, the editors focus on how ACT, mindfulness therapies, and positive psychology can best be utilized by professionals in various settings, from prisons and Fortune 500 business organizations to parents and schools. With contributions by Steven C. Hayes, the founder of ACT, as well as other well-known authorities on ACT and positive psychology such as Robyn Walser, Kristin Neff, Dennis Tirch, Ian Stewart, Louise McHugh, Lance M. McCracken, Acacia Parks, Robert Biswas-Diener, and more, this book provides state-of-the-art research, theory, and applications of relevance to mental health professionals, scientists, advanced students, and people in the general public interested in either ACT or positive psychology.

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Book SynopsisHallucinations, delusions, catatonia, and thought disorder: the symptoms of psychosis are extreme. Patients with psychosis may experience a complete break from reality, become violent toward themselves or others, and may even believe that they are being persecuted by unseen forces. Because these symptoms can pose a number of dangers to the patient and those around them, successfully treating psychosis can be enormously challenging.Treating Psychosis is an evidence-based treatment manual for mental health professionals working with individuals who experience psychosis, a serious form of mental illness associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and severe depression. If you are a clinician dealing with psychotic patients, you know how devastating psychosis can be for both the patient and their family. That's why this book offers a compassionate approach that integrates empowerment and strengths-oriented methods.Using a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) approach that incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT), the book will provide you with a pre-treatment overview and treatment implementation strategies, and will help you develop a realistic action plan for treating patients with psychosis in individual or group settings.

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Book SynopsisThe Bullying Workbook for Teens incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help ease anxiety, fear, stress, and other emotions associated with being bullied. The workbook is made up 42 step-by-step self-help activities designed to help you learn anti-bullying tips and strategies; manage emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger, and depression; and learn constructive communication skills to help you express your feelings.With this workbook as your guide, you will also learn how to identify toxic friendships, how to build your own self-confidence, and importantly, how to ask for help when bullying gets out of control or if you are feeling suicidal. The exercises in this book are designed to be useful in everyday situations, so that you can combat bullying or cyberbullying in your life. Whether you are a straight A student, a cheerleader, a member of the LGBT community, or encompass all of these things, you should know that bullying can happen to anyone. But there is hope to make a change and stand up for yourself, once and for all.If you are a teen victim of bullycide, this book will offer sound psychological support to help you gain confidence in yourself and in your interactions with others. It is also a great resource for parents, educators, and counseling professionals.

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Book SynopsisLoving Someone with Anxiety is one of the few books written specifically for the partners of people with anxiety disorders. The book is designed not only to aid you in helping your partner cope with anxiety and worry, but also to help you take care of your own needs. Inside, you'll learn the importance of setting healthy boundaries, limiting codependent behaviors, and why taking over roles that make your partner anxious-such as answering the phone, driving, or doing the grocery shopping because your partner feels too anxious to be in public-can be extremely damaging for the both of you.Codependency in relationships with an anxious partner can lead to resentment, anger, and a sense of helplessness on your side. This book will help you and your partner overcome these negative behaviors, build better communication and a stronger personal connection.Written by a licensed professional counselor who specializes in helping the partners of those with mental illnesses , this book is the resource that you have been looking for to help you understand your anxious partner and keep anxiety from sabotaging your relationship.

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Book SynopsisAt some point or another, you have probably encountered difficulty putting theory into practice when it comes to using ACT in sessions with clients. You aren’t alone. Although ACT is a powerful treatment option for a number of psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and more, it is a complex, ever-evolving model, and as such it can often be difficult to deliver effectively. The truth is that even the most seasoned ACT therapist will face challenges in their client sessions from time to time.This is the only advanced professional ACT book on the market, and it is designed to help you close the gap between what you’ve learned in ACT training and your actual client sessions. Inside, licensed psychologist Darrah Westrup, PhD, provides valuable tips and real-life client scenarios to help you hone your understanding of the core processes behind ACT. You’ll also learn practical strategies for moving past common barriers that can present during therapy, such as over-identifying with clients or difficulty putting theory into practice. Most importantly, you’ll learn when to deliver specific ACT components, and how to adapt your treatment for each client.This user-friendly, pragmatic, and thoughtful guide does not promote “error-free” ACT, but rather, ways to identify and work with the therapy process as it unfolds. A must-read for any therapist or mental health professional interested in sharpening their ACT skills.

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Book SynopsisIn Courage after Fire for Parents, three psychologists provide a compassionate and accessible guide for the parents or guardians of returning troops. Based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this is the only self-help book written specifically for the parents of returning soldiers, and it offers coping strategies and practical tips for helping these heroes recover from physical and mental trauma when they return home.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years, mindfulness and acceptances-based therapies have gained immense popularity in the field of behavioral health. And as these therapeutic models have proliferated, their teachings and practices have been introduced to a wide range of diverse applications.Cognitive behavioral approaches often rely on a client’s values as a catalyst for treatment. But because values are often culturally biased, it can be difficult to apply the same techniques to clients from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. That’s why multicultural competency training for mental health professionals is so important. Mindfulness and Acceptance in Multicultural Competency presents a contextual approach to sociocultural diversity in both theory and practice.In this book, author Akihiko Masuda examines the cultural competency and cultural adaptation of three major therapeutic models based in mindfulness and acceptance: dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Readers will learn how to translate these treatment models to other language communities, and how to tailor therapeutic approaches to address a number of cultural factors, including religion and spirituality, social stigma, and prejudice.Written for professionals, students, and practitioners, this book offers solid data and research that shows how innovations in acceptance and mindfulness therapies can be directed for the health and wellness of all people, no matter their race, creed, or cultural background. The book includes contributions by Lynn McFarr, PhD, Holly Hazlett-Stevens, PhD, Michael P. Twohig, PhD, Jason Lillis, PhD, Michael Levin, MA, and Jason Luoma, PhD.

