Practitioners Books

This is a wonderful book, both as a guide to clinicians who want to implement ACT for PTSD and as a general guide to understanding ACT and the underlying principles. The chapter on mindfulness is particularly helpful. The authors bring to this book a deep compassion, empathy and understanding of the difficulties of struggling with trauma, and where we as clinicians can get stuck in the process of using ACT to treat it.
The illustrations were also fantastic!!

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of PTSD & Trauma Related Problems by Walser and Westrup provides an excellent overview of PTSD and the various challenges faced by those who are personally grappling with the impact of trauma in their lives. The essence of the book however lies in the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a timely and empirically based treatment approach for trauma related difficulties. The authors outline and incorporate ACT in a manner that is clear and approachable for those already familiar with ACT, and those who are interested in learning more about this evidence-based treatment approach. The book provides a clear and concise road map for treatment using ACT in a manner that is consistent with other state of the art empirically based therapies (i.e., exposure) and the growing literature on mindfulness and acceptance based approaches. In addition, it is rich with practical case examples, mindfulness and acceptance exercises, and steeped in metaphors that facilitate the work of therapy. The worksheets, CD-ROM and reference resources complement the material.

The authors also address the essential role of the therapist as an integral part of the therapeutic process, and convey the value in recognizing our respective role and the related challenges faced as clinicians who are often caught up in similar trappings as the person across from us. The book invites the reader to discern in a non-judgmental manner if ACT is well suited for them given what ACT asks of the therapist in terms of their own process, perspective and willingness. Consistent with ACT, Walser and Westrup provide a framework for living a meaningful and valued life that goes beyond the diagnosis and resolution of PTSD. The authors articulate a context of possibilities for living a more complete, rich and vital life that extends beyond amelioration of anxiety. I highly recommend this book.

Pete Morones, Ph.D.
Portland, OR

This is the much needed practical guide for implementing ACT. The overview of ACT is the most practical and understandable I've read and the guide for implementing the treatment is the step-by-step "how to" I've been needing. I really appreciated the specific examples provided for implementing the treatment and the word for word descriptions of how experienced ACT clinicians approach difficult situations. It is rare to discover a book like this that not only furthers my understanding of a treatment but also motivates me to practice it!

What a pleasure to read a book for "work" and to savor each chapter and look forward to the next. This accessible, engaging book is written with warmth and compassion. You feel as if you were in the room with these seasoned and oh-so-human therapists and their courageous clients.
After reading the book, I now understand the essence of Acceptance and Committment Therapy, feel like I have witnessed the experiential exercises, and understand how it is applied in a group setting. But the best part is, I enjoyed every minute of it!

This book is a tremendous asset to therapists, because not only does it address how to treat PTSD using Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), but is a terrific overview of the ACT model itself. I've read other books on ACT, but none have been this concise and this clear on the model, how to implement it, and how to explain it to clients. Another great aspect is that it is really geared toward exactly HOW to implement ACT with PTSD, with examples, scripts of actual sessions, and "sticking points" for both therapists and their clients. This specifically helps therapists with challenges they may have with with ACT as the clinician, but also has specific suggestions for common sticking points for clients. It's well written, concise (unlike other ACT books, which I think can be overly theoretical and less practical), and useful. The application to PTSD and trauma is really clear, and I think this is going to really help the trauma field. The authors certainly have the credentials to back up the book, they are experts in PTSD and are actual practicing clinicians, too. You also have to love the drawings, and quotes that start each chapter, adds a laugh or two while they help illustrate the ideas and concepts. All in all, terrific book.

The book was in perfect condion, I think it best serves as a self help reader rather than a professional guide.

A wonderful addition to any professional library. Leahy provides detailed descriptions and examples of a wide variety of cognitive interventions, complete with examples of the questions and statements that the therapist can use for each intervention, and sample therapist-client dialogues. The book contains many excellent ideas for cognitive restructuring in ways that are empathic and respectful of the client's feelings. There are also lots of sample worksheets that can be used for clients' homework. This book is great for therapists at any level who want new ideas for cognitive work.

This book is extremely useful for the reader as a book for themselves and for their clients. I highly recommend this book.

Leahy provides the new therapist with an excellent book of CBT therapeutic techniques. This book is up-to-date and is evidence of further integration of CBT with other types of therapy.

Dr. Leahy has provided a first-class resource of techniques for the problem-solving oriented clinician to use.

