Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life (Workbook Workbook)

Thoughts and Feelings adapts the powerful and widely adaptable techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into a set of tools readers can use, not to solve a particular problem, but to overcome any of the emotional and behavioral changes that life throws their way. CBT recognizes that most negative feelings arise from confused, irrational thoughts. By learning to identify and change these thoughts and by replacing destructive and limiting behaviors with new, more constructive ones, readers can start steering their lives in the direction they want to go.

Changes to this new edition include revisions and updates to the core CBT chapters as well as a new chapter on how to use mindfulness to bring focus and intention to the process of change.

It is an excellent book for therapists who want to have a quick referral resource for patients and it is a super self help book.

Like the authors say, it is not a replacement for treatment by a doctor, but it sure goes a long way for helping some basic issues. I've used the techniques listed here along with biofeedback interventions (see more about them and how to read articles I've written on my website listed in my profile)

Bottom line-- for self help in cognitive therapy, consider this the layman's bible, and an essential bibliotherapy resource for therapists..


Useful and well done self help book   April 4, 2000
99 out of 99 found this review helpful

Starting with the premise that our thoughts create our feelings, the authors offer lots of ways to learn to listen to what our thoughts are telling us. They explain the techniques used in cognitive therapy and give practical steps for improving your life. I've used this book myself to help me get through some bad times, and given copies to several friends. I used to buy the self help books for a big library so I've seen a lot of them; this is probably my favorite for all around usefulness.


REAL Self-help!   June 7, 2000
76 out of 79 found this review helpful

I began using this book in conjunction with a therapist and did quite well. When my therapy ended, I bought my own copy, since one can use this book alone, as well. Simple and clearly understandable, I found the book an immense help.

While for some problems the authors do NOT recommend using the book without a trained therapist, for many with more easily treated problems it is a wonderful program of self-help.

I used the book for cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and it was most effective.


Read this book. It will help.   February 26, 2008
R. Wetzel (Northern CA USA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

This book was recommended to me by an LCS when I sought help for depression several years ago. I was also perscribed Prozac which I took for several months. The combination worked for me and the book in particular was a great tool for me long term. CBT worked for me and this book was key.

I appreciated that this book was about DOING something about your emotions vs. thinking about and reflecting on WHY you're depressed, anxious, etc. I, like many people, know exactly why I don't naturally have the best mental outlook- thinking and reflecting on the why (ruminating on a past I was powerless to change, worrying that more horrible things might happen) was part of the reason I would get so very depressed. Especially useful for me were the techniques detailed in the book to end negative loops of thought. It took time to master, but I now use the lessons I learned in this book reflexively, without effort. It has made a huge difference in my life: I deal better with negative emotions, I note the change in my moods without being trapped by them nearly as often and I am generally happier, more forward thinking and positive.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. If it doesn't help you, it couldn't possibly hurt. Not all of it will apply to you (for instance, almost none of the anger related stuff applied to me). Changing how you think is possible and can dramatically improve your life. Try it.


This is a great workbook for everyone.   January 19, 2009
K. George-bol (Wausau, WI USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I am on my third workbook. The first fell apart I used it with clients so much. The second was cast by the wayside when the third edition came out because of the amazing new chapter on mindfulness. It is full of cognitive balancing skills and coping methods. One can use it alone or with a therapist. I have seen it heal anger, depression, anxiety and even help with self-esteem.