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Book SynopsisAdolescents are more likely than any other age groups to engage in behaviors that contribute to injuries, violence, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and reckless alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. At-risk adolescents may also exhibit signs of moodiness, aggression, and even self-injury, and these behaviors often cause parents, teachers, and clinicians to become extremely frustrated. Adolescents themselves may even believe that change is impossible. Drawing on proven-effective dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy for At-Risk Adolescents is the first reader-friendly and easily accessible DBT book specifically targeted to mental health professionals treating adolescents who may be dangerous to themselves or others. If you work with adolescents who exhibit at-risk behavior, you know how important it is to take immediate action. However, you may also have trouble “breaking through” the barrier that these young people can build around themselves. This book can help. The DBT skills outlined in this book are evidence-based, and have been clinically proven to help build emotion regulation skills, which are useful for all age groups, though perhaps especially for the millions of at-risk adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, anger, and the myriad behaviors that can result from these emotions. This book also includes practical handouts and exercises that can be used in individual therapy sessions, skills training groups, school settings, and when working with parents and caregivers. Adolescents stand at the precipice of the future, and the decisions they make now can have life-long impacts. By showing them how to manage their emotions and deal with the stresses that are common in day-to-day life, you are arming them with the tools they will need to succeed and thrive.

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Book SynopsisAcceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a powerful, evidence-based treatment for clients struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, and a host of other mental health conditions. It is based in the belief that the road to lasting happiness and well-being begins with accepting our thoughts, rather than trying to change them. However, ACT can present certain roadblocks during treatment. As a mental health professional, you may adopt basic principles of ACT easily, but it generally takes at least two or three years of hard work and ongoing study to become truly fluid in the model. During that time, you will probably find yourself "stuck" at some point, and so will your clients.In Getting Unstuck in ACT, psychotherapist and bestselling author of ACT Made Simple, Russ Harris, provides solutions for overcoming the most common roadblocks in ACT. In the book, you will learn how to deal with reluctant or unmotivated clients, as well as how to get past certain theoretical aspects of ACT that some clients may find confusing.This book will help clients deal with sticky dilemmas and unsolvable problems, and will help simplify key ACT concepts to help you break down psychological barriers. Other common problems with ACT that the book addresses are inconsistencies and sending mixed messages, talking and explaining ACT instead of doing it, being too eager to treat a client, being a "Mr. Nice Guy or Ms. Nice Girl," or putting too much focus on one process while neglecting others. The chapters of the book are based in real life scenarios that take place between therapist and client, and the author provides feedback by analyzing mistakes in what was said and where improvements could be made.As more and more mental health professionals incorporate ACT into their practice, it is increasingly necessary to have a guide that offers them effective solutions to common ACT roadblocks. For that reason, this book is a must-have for any ACT therapist.

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Book SynopsisExperiencing emotions is part of being human. But when emotions become too intense, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As a result, many of us try to suppress strong emotions such as fear, anger, and resentment-which can end up causing a host of health problems, from a weakened immune system to heart disease. On the flipside, overreacting in the heat of the moment can be detrimental to relationships.Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance offers a unique program using mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to help you approach your emotions without judgment, understand the source of your emotions, and foster forgiveness and kindness toward both yourself and others. Instead of trying to bury emotions or lashing out and hurting relationships, you'll learn how to achieve true, lasting emotional balance using this powerful, evidence-based therapy.If you're tired of being caught in a cycle of emotional upheaval that is taking its toll on your health, your relationships, and your quality of life, this workbook will guide the way to emotional balance.

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Book Synopsis Too often, clients with substance abuse and addiction problems achieve sobriety only to relapse shortly after. As a clinician in the addiction treatment field, you are undoubtedly familiar with this common scenario, and it can be a source of extreme frustration. To make matters worse, clients may see their relapse as evidence of personal failure and inadequacy, and as a result, they may resist more treatment. What if you could break this cycle and help clients maintain their progress? Mindfulness-Based Sobriety presents a breakthrough, integrative approach to addiction recovery to help you treat clients recovering from substance abuse and addiction using mindfulness-based therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention therapy. Research has indicated that mindfulness-based therapy is highly effective in treating emotion dysregulation, stress, depression, and grief--all emotions that lie at the root of addiction. Motivational interviewing is helpful in treating addiction because it helps clients learn to change the behaviors that cause addiction. And finally, relapse prevention therapy teaches individuals with addiction to anticipate and cope with potential relapse. This book combines all three of these highly effective treatments. This powerful manual was developed by Gateway Foundation clinicians in order to better fulfill the mission of reducing substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems. The book provides two curricula: an outpatient treatment curriculum and a residential treatment curriculum. Both are user-friendly and can be implemented in an open group format, which means that you can say goodbye to the days of tailoring one-on-one treatment to fit a group setting. The integrative approach outlined in this book will help your clients conquer substance abuse by identifying their own values, strengthening their motivation, and tackling other mental health problems that may lie at the root of their addiction. Furthermore, the book's strong emphasis on relapse prevention means that you can help clients stay on the path to sobriety.