This book is laid out in a logical format; you are shown the technique, the rationale, given clinical vignettes, possible obstacles, cross-references to other techniques to be used in conjunction or perhaps instead of a particular method, as well as a homework assignment for the client. This resource reflects the wisdom born out by many years of practice, as well as understanding how the mind thinks and operates; responses rooted in compassion and an empathy for the human condition.

Dr. Leahy focuses on concepts, from automatic thoughts to schema-focused therapy. This resource is necessary for the clinician not just because of the variety techniques, there are actual handouts for the therapist and the client to use.

I relied heavily on this book during my counseling internship as a go-to resource with very good results. I plan on using this book, as well as the others that Dr. Leahy has written, to inform my practice for many years to come. The homework assignments as well as the forms proved to be very practical and useful for the client.

This book is highly recommended for the novice as well as the veteran practioner alike. 5+ Stars. A must have for your professional library. I cannot recommend this book enough! It was so helpful!

To the practitioner: this book aptly shows how the concepts of good management can be applied in one's professional life and unabashedly explains that much of management is common sense (while admitting that common sense isn't very common).
To the lecturer: whether you're teaching freshman or experienced executives this is the book that will get your students interested in the study of management. It is the perfect introduction.
Students love it because it's affordable, short, and easy to read (particularly those who speak English as a second language). Teachers love it because, by presenting a wide succinct, spectrum of fundamentals, it provides an intelligent springboard from which a more in-depth examination can proceed.
Forget all the other 300+ page, hundred-dollar-or-more verbose introductory management texts. The Concise Handbook of Management is the best way to begin your business or management curriculum and/or brush up on your management skills.

This little gem, which graciously (and refreshingly) operates under the concept that less is more, reads like a Cliff Notes on Management. As far as I can tell, it's also one of the very few management books out there that understands and emphasizes the importance of customers - then backs this imperative up in every chapter. In addition, because the entire book is condensed and to the point (none of the chapters is over four or five pages in length), it is very reader friendly. All in all, Jonathan Scott must be one of the most easily understandable authors writing about management today.

I teach at both the (under) graduate and post-graduate levels and have found that students (whatever their age or experience) cannot fully grasp in-depth or abstract management theory without a solid understanding of basic management principles. This book fills that bill. It injects the saturated subject of management with a directness, clarity and conciseness that is difficult to match. Perhaps the reason for this is that the author is not an academic, but rather a professional writer and successful practitioner who managed a number of businesses in several different countries. What a difference application makes. The book's short, anecdote-laden layout, bristling with substantial and timeless research, makes for a quick and easy read and the importance of customer orientation is carried throughout. If I could award ten stars to this nifty and valuable book, I would gladly do so.

Author Jonathan Scott returns the subject of management to its rightful position as a human endeavour, not a mathematical one. Chapter One is the opening salvo, setting the tone by focusing on what management really entails (forget all the academic nonsense you've heard). Scott insists that accountability, hard work, integrity, training and maturity are the keys to business success and pulls no punches in explaining why they are necessary and how they can be acquired. Bravo!

Straight-forward and realistic without being patronizing or pedantic. This is one of the few management books out there that will open your mind, teach you things you didn't already know, force you to re-examine your own management methods and abilities and show you how all the different aspects of management are tied together. I highly recommend it.

This is a wonderful book, it tells you the principle of the universe and the theory of "Truthfulness, Bevenolence, Forbearance". Read it with an open mind and read it through.

Like every other title released by Master Li Hongzhi, this book is valuable to Falun Gong practitioners and anyone interested in practising Falun Gong. Not only has Master Li given us such a precious gem as Zhuan Falun but he has also released supplementary titles such as this in order to help us improve & better follow the principles of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance. Mere words cannot express the value of this book and other Falun Dafa books ... I and many others have benefitted immensly from Falun Gong and I sincerely hope that others may beneifit as I have (and many other have) from the practice :-)

Recently an uncle of mine has taken up the practice he has been suffering from a serious illness. Only after 1 week of practice he told me that his health has improved greatly and many of the painful symptoms of his illness have been reduced. This is only aa small part of the benefit my uncle has gained from the practice. I only hope that many more people can benefit from Falun Gong like my family and I have :-)

I am really surprised to see any negative reviews of Falun dafa books as what I have personally and many others have gained from practising Falun Gong has been nothing short of wonderful and its a shame to see someone dismiss the practice without actually experiencing it.

