Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (Overcoming S.) - Softcover

Fennell, Melanie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 081472714X ISBN 13: 9780814727140

Publisher: New York University Press, 2002

Synopsis

The overall opinion we have of ourselves and the value we place on ourselves as people can have a dramatic effect on our happiness. If you are troubled by uncertainty and self-doubt, or have thoughts about yourself that are often critical, these beliefs can contaminate many aspects of your life, from your personal relationships to your work and leisure time. Your health and energy level may also be affected. Based on the clinically proven techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy, "Overcoming Low Self-Esteem" has been developed to help readers break out of the vicious cycle of self-destructive thinking. By learning the art of self-acceptance, readers can alter their lives for the better.

About this title

Review

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treats emotional disorders by changing negative patterns of thought. It is now internationally established as a key method of helping overcome longstanding conditions such as panic attacks, depression, anxiety, gambling addictions and some eating disorders.

The first thing that is attractive about this book is the total lack of "technicalese"; this, coupled with its logical construction makes it not only interesting but also easily accessible to the lay reader.

To begin with, a guest author explains the history, meaning and relevance of cognitive therapy. This is followed by Melanie Fennell focusing on "Low Self Esteem" as an introduction to the main body of the book. The reader is then asked to participate in a self-assessment exercise. Having proven to have low self esteem, the reader is shown not only the impact self-esteem can have on their lives, but also many of the resultant issues--physical, emotional and social.

"Having cleared the ground", the author proceeds to explain the importance of and means to identifying triggers to bouts of low self-esteem. This can be as a long-established predilection or as the result of learned behaviour. Once this is achieved, Fennell goes on to advise ploys to overcome these triggers.

There follows a reinforcement to overcoming the triggers by the use of a Daily Action Diary (DAD), where the reader plans their daily routine. Once these "tasks" have been accomplished, they can be ticked off, proving not only self worth by achievement but also acting as a self-distracter.

The book concludes by offering suggestions for "Putting Life Together" and "Planning for the Future". This is done by the use of simple graticules as an easy way of spotting self- critical thoughts and a "Precaution Record Sheet"

This is a very useful book that achieves its stated aims of explaining the nature of low self esteem and self- destructive thinking, providing a complete self-help programme and monitoring sheets and basing its advice on clinically proven techniques of cognitive therapy. -- Peter Kidd, trained Community Psychiatric Nurse

Review

Well written in a way that couches sound cognitive behavioral strategies in terms that avoid technical jargon. (European Eating Disorders Review)

Edition details

• Publisher: New York University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 081472714X
• ISBN 13: 9780814727140
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 1