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Book SynopsisIf you buy just one book on bipolar disorder, let this be it.There's an old saying: "Prevention is better than cure." If you have bipolar disorder, this is especially true. For you, it's incredibly important to read the warning signs of a possible episode. For instance, you may find you are not sleeping as well as usual, or you might be sleeping too much. You may stop doing things that you normally enjoy, or you may start acting out your impulses in ways that alienate those around you or get you into trouble.While the path to wellness for those with bipolar may involve psychiatric visits and medication adjustments, preventing manic and depressive episodes is the true key to staying healthy and happy. So how do you do it? And most importantly, how can you keep yourself motivated?In this powerful, breakthrough book, bipolar expert Ruth C. White shares her own personal approach to relapse prevention using the innovative program SNAP (Sleep, Nutrition, Activity, and People). White also offers practical tips and tracking tools you can use anytime, anywhere. By making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can maintain balanced moods, recognize the warning signs of an oncoming episode, and make the necessary changes to reduce or prevent it.This is the first and only book on bipolar disorder that focuses exclusively on prevention. To help you stay well, White includes links to helpful online tracking tools so that you can manage your symptoms, anytime, anywhere. If you are ready to stop living in fear of your next episode, this life-changing book can help you take charge of your diagnosis--and your life.

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Book SynopsisKids need both love and limits in order to thrive. In Mindful Discipline, internationally recognized mindfulness expert Shauna L. Shapiro and pediatrician Chris White offer parents simple yet powerful tools for raising mindful, respectful, and responsible children, and redefines discipline itself as a loving, nurturing approach—one that will yield both short and long-term positive results.In this book, Shapiro and White outline the five elements of mindful discipline: unconditional love, space for children to be themselves, mentorship and transfer of values, and admitting your mistakes. By letting your children witness your own personal struggles (and positive responses to those struggles) you will set an example that will stay with them for their entire lives, and help them to grow into happy, healthy adults.Grounded in clinical studies and the latest research in mindfulness and neuroscience, this book will teach you how to foster your child's emotional intelligence and self-esteem while also encouraging genuine cooperation. With simple practices, such as honoring your child's strengths, setting limits, and setting a positive example, you can teach your child the self-discipline and resilience they will need to thrive in life.Being a parent is tough work, but traditional forms of discipline can actually make it harder. Instead of trying to change your child’s behavior, try changing the way you communicate with hem—you will often find that good behavior naturally follows.

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Book SynopsisIn the last twenty years, mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies have gained immense popularity as treatment options for various health and mental health concerns. Meanwhile, social work has focused on serving the needs of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and disadvantaged. Both social work and psychology stress the importance of understanding and addressing the contextual forces which contribute to human problems.Now, in Mindfulness and Acceptance in Social Work, a clinical social worker brings together the top voices in social work and mindfulness-based treatments in one volume. With contributions by mindfulness experts and pioneers, such as Kirk Strosahl, Patricia Robinson, Matthew S. Boone, and Steven C. Hayes, this book offers an introduction to evidence-based mindfulness concepts and discusses how they can be applied to your profession in social work. It also includes brief interventions that can bring mindfulness and acceptance into daily practice, whether you work with clients in a therapy setting or in other settings.Unlike many books on mindfulness and acceptance which come from the field of psychology, this book touches on issues such as social justice, cultural diversity, and macro social work. In this book you will learn how to move past culturally-informed biases, as well as how to best utilize mindfulness interventions for both individuals and the community at large.

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Book SynopsisDo you ever feel so frustrated with school, friends, parents, and life in general that you lose control of your emotions and lash out? You shouldn’t feel ashamed. Being a teen in today’s world is hard, but it’s even harder when you’re unable to keep your cool in stressful situations. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make positive changes in your life.Using proven effective mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Mindfulness for Teen Anger will teach you the difference between healthy and unhealthy forms of anger. Inside, you’ll learn how to make better choices, how to stop overreacting, find emotional balance, and be more aware of your thoughts and feelings in the moment. You’ll also learn skills for building positive relationships with peers, friends, and family.As a teen, the relationship skills you learn now can help you thrive in the future. With a little help, and by cultivating compassion and understanding for yourself and others, you will be able to transform your fear and anger into confidence and kindness.

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Book SynopsisAnger is a natural emotion—and a part of what makes us human. But when you lose control of your anger, it can get in the way of meaningful relationships, successful careers, and ultimately, feelings of happiness and enjoyment.In this highly anticipated book, renowned mindfulness expert and author of Calming Your Anxious Mind Jeff Brantley offers a breakthrough approach using mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and compassion practices to help you better handle the anger, fear, and hostile emotions that can wreak havoc at home, work, and in relationships. In addition, you will also learn important self-awareness skills to help you stop overreacting and improve communication with others.While other self-help books focus on traditional anger management, Brantley offers solutions that give you personal control over the experience of anger in your life. Inside, you’ll discover the three major meditative approaches to soothing anger: stabilizing mind and body through concentrating your attention mindfully; using compassionate attention and reflection to disarm the energy of your anger; and learning to use wise understanding about the impermanent and “conditioned” nature of your angry reactions in order to diminish your vulnerability to anger’s power.If you have difficulty with anger, you may be quick to blame others or act in aggressive ways. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking can often leave you feeling alone, alienated, and unhappy. If you are ready to make real, lasting changes, this book can provide you with the skills needed to manage and and transform your anger so that you can live a happier, healthier life.