This book is very helpful when you practice Falun Gong. If you do in-depth academic research or want to know more about Falun Gong, this book is also beneficial.

The book is not easy to understand if you did not read the other two books (Falun Gonf, and Zhuan Falun).

Only personal point, for your reference.

This book has provided valuable insight to me along the path of cultivation. Anyone who considers themselves to be a practitioner of Falun Dafa should read this book, in my opinion.

I cannot speak highly enough about the practice of Falun Dafa (Falun Gong). It has transformed my life in so many ways. To read the works of Mr. Li Hongzhi with an open mind and an open heart is truly a precious opportunity. Best wishes!

I have really enjoyed this book so far. It has been an easy and interesting read.

This is one of those books that I regret not having when I was beginning with cognitive behavioral therapy. The authors synthesize all the crucial information to help therapists make CBT work. Readers will dramatically increase their comfort, confidence, and outcomes with delivering CBT. I used this book with graduate students I supervised and they loved it!

As a clinical doctoral student in psychology, this book was very helpful in presenting me with clear theoretical background in working with a variety of clients. I found the bibiography especially useful since it helped me to further focus on certain populations that I could try CBT with as my theory of choice.

Although this book is by no means an in-depth review of cognitive behavioral therapy, it is a great resource for new practitioners and those looking to learn cognitive-behavioral techniques for the first time. The author does a good job at describing a step by step approach that includes everything from assessment of an individual to terminating therapy. Overall, this book is a great resource for graduate students, but may be too simple for more advanced practitioners.

Much more practical that Dr. Beck's "Basics and Beyond" work, this book breaks down the CBT process into bite-sized pieces so that even the most novice of practioners can get their head around this highly effective, yet complex mode of treatment.

The authors are cogent in their explanations and illustrations of concepts. This book is the perfect introduction to CBT and will allow the practioner to benefit from more advanced resources, such as those offered by Dr. Robert Leahy (resources I highly recommend).

First class resource. A must have.

I am not dumb, you are not dumb, but as Blair says in his introduction to this book- It takes more than hard work and common sense to run a manufacturing facility. My copy of this book is dog eared and warn out from use. Everytime I reference a section, I learn something new. Clear and simple explanations to complex and difficult challenges we all face in today's competitive environment. This book should be in every practitioner's back pocket.

I have an M.S. in Logistics and a nine-foot shelf of text books. When I need an answer I reach first for Williams' book, it is often the only one I need. I have only two complaints:
1. The binding - for these prices the binding should not be so fragile (I'm on my second copy).
2. References to ISO-9000 as a "Quality" standard. While most pursue ISO-9000 to help improve their quality, it is a "Documentation" standard, and it is possible to become ISO-9000 certified to build garbage.

For these two reasons (and the fact that Amazon won't let me) I can't give the book the seven stars it otherwise merits.

Manufacturing for Survival is a fundamental yet easy-to-read text on manufacturing that every production manager can lean on for great advice. The book thoroughly covers all of the key shop floor best practices such as setup time reduction methods as well as traditional manufacturing textbook concepts such as MRP. So the book is a rare combination of the practical and theoretical.

As a manufacturing professional with over 20 years of experience, I find Blair's book extremely insightful and current. Blair's book embodies his practical knowledge of manufacturing while incorporating today's business environment philosophy. Manufacturing for Survival helps to integrate the value of supply chain management into all aspects of the manufacturing environment. It is an invaluable tool that I frequently refer to. Very well written and practical --- I wouldn't be without it!

This book couldn't have been better if Moses himself had brought it down from the mountain along with the Ten Commandments. I started to highlight the most important and relevant points but, unfortunately, began to run out of ink well into the second chapter. Despite the technical nature of the subject matter, the book is easily read and digested. The formulae and calculations are presented in a manner that is quickly comprehended by both engineers and nonengineers alike. This is one great book!!!

...Perhaps five stars are not enough.

This is an excellent book describing the theory and research about the foundation of Appreciative Inquiry and also a practical guide to facilitating groups in using it. It provides an outline and details on each meeting with steps and stories to illustrate the concepts. I have used it in working with non profit groups and people become very excited about the process.

Appreciative Inquiry is an increasingly popular technique within the wider family of interventions designed to bring about change through cooperation across a whole system, working with a large group of people. Its distinguishing feature is the emphasis on the positive - what is good about the present and offers potential for the future, what aspirations there are for the future, how do we design such a future and what are the concrete steps to start bringing it about.

