eleanorcalder's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

3.0

annaka's review against another edition

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4.0

Solid workbook to help use the techniques of CBT to handle challenges. Particularly helpful to those who struggle with anxiety issues I would imagine. I read it as a practitioner hoping to find some tips and tricks. I found a few useful ones and think it would serve those who are looking to better themselves well.

theybedax's review against another edition

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4.0

I listen to this as an audiobook and it was a great way of learning what is and is not CBT, why it is useful and exceptionally practical, and why you would want to get the book and do the real work over a 7 week period. I appreciate how much of this is not trying to dig into your past traumas but instead looking at the problem and actively working towards solutions. There is merit in both but I really like this hands on approach.

books10's review against another edition

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4.0

I didn’t do the daily activities, but should have. I would have gotten more out of it.

eburgardt's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.0

iam_iam_iamy's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective

4.0

courto875's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.0

sandini's review against another edition

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4.0

This book centers on the goals of CBT and how you can make them user friendly. The beginning is less practical and more a primer on what CBT is, its history and comparative approaches.

The meat of the book centers on noticing negative emotional states and identifying the thought patterns that do not serve you. This step also invites you to challenge these thoughts with the goal to realize that many are not true. The rest, you can combat by identifying the worst case scenario.

The next step was surprising and practical. Part of anxiety is the maladaptive reaction overwhelm and this step focuses on managing overwhelm by identifying all that must be done, ordering it by priority, and approaching it by breaking down each step into small, manageable blocks. If those are too overwhelming, go ahead and break em down again.

Another point this book makes regards the maladaprive response of avoidance. Gillihan makes the case that in order to confront anxiety, we must confront and systematically desensitize ourselves to the fears that cause it. It was an unwelcome realization that anxiety doesn't just "go away" with CBT, you actually have to do work to confront the shit that causes it. I think that's probably the reason why this book has poor ratings. Even so, I think it's worth the read for the lay person interested in the tactics of CBT. Not a replacement for the accountability of talking to a real person though, I would imagine.

dulcetune's review against another edition

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4.0

all in all, this book is very practical and stated (or re-stated) the obvious. might give it a 4 stars. it's a good guide when you want to reevaluate yourself but your brain didn't pick all the details you need. it's a diary meditation. lots of series of questions you need to answer.

thebookishfiiasco's review against another edition

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4.0

thank you, Callisto Publishing, for gifting me this review copy!
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in the mental health field, I feel like CBT leaves a lot of mystery for those who do not identify as using this approach. for me, personally, I utilize CBT regularly when working with clients, and to me, this book does a great job of giving you an introduction and understanding to what may feel mysterious or confusing about CBT, both for mental health professionals and clients.
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my favorite part about this book is the workbook aspect of it. the activities within the book can be done individually, in a group, or verbally, and I feel you would experience a benefit from any experience. some people appreciate having a tangible tool to take home with them for practice, and as a therapist that does give homework, I value having access to these activities.
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the one piece I struggle with is the ‘7 week’ deadline. when I say that, I know it’s not a deadline, however, I think for those struggling with anxious and depressed feelings and emotions, if they don’t meet this ‘7 week’ deadline, I feel it can evoke feelings of failure. I essentially will utilize this book without the 7 week marker, because I do find value in each of the activities. It’s a great tool to have available when you need it!
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4/5 ⭐️