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Book SynopsisWe live in a fast-paced, busy world, and many of us are stressed out and anxious as a result. If you suffer from anxiety but have found little relief from modern western treatments, or if you are looking for complimentary treatment, the ancient practice of Qigong—which can be understood as the cultivation of internal energy—may offer you relief.Qigong is rooted in Chinese philosophy and medicine, and it utilizes breathing, movement, and awareness exercises to promote healing and aid in meditation. In The Qigong Workbook for Anxiety, world-renowned and respected Qigong master Kam Chuen Lam presents the first workbook for overcoming anxiety problems utilizing traditional Chinese energy-focusing exercises. By following these simple and accessible step-by-step exercises, readers will learn to transform feelings of anxiety into resilience and inner strength. The workbook also contains helpful illustrations to help you carry out these exercises.In the book, Lam will help you think about anxiety, and yourself, in a different way—as a whole. You’ll also learn to stop resisting moments of anxiety and other strong emotions, but rather to embrace them within the larger flow of your body’s energy field. By doing this, you will ultimately strengthen and cultivate the natural energy you possess.Author Kam Chuen Lam has been a traditional Chinese healer for over forty years, and is an internationally respected authority on the Chinese health systems of Chi Kung and Tai Chi. To find out more, visit www.lamkamchuen.org.

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Book SynopsisEveryone thrives on love, comfort, and the safety of family, friends, and community. But if you are denied these basic comforts early in life, whether through a lack of physical affection or emotional bonding, you may develop intense fears of abandonment that can last well into adulthood-fears so powerful that they can actually cause you to push people away. If you suffer from fears of abandonment, you may have underlying feelings of anger, shame, fear, anxiety, depression, and grief. These emotions are intense and painful, and when they surface they can lead to a number of negative behaviors, such as jealousy, clinging, and emotional blackmail. In Love Me, Don't Leave Me, therapist Michelle Skeen combines acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to help you identify the root of your fears. In this book you'll learn how schema coping behaviors-deeply entrenched and automatic behaviors rooted in childhood experiences and fears-can take over and cause you to inadvertently sabotage your relationships. By recognizing these coping behaviors and understanding their cause, you will not only gain powerful insights into your own mind, but also into the minds of those around you.If you are ready to break the self-fulfilling cycle of mistrust, clinginess, and heartbreak and start building lasting, trusting relationships, this book will be your guide.

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Book SynopsisThere's no question about it: your children are the most important thing in your life. But if you have gone through a messy divorce, your relationship with your children may become strained if you have to deal with a toxic ex. Your ex may bad-mouth you in front of the kids, accuse you of being a bad parent, and even attempt to replace you in the children’s lives with a new partner. As a result, your children may become confused, conflicted, angry, anxious, or depressed—and you may feel powerless.In Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex, a nationally recognized parenting expert offers you a positive parenting approach to dealing with a hostile ex-spouse. You'll learn to avoid the most common mistakes of coparenting, how to avoid “parental alienation syndrome,” and effective techniques for talking to your children in a way that fosters open and honest response. In addition, you’ll learn how to protect your children from painful loyalty conflicts between you and your ex-spouse. Divorce is often painful, especially if your ex habitually tries to undermine your relationship with your children. But with the right tools you can protect your kids and make your relationship with them stronger than ever. This book can show you how.You can find out more about this book and about author Amy J.L. Baker at www.amyjlbaker.com.

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Book SynopsisHelping Your Shy And Socially Anxious Client presents a breakthrough therapeutic approach to treating social anxiety.In a world dominated by extroverts, being shy or socially anxious can make life especially challenging. And while there is nothing wrong with being naturally introverted, avoiding social contact due to extreme fear and anxiety can be very damaging both mentally and physically.As a therapist, you understand that avoidance can often make a client’s anxiety worse. But many clients with shyness and social anxiety believe they can never change. In fact, they may strategically adjust their lives to avoid social activities or situations that make them uncomfortable. In a sense, they allow their social "muscles" to atrophy, and in the end may become even more alienated and despondent. There is hope.Just as physical fitness strengthens the body, "social fitness" can be developed through habit and action. In Helping Your Shy and Socially Anxious Client, shyness expert Lynne Henderson presents the Social Fitness program—a twelve session cognitive behavioral model for clients with shyness and social anxiety. Inside, mental health professionals will learn powerful tools for helping clients strengthen their social skills, track their successes, and learn to cope with setbacks or hurdles.The techniques described in this manual were developed for the Stanford Shyness Clinic by Philip Zimbardo, and are currently being used by the Shyness Institute in Berkeley to educate therapists and other counselors. Find out more at shyness.com.

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Book SynopsisWe live in a time when the environment makes headlines, especially in association with global climate change and the potential human impact on the planet. It is remarkable that even now, with the environment becoming an important issue in world politics, we still do not really know how or to what extent our environment interacts with our brain and overall physiology. The environment is intricately and, from a research standpoint, hopelessly, multifactorial. The effects of global climate change may be readily seen not only in the thermoregulatory response to temperature fluctuation. This book discusses the environment and its influence on mood disorders and suicide from a scientific perspective.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the psychology of human behaviour which is dominated by the topic of how the extant behaviour of modern humans may have developed, thus establishing an empirical framework for comprehending human ethology. An aetiology of human behaviour clearly has to be grounded in an understanding of its historical development through time, which is an aspect that has so far not received adequate consideration in scientific literature, be it that of psychology, psychiatry, human evolution, neuroscience, cognitive science, or paleoanthropology. The distinctly interdisciplinary format of this book provides an inkling into the complexity of dealing with human behaviour, and the reasons for its complexity relative to the behaviour of other animal species.