This book goes into great detail on the rationale for the approach and the step by step activities required to move through the process. It is a well set-out and thorough guide for practitioners.

For a guide to the range of techniques available and a comparison between them, refer to Napuk and Palmer: The Large Group Facilitator's Manual or Bunker and Alban: Large Group Interventions.

I found this book to be compelling. The authors offer the "Evolution of Thought on Managing Change" in the first chapter that suggests that today "Everyone innovates for extraordinary performance." Those companies/organizations and leaders that choose to accept this to be fact, should familiarize themselves with Appreciative Inquiry. And, for those looking for the "how-to" book to accomplish AI within their organizations on a grand scale, this is the textbook that fills that need.

This is an inspiring work at the confluence of idealism and practicality. It is a reference source relevant to the experienced practitioner and a great learning resource for one who wants to learn more about appreciative inquiry. Interweaving compelling stories, the authors provide an informative set of tools and guides. I was able to use information in the sample participant guide the same day the book arrived.

This book is a very practical step-by-step guide to conducting an AI summit. What I especially appreciated was how the book combines the great experiences and expertise of the authors and will be useful for the AI novice practitioner as well as for the very experienced AI OD consultant. It provides great examples of summit materials. It is a well written book that can be read and reread and used as the Summit bible for years to come.

This book is perfect! I'm a college freshman and I plan on taking it with me for a reference for my friends and I for any questions that we encounter! Finally someone knows what they are talking about and put it in a non-embarrassing manner! Thanks Heather! You're the best!

Be Smart is a well written and informative book for all young adults. It is the book you wish every teenager could read before becoming sexually active. Heather Mikkelsen has provided parents with the perfect handbook to give to our children which fills the gaps in the information they are receiving from both home and school. Cheers!

As a nurse, I have worked to educate adolescents and adults about sexual health and well-being, often struggling to explain health practices and processes in a way my patients can understand. I believe this book has a great deal to offer readers from puberty and onward; clearly answering the sexual health questions many of us either don't know how to discuss or don't give needed attention. This book gives understandable, to-the-point info in a non-judgmental way which I believe is absolutely necessary in reaching teenagers (and many adults). Highly recommend!

This book should be in every teens' personal library! It is straight forward, non-judgemental and easy to read. I believe it would be of interest and benefit to anyone of any age who is sexually active or is thinking about becoming sexually active. I am 57, have been married 30 years and learned while reading this book.

Heather Mikkelsen makes it obvious that she is passionate and knowledgeable about the subject of sexual health and wellbeing. This book should be on everyone's shelf, in every school's health department, every library, and in every health care provider's office! Five stars! I am going to buy another three copies to give away to friends.

The information in the book is VERY essential when working with children and youth. The professor who wrote the book teaches at my school, the University of Michigan School of Social Work. The only problem I've ever had with the book is that when I ordered it and it came the cover was one way and the whole text was another. So when I opened it up from the front cover, I had the last page of the text AND it was upsidedown. Amazon should really fix that!!

Douglas Davies's text is lively, intelligent, and somehow manages to be grounded in developmental/attachment theory AND the narrative, real-life details of case studies. His case studies bring the factual elements to life and make this a memorable read. In all honesty, I probably know 100 people who all agree that Davies's text was the finest textbook we have ever read. Highly recommended!

As a school psychologist (ages 4 - 13), I have been looking for a book like this for years! It's much more elaborate than the standard books on child development and it's based on the latest research rather than on theories. It provides me with a rich fund of information that I use when assessing a child, especially younger children with social or emotional issues.
One thing that appeals to me in this book, is the emphasis on psychological processes. Diagnoses like ADHD are briefly discussed but Davies explains also how for example an environmentally based language delay can lead to problems with impulsivity.
Highly recommended!

