Mind Over Mood, Second Edition

structure, (2) readability, (3) analogies to supplement explanations...(4) summaries, helpful hints, questions, worksheets, and exercises that reinforce learning for patients, (5) excellent chapters on specific problems...(6) helpful sections on mindfulness, assertiveness, gratitude, forgiveness, and positive psychology....For physicians like me who are looking for ways to prevent burnout in these chaotic times in medicine, the greatest benefit I had reading and underlining the pages in this book was what I learned about my own cognitive distortions, assumptions, and biases. I gained a renewed sense of self, one that is mentally and emotionally more flexible to challenge core assumptions and beliefs about myself, spouse, patients, colleagues, and friends--and electronic health record administrators!--Family Medicine, 2/1/2017 The book divides the techniques into small chunks accompanied by clear explanations. A therapist or school social worker could also use this format to teach a student or client about the way they think or to use self-talk. Later chapters guide the reader to challenge or create alternative healthier thoughts. The authors also tackle previously held assumptions and how these can negatively affect our core beliefs. The explanations are helpful because the reader can learn why the strategies can work....I can appreciate how the reproducible worksheets could be used for data collection to measure goals with students as well as to teach coping mechanisms that students can use when out of the social work office. The practical CBT techniques make a lot of sense in a school setting, and the empowerment the school social worker can provide to students when they find they can continue to help themselves would be a win-win.--School Social Work Journal, 9/1/2016 How refreshing it is to find a book which soars above the rest and systematically engages the reader to make real and long-lasting change....A workbook that has proven to be very popular, finding its place in and amongst the essential reading lists for anyone suffering with a common mental health problem....The format and structure of this book is clear, accessible, well-paced, and engaging....The content is clearly cross-referenced and the reader is guided every step of the way, allowing it to suit their own individual needs....Perhaps of greatest value is its reflexivity, with helpful hints and constant mood check-ups available to emphasize the importance of verifying whether the techniques used are beneficial....Each chapter is accompanied by a series of case scenarios which are constantly revisited throughout the book, creating an air of familiarity and a feeling that you are not alone in working through these worksheets. I found myself reading these case scenarios with great interest, eager to find out how each individual resolved their issues using the techniques described in this book....Another strength of this book is the way it communicates the message that negative thoughts are a natural component of the human experience, and to deny their influence and presence would be unwise. Instead, the reader is encouraged to accept and incorporate these thoughts into their daily lives, creating alternative and balanced thinking patterns that are more realistic and constructive....Mind Over Mood is a well-executed and systematic approach for teaching and developing the skills in evidence-based CBT techniques. The content is accessible, easy-to-follow, and makes use of several helpful hints to boost enjoyment and success with the book.--Journal of Psychological Therapies in Primary Care, 6/1/2015