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Book SynopsisTeens with autism have the potential to be excellent actors.They are natural observers-able to study, imitate, and learn social behavior. The Autism Playbook for Teens is designed to bolster these strengths with mindfulness strategies and roleplaying scripts, while also helping teens reduce anxiety, manage emotions, be more aware in the present moment, and connect with others.This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. By engaging in these activities, teens will gain an authentic awareness of their surroundings, leading to better social interaction that is also rewarding, interesting, and fun. The delightful and creative activities in this book are grounded in well-documented clinical observations and current empirical studies. They also take into account the real neurological differences that exist in young people with autism, and focuses on the unique pathways needed to connect with and inspire these exceptional and fabulous teenagers.Trade ReviewThe content and style of this excellent book has the potential to significantly improve the well-being and quality of life of teenagers who have autism and their families. I endorse the theoretical model and will enthusiastically use and recommend the activities with adolescents and to my colleagues. * Tony Attwood, author of 'The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome' *As the incidence of autism has risen to 1 in 66, becoming aware of autism is evolving to accepting autism as part of the human family. The challenges of the autism spectrum can be gritty and unwelcome, so changing the changeable and finding a peaceful balance is vital. The mindfulness-based activities skillfully applied by McHenry and Moog can help teens and their supporters to calm their minds and bodies, have fun, and enjoy their lives-with practice. * Robert A. Naseef, PhD, in private practice at Alternative Choices and author of 'Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together' *With their Autism Playbook for Teens, Irene McHenry and Carol Moog offer a manual for well-being for youths-not only for young people on the autism spectrum, but for others as well. The authors' experience and their understanding of adolescents on the spectrum are clearly evident from cover to cover. Written in an authentic, accessible, and sensitive way, this book radiates understanding of the struggles teens on the spectrum face every day. It provides practical yet imaginative exercises for managing emotions, relating to others, and achieving independence based on the foundation of mindfulness. The fact that this book directly addresses the teenage reader is a unique and enormously helpful feature, but it can also be very useful to parents and others who are part of the young person's world. This is the playbook many youths have needed for a long time. * Trish Broderick, PhD, research associate, Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA *

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Book SynopsisWhen anxious feelings spiral out of control, they can drain your energy and prevent you from living the life you want. If you're ready to stop letting your anxiety have the upper hand, The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety, Second Edition can help you to recognize your anxiety triggers, develop skills to stop anxious thoughts before they take over, and keep needless fears from coming back.In the second edition of this best-selling workbook, William J. Knaus offers a step-by-step program to help you overcome anxiety and get back to living a rich and productive life. With this book, you will develop a personal wellness plan using techniques from rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), powerful treatment methods proven to be even more effective than anxiety medication. This edition includes new evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation and values-based action, addresses perfectionism and anxiety, and features updated, cutting-edge research.Anxiety and panic are intense emotions, and in the moments that you experience them it may seem like you are powerless, but nothing could be further from the truth. This workbook offers a practical program that you can use on your own, or with a therapist, to take back that power and end anxiety once and for all.

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Book SynopsisLike most teens, you want to feel good about the way you look. But what happens when the way you look just doesn't fell good enough? Whether it's online, on TV, or in magazines, images of thin, beautiful-and often photo-shopped-young women are everywhere. As a result, you may feel an intense pressure to be 'perfect.' But did you know that only 5 percent of the population has the body type of most actresses and models? So how can you start feeling good about who you are, not who you could be?In order to gain real confidence and Body acceptance, you need to change the way you think about yourself. In The Body Image Workbook for Teens, you'll find practical exercises and tips that address the most common factors that can lead to negative body image, including; comparison, negative self-talk, unrealistic media images, societal and family pressure, perfectionism, toxic friendships, and a drear of disappointing others. You'll also learn powerful coping strategies to deal with the daily pressure of being a teenage girl.Being a teen girl in today's world is hard, an no one knows that more than you. But if you are ready to stop comparing yourself to others, silence your inner critic, and build real, lasting self-confidence-an attractive trait in itself-this book is your go to guide.

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Book SynopsisAnger is a natural human emotion, and everyone feels it at some point in their lives. But if you suffer from chronic anger, it can throw your life out of balance and wreak havoc on relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, and work colleagues. So, how can you get your anger under control before it causes real consequences?Written by two world-renowned researchers in the field of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Anger offers evidence-based skills designed to help you understand, accept, and regulate chronic anger and other intense emotions. DBT is a powerful and proven-effective treatment for regulating intense emotions such as anger. With its dialectical focus on acceptance and change, its roots in basic behavioral and emotion science, and its practical, easy-to-use skills, DBT provides a unique and effective approach for understanding and managing anger.If you're ready to move past your anger once and for all-and start living a better life-this book will show you how.