As a developmental psychologist and professor in a Clinical PsyD program I thoroughly endorse this book. This is a graduate level text and I can say with certainty that professors that utilize this book will produce students grounded in the topic. I have used this text in four consecutive semesters and my students really love this book. It is easy to read, but sophisticated. Each chapter on a developmental stage is followed by case examples whereby developmental concepts are applied. Your students will have a thorough grounding in latest findings in child development and be able to translate this into their clinical work. I cannot say enough about the superiority of this text.
Kim Vander Dussen, Psy. D., RPT-S
Licensed Psychologist
Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor
Assistant Professor, Argosy University, Orange County

There are far too many books out there on development that drown readers with boring facts and research statistics. This is the first book I have read in 10 years that is interesting, clinically sounds, easy to read, and very informative. Douglas Davies writes a book that is a must for any practitioner/therapist interested in working with kids on developmental issues. His book gives a comprehensive view of the various stages kids go through and the clinical issues that arise. It is excellent! You can easily relate to what is written and actually apply it to work with kids! Stop reading and buy this book!

This is an excellent addition to the library of Buddhist works meant especially for practitioners. It focuses on contemplation, as opposed to either textual study, meditation, or the practice of precepts. Its premise is that contemplation has historically been a key component of practice, a link between study and meditation that is often neglected today. To "flesh out" the practice, the author proceeds through a survey of the Buddhist philosophical landscape, using statements that are key tenets of various systems--e.g. Vaibhashika, Sautrantika, Chittamatra, Madhyamaka--and applying the practice of contemplation to those statements. The statements are explained using examples from everyday life that are often exceptionally clear and thought provoking. This procedure helps you to see how contemplation, like the practice of morality, can be an important component of one's practice, a part of the "mind re-training" so central to serious practice, which cannot be limited to the time of meditation alone. Definitely worthwhile.

After spending a few frustrating years trying to understand the various schools of Buddhist logic and their arguments about the nature of reality, it was a pleasure to read Andy Karr's book, "Contemplating Reality." Karr takes the reader step by step through the Buddhist logics in everyday language that makes the journey a simple pleasure.

Although the book is written in a way that encourages reading short sections and stopping frequently to think about what has been presented, it is so readable that one can just slow down, smile, and continue on. The progression of the book follows the progression of the Buddhist schools, but somehow Karr has managed to eliminate the tedium that so often accompanies the classic presentations of these arguments.

In fact, I think Karr did a lot of the work for us by clearing up the confusions for himself before presenting the points to us. His understanding make the exercises accessible and enjoyable. And his choice of quotes and poetry from historic Buddhist masters brings a profundity to the material that often transcends logic altogether.

So if you are open to investigating the nature of things as they are, "Contemplating Reality" is a way to understand emptiness and its inherent friendliness that will add freedom and humor to your path in life.

I was looking for a book that could explain in a more comprehensible manner some of the arcane concepts of Buddhism. Andy Karr makes a valiant effort to do so in this book. He has a good sense of humor and relatively down-to-earth approach to subjects that are extremely difficult to grasp. He also explains the different schools of tenets and describes their somewhat differing approaches to the subject. I recommend it!

Contemplating Reality is a wonderful contribution to the body of teachings on analytical meditation. Analytical meditation is a very important practice of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist traditions, which emphasize bringing intellectual study and experiential praxis together. It is a key to ensuring that the knowledge we gain from our studies will not be left on our book shelves, but will permeate our day to day experience.

In this delightful book, Andy uses fresh and modern examples, even delving into discussions of modern science, to help readers find a ground-level approach to unlocking the life lessons of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism's four main philosophical systems: the Vaibhashika, the Sautrantika, the Chittamatra, and the Madhyamaka. Praised by Publisher's Weekly and many Kagyu and Nyingma lineage teachers, this short book will whet the reader's appetite for contemplation and its prerequisite, study. What's more, it will offer a senior Western Buddhist student's seasoned perspective on a heretofore relatively unexplored topic in the West.

"As of this writing, George W. Bush is perceived to be a good leader by many people. Many others perceive him to be a dangerous idiot and a tool of corporate interests. On the other hand, his daughters perceive him as a father. His parents perceive him as a son. Osama bin Laden sees George W. Bush as an enemy and a demon. To a mosquito George W. Bush is a meal. The microorganisms that inhabit his intestines perceive him as home. Whose version is right?" (CR, p. 88)

With a wry, sometimes wink-of-the-eye sense of humor, and a spontaneous honesty hard to achieve in print (for all his study, the author cops to once not having had a daily meditation practice), Contemplating Reality untangles the complexity of the schools and subschools of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist thought in the clearest terms I have ever seen--supported by a series of analytical and contemplative meditation exercises derived from 2,500 years of Buddhist practice. Andy Karr's book is personal, practical, plain and profound.