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Book SynopsisDo you ever feel like your emotions are out of your control? Is it hard for you to make friends, get a date, or get along with your parents? You aren’t alone. For some people, good relationships seem to come easily. But if you are like many others, you may need a little help. This book offers evidence based strategies you can use to take control of your emotions and reactions in order to respond effectively to peer pressure, bullying, cyberbullying, and gossip, allowing you to navigate the many social issues that make these years so challenging.This book outlines three core skills to help you manage your emotions and create better relationships. First, you’ll discover how mindfulness can help you face each life experience with awareness and acceptance. Second, you’ll find more effective ways of communicating with others so you can develop healthier, more balanced relationships. Finally, you’ll learn powerful skills to regulate your emotions so you don’t end up taking things out on the people you care about. With these combined skills, you'll learn how to act in healthier ways so you don't end up pushing people away.Like most teens, you want to make and keep friends. You also want to date! And you’d probably like to have a good relationship with your parents. This book will give you the skills to reach these goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life —well beyond your teen years. Why not get started now?

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Book SynopsisIf you know someone who has suffered loss and is experiencing grief, simply sending a card or flowers may seem insufficient. Many people are unsure how to comfort a friend or loved-one in times of loss. This special book is filled with inspirational wisdom, practical self-help for healing, and makes a meaningful and comforting gift.Written by psychotherapist and grief expert Alexandra Kennedy, Honoring Grief provides powerful and compassionate advice for dealing with loss. Compatible with any religious or spiritual orientation, this book aims to help readers create a sanctuary-a special space where they are free to work through the difficult emotions that accompany grief.The act of grieving can be overwhelming. That's why the self-help tips in this book are simple, brief, and effective-ideal for anyone suffering the emotionally and physically exhausting effects of grief.

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Book SynopsisIf you have recently gone through a divorce, you might have unresolved feelings of anger toward your ex spouse; find yourself reeling from past betrayals both big and small; become stressed when you think about the legal and emotional ramifications of the divorce; or you may even experience symptoms of depression. You are not alone, and there are ways you can start to heal.The Divorce Recovery Workbook offers a unique approach using mindfulness and positive psychology to help you cope with these negative emotions so that you can start to rebuild your life. You'll learn powerful practices based in self-compassion to help you heal, forgive, and form new, loving relationships. The book also includes helpful exercises and tips for managing a difficult co-parenting relationship.If you've gone through divorce and are struggling to move on, there comes a moment when you must make a choice. You can let the difficult situation define who you are, or you can use it as a jumping off point for making radical changes in your life-positive changes that will leave you stronger and happier than ever before! This workbook will help you start.

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Book SynopsisIf you work with teens, you know they are notoriously challenging to communicate with. And when teens are resistant to help, they may respond by acting defiant, guarded, defensive, rude, or even outright hostile. In turn, you may respond by reasserting your authority—resulting in an endless power struggle. So how can you break the cycle and start connecting?In What Works with Teens, you’ll discover the core skills that research shows underlie all effective work with teens. You'll learn how to engage authentically with teens, create an atmosphere of mutual respect, and use humor to establish a deeper connection. Many books offer evidence-based approaches to treating teens, but very little information on how to establish and maintain a productive working relationship. This is the first trans-therapeutic book to provide real tools for creating a positive relationship with teens to help bolster effective treatment.Whether your background is in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychotherapy, or any other treatment background, if you are looking for more effective ways to connect with teens and are ready for a program that really works, this book is a vital addition to your professional library.

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Book SynopsisBeing a teen is stressful! Whether it’s school, friends, or dating, the teen years are full of difficult changes—both mentally and physically. If you're like many teens, you may have difficulty dealing with stress in effective ways. You aren’t alone, and there are things you can do to stay calm, no matter how stressful life becomes. All you need to do is stop, breathe, and be mindful and aware in the present moment.The Mindful Teen offers a unique program based in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to help you deal with stress. The simple, practical, and easy-to-remember tips in this book can be used every day to help you handle any difficult situation more effectively—whether it’s taking a test at school, having a disagreement with your parents, or a problem you are having with friends.If you’re ready to uncover your own inner strength and resilience through mindful awareness and take charge of your life, this book will show you how.

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Book SynopsisDo you rule the realm of disorganization, clutter, and chaos? Are you constantly battling to get things done? Are you ready to give up and toss your day planner into the dungeon (otherwise known as your closet)? If so, you might just be The Queen of Distraction. And whether or not you’ve been formally diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you probably already know that something’s got to give.The Queen of Distraction presents practical skills to help women with ADHD achieve focus and balance in all areas of life, whether it’s at home, at work, or in relationships. Psychotherapist Terry Matlen delves into the feminine side of ADHD—the elements of this condition that are particular to women, such as: relationships, skin sensitivities, meal-planning, parenting, and dealing with out-of control hormones. In addition, the book offers helpful tips and strategies to get your symptoms under control, and outlines a number of effective treatment options for you to pursue.From getting dressed in the morning, to making it to a job interview, to planning dinner—sometimes just getting through the day can be an ordeal for a woman with ADHD. If you’ve been accused of getting lost in your own world, maybe it’s time to make a change. If you’re ready to start getting organized and stop leaving your groceries in the car, this book can help. It’s more than just a survival guide; it’s an ADHD how-to to help you thrive!

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Book SynopsisShame is one of the most destructive of human emotions. If you suffered childhood physical or sexual abuse, you may experience such intense feelings of shame that it almost seems to define you a person. In order to begin healing, it's important for you to know that it wasn't your fault.In this gentle guide, therapist and childhood abuse expert Beverly Engel presents a mindfulness and compassion-based therapeutic approach to help you overcome the debilitating shame that keeps you tied to the past. By following the step-by-step exercises in this book, you'll gain a greater understanding of the root cause of your shame. And by cultivating compassion toward yourself, you will begin to heal and move past your painful experiences.Recent studies show that trauma survivors, particularly those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from abuse, can greatly benefit from incorporating elements of self-compassion into their treatment. Furthermore, the practice of self-compassion has been shown to decrease PTSD symptoms, including, self-criticism, thought suppression, and rumination.This book is based on the author's powerful and effective Compassion Cure program. With this book, you will develop the skills needed to finally put a stop the crippling self-blame that keeps you from moving on and being happy. You'll learn to focus on your strengths, your courage, and your extraordinary ability to survive. Most of all, you'll learn to replace shame with its counter emotion-pride.

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Book SynopsisHaving a child with extreme picky eating habits can be both frustrating and worrisome—especially if you are concerned your child isn’t getting the nutrition they need to grow, stay healthy and strong, and thrive. And if your child has a feeding or selective eating disorder (SED), they may simply refuse to eat a number of foods altogether. To make matters worse, children with feeding disorders often experience anxiety, anger, and may be suspicious or untrusting of adults who pressure, trick, and even force them to eat.This book provides a clinically proven program called STEPS (Supportive Treatment of Eating in Preschoolers) that will help you get your child’s feeding disorder or SED under control. In addition, you’ll find a number of practical strategies you can use for dealing with food aversion, low appetite, sensory challenges, autism spectrum-related food disorders, super-tasters, oral motor delay, acid reflux, and food allergies.If your child has a feeding or selective eating disorder, you need powerful solutions you can use right now. This book will prove an invaluable guide to help restore peace to your dinner table.

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Book SynopsisModular CBT for Depressed Children and Adolescents offers a user-friendly, step-by-step transdiagnostic approach to help you treat youths whose depression presents in diverse ways. This manual offers a compelling rationale for using modular cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a brief overview of the limitations in community mental health that led to the development of the modular approach, distinctions from standard CBT, and a review of the current research supporting the effectiveness of this treatment.Guided by innovative research and best practices, this book provides practical steps for creating a personalized treatment approach for each client that incorporates safety needs, symptoms presentation, etiology, cultural and spiritual background, and family factors. You will also find tools to create a pragmatic conceptualization that can be coupled with the specialized treatment interventions of modular CBT.If you are looking for a detailed, session-by-session treatment program that includes specific instructions on how to use the modular approach to meet the individualized needs of your clients, this book will be your guide.

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Book SynopsisDivorce is never easy. But for kids who have parents in conflict with one another, or where one parent is so hostile that he or she is actively trying to undermine the kids' relationship with the other parent, divorce can be unbearable. This workbook is designed especially for kids, and includes helpful tips and exercises to help them deal with the negative impact of custody disputes, understand and identify their feelings, learn to cope with stress and other complex emotions, and feel secure.Written by two leading experts in child psychology, this easy-to-use workbook includes a number of helpful suggestions to guide children though a number of possible scenarios, such as what to do if one parent says mean and untrue things about the other parent; what to do if a parent asks them to keep secrets from another parent; or what to do if one parent attempts to replace the other parent with a new spouse. If you have or know a child that is dealing with a difficult divorce, this workbook will give them the tools needed to move past loyalty conflicts and the difficult emotions that can arise when parents don’t get along.

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Book SynopsisMindfulness—once an ancient practice honed in Buddhist monasteries—is now a mainstream, evidence based, secular intervention employed by trained health and mental health professionals worldwide. The rapid spread of mindfulness increasingly involves psychologists, physicians, social workers, therapists, counselors, spiritual advisers, life coaches, and education professionals trained in their respective disciplines. Additionally, research continues to show that mindfulness is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, pain relief, and many other illnesses.If you are a professional interested in teaching mindfulness, this book will provide you with everything you need to get started right away. The introductory, six-week protocol outlined in this book is easy-to-use, and can be implemented in a variety of settings, ranging from an outpatient mental health clinic to an inpatient oncology clinic, from a substance abuse recovery program to educational settings.In addition, this book will tell you what to bring to each class; provides outlines for each session; offers scripts to help you differentiate the weekly meditative practices; and provides invaluable resources for further study and professional development. If you’re looking to integrate mindfulness into your professional work, this is your go-to guide.

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Book SynopsisBreakups can send you into a tailspin, causing an identity crisis and loss of self-worth. So how do you get back to the person you once were? The Breakup Breakthrough will teach you powerful skills based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and mindfulness that will help you tackle the difficult emotions that can surface after a breakup, such as grief, loss, anger, fear, worry, and low self esteem.Comprised of fifty-two small chapters, the tools and exercises in this book are easy to apply, and will help you pick up the pieces of your broken identity, put them back together, shine yourself up, and get back out into the world—whole again and better than ever.Anyone who’s been through a breakup or divorce knows just how painful it can be. And nowhere does a breakup or divorce hit harder than our identity and sense of self-worth. If you're ready to move past the pain of the end of your relationship and reclaim your confidence, this book will show you how.

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Book SynopsisFor anyone with intense fears and phobias, every day can feel like a roller-coaster ride. But if you are a teen, this is especially true. In Conquer Your Fears and Phobias for Teens, you will find practical skills for coping with the thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviors that accompany phobias. You’ll also discover useful strategies to handle the things and situations that cause you to feel fearful.This book provides evidence-based help for dealing with a number of phobias, including:·Animal phobias, such as dogs, cats, snakes, spiders, and more·Natural environment phobias, such as heights, darkness, water, and storms·Situational phobias, such as driving, flying, crowded spaces, closed-in spaces, and more·Blood injection or injury phobias, such as seeing blood or injury, or visiting doctors and dentists·As well as other phobias, such as vomiting, choking, contracting illness, gaining weight, loud noises, foods, and moreIf you are a teen who suffers from phobias, the practical activities in this book will help you break free from the fears that are holding you back. So, what are you waiting for?

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Book SynopsisIf you are like many teen girls, you may feel pressure to be “nice,” rather than assert your opinions. You may even fear being called “bossy” or “pushy” when speaking your mind or offering a different point of view. But if you have ever stopped yourself from expressing your opinion, you know how bad it can feel afterward. Don’t let yourself fall into that same trap over and over. Your thoughts and feelings matter just as much as everyone else—you just need to find your voice.Using techniques based in proven-effective dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book will show you how to have positive interactions with others, deal with difficult emotions that can arise from bullying or dealing with “mean girls,” and easy-to-use strategies that will boost your self-esteem and confidence. You’ll also discover tons of assertive communication skills you can use every day, including how to speak up when you are upset; asking for what you want in a clear, assertive manner; and coping when intense emotions threaten to take over and sabotage your relationships.In the age of social media and texting, strong communication skills are needed more than ever. This book will not only give you the tools needed to speak up in everyday or difficult situations, but it will also provide powerful advice for effectively communicating in the digital world.

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Book SynopsisIf you have GAD, you may experience excessive and uncontrollable worry about daily life events, including your finances, family, health, future, and even minor concerns like traffic, work, or household issues. You aren't alone. GAD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health issues facing our society today. Unfortunately, this chronic condition can cause such excessive worrying that it can be difficult to live your life-and can even manifest in a number of physical symptoms, including sleep and concentration problems, fatigue, irritability, and feelings of restlessness. So, how can you take charge of your anxiety before it takes over your life?Based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book provides real, proven-effective solutions. Written by three renowned anxiety experts, the book offers practical exercises and strategies to help soothe your worst worries, fears, and panic. The book focuses on what most often leads you to worry-the fear of uncertainty. In a nutshell, people with GAD worry as a way of mentally planning and preparing for any outcome that life throws their way. With this book, you'll learn to stop seeing uncertainty as threatening-which will in turn, reduce your anxiety and instill a sense of calm.If you're ready to stop letting your worries get the better of you, this easy-to-use workbook will help you-one step at a time.

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Book SynopsisCaring for a loved one with dementia can be extremely stressful. This essential guide provides skills for dealing with the accompanying emotional and physical stress, and offers tools to help you manage your own needs, in addition to the needs of your loved one. Dementia is a cruel disease that can leave both the sufferer-and those who care about them- reeling. But in the midst of the pain, the mindfulness practices in this book will help you find strength and meaning in each moment you spend with your loved one.The unique program in this book addresses two of the most important needs caregivers face: stress reduction and greater ease in providing care. In addition, you will learn to approach your care with a calm, centered presence, respond to your loved one instead of reacting, and learn to connect with your loved one beyond their words. Perhaps most importantly, you will learn to effectively manage the grief, anger, depression, and other emotions that are often associated with dementia care.Both practical and compassionate, this book will be a comfort during your loved one's illness.

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Book SynopsisStress is a part of daily life, but over time it can cause us to feel anxious, irritable, and overwhelmed. So how can you keep stress from getting the best of you and avoid total burnout? The key to maintaining balance in life is to respond to stress with genuine, nonjudgmental awareness of our bodies and minds. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of mindfulness, this practical guide will show you tons of little ways you can overcome stress every day—no matter what life throws your way.The mindfulness strategies in this book are inspired by mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a clinically proven program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Research has shown that MBSR is effective in alleviating a number of health and mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, panic, depression, chronic pain, and more. This important book works wonderfully on its own, or can be used in conjunction with A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook.If you are ready to permanently change the way you handle stress, gain powerful inspiration, and live more fully in the moment, this book is the perfect guide.

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Book SynopsisWritten by a pediatrician and based in proven-effective mindfulness techniques, this book will help you and your child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stay calm and in the present moment. If you are a parent of a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you probably face many unique daily challenges. Kids with ADHD are often inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive-and as a result, you might become frustrated or stressed out. In this book, a pediatrician presents a proven-effective program for helping both you and your child with ADHD stay cool and collected while living more fully in the present moment. In the book, Mark Bertin, addresses the various symptoms of ADHD using non-technical language and a user-friendly format. In addition, the book will help you learn how to let go of judgments, reasonably assess your child's strengths and weaknesses, lower stress levels for both yourself and your child, communicate effectively, and cultivate balance and harmony at home and at school. If you are a parent, caregiver, or mental health professional, this book provides a valuable guide.

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Book SynopsisThe teen years can be daunting for any parent. But if you are the parent of a teen who lashes out or engages in troubling behavior, you may be unsure of how to respond to your child in a compassionate, constructive way. In this important book, two renowned experts in teen mental health offer you evidence-based skills for dealing with your teen's out-of-control emotions using proven-effective dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).Helping your teen to effectively deal with their feelings now can have a lasting, positive impact on their future. After all, honing skills for emotion regulation will act as a foundation for your teen's overall mental health. This book will help your teen gain awareness of their emotions, and offers tools to help them choose how to respond to these emotions in effective ways.If you're at your wit's end and are looking to end the drama while keeping yourself sane in the process, this book will be your guide. It is a must-read for any parent!

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