Mental Health Books

I have lived with the diagnosis of depression for five years, but not until a recent major depressive episode hit did I seriously start looking for books to help me understand what was going on. I am so thrilled I found this book first. From reading this book, I have a much deeper understanding of the biological origins of my disorder, as well as the symptoms to watch out for. I especially appreciate the attention Dr. Quinn gives to "atypical" symptoms and bi-polar disorders; I suspect I had been depressed for years, but because my symptoms don't fit the usual criteria, it went unrecognized for far too long.

Dr. Quinn also is to be commended for striking the right balance between helping people with mood disorders and their families understand that their symptoms are not their fault and that they are not "weak" for not being able to "snap out of it," while still explaining concrete steps patients and their families can take to alleviate symptoms and stay well as best they can. It is hard for most people who have never experienced depression how difficult it is to convince yourself that you are a worthy, competent person, that people love and care about you, that the world is a good place to be in, when the illness is at its worst, and all you can see is the dark pit of despair. Dr. Quinn gives people in such states real hope; rather than spouting out meaningless phrases of "you're an okay person" or "people love you" when people who are seriously depressed CANNOT believe it, he explains how medicine, therapy, and alternative treatments can help them get out of that pit so they CAN believe they are worthy people deserving of love.

While I am a "traditionalist" in my medical thinking, and I have no problem with taking pills to help my symptoms improve, I was glad to see that Dr. Quinn gave plenty of space to alternative treatments, and did so without either touting them as cure-alls or cutting them down. In fact, some of the suggestions in the alternative treatment section are helpful even for those who are comfortable taking medications for their mood disorders.

This book should be required reading, not just for those who have a mood disorder, but by their families and friends. It will help families and friends understand what is going on with their loved ones, what is and what is not under their loved ones' control, and signs they can look for when their loved ones need help.

Finally, a book that deals with depression as the serious biologically based health problem that it is without all the moralizing and "just snap out of it" ignorance found in so many popular books on the subject. Contains an excellent critique of the Cognative Therapy theory which insists that you can think your way out of a serious depressive illness. Includes a tremendous amount of up to the minute scientific information on depression, its causes and treatmenst, and what to do if you or someone you love is in danger of suicide. One of the best books I have read on the subject.

I am the webowner of Bipolar Disorder Today and I learned a great deal from this book. It includes up to date information on unipolar depression *and* bipolar disorder - treatment, psychotherapy, medication, and discusses these disorders in detail.

I recommend this book not only for consumers but for families and clinicians as well.

I strongly, strongly recommend this book to people who have concerns or questions about depression. This book begins by explaining the difference between sadness and a depressive illness. It explains what symptoms are part of "normal" grief or sadness as opposed to symptoms that are part of the physical illness of depression. The book then explains that depression is not a mental illness, but a physical illness that can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. It takes the reader through the difference treatment approaches and evaluates each approach. It also addresses the fact that most people hate the idea of taking medication and addresses those concerns. I found the writing style very honest and informative. Best of all, at no point is this book touchy-feely. I never got the sense that someone was patting me on the head, saying "it's going to be ok" or giving me "meaningful quotes for the day".

One thing I would like to make clear is that the book is directed only to people suffering from depressive episodes. If you don't know if you are suffering from grief or depression, then it will be useful. But if you are trying to deal with grief, I would look for grief counseling books first and then come back to this one if the grief counseling books don't help you.

Kathy Oddenino's book, "Depression, Our Normal Transitional Emotions," validated for me what I've been experiencing off and on for years. Me depressed? Of course not! Wow, what an eye-opener to realize that I had been!

Kathy explains in simple, easy-to-understand language, what is going on on a global as well as personal basis with depression and relates how it is part of the evolution of our soul and spirit. It made me feel much better about myself, less judgmental, and more unconditionally loving of myself so that I could learn my way through my depression.

This is a book truly worth reading over and over in order to get whatever you may have missed before! Thanks so much, Kathy, for the love that guided you to write this book.

What a wonderful book! I have read this 5 times and it has been a completely different book with each reading. The author guides the reader to examine behaviours,thoughts and emotions and to relate them to experiences so gentley that it left this reader with a sense of excitment to discover and understand more. This is a must read for anyone working as a therapist and it would be a great help for massage therapists in helping them understand the energy fields produced by the mind and the emotions.

After many years of working with people and recognising that our emotions and our bodies are reflective of each other, I have finally found an author who expands on this. This book is the most uplifting book on the subject of depression. It is truly a delight to read. Kathy takes us through the different levels of depression, from unhappiness through to hopelessness so gently that we feel te truth when she says, "No one escapes depression, not a single, solitary person, because depression is the begining of our awakening to a higher level of consciousness." Not only are the symptoms of depression explained but the reason for them are also outlined in a clear and decisive manner. This is followed by a wonderful chapter on the healing of depression and the acceptance of change. This body of teachings by Oddenino gives us tools to expand our consciousness levels, thereby allowing us to be more effective in our interaction with others. This is a 'must read' book for anyone working as a therapist of mind and of body.

Depression: Our Normal Transitional Emotions is Kathy Oddenino's sixth book. I have read all six--all more than once, which is rare in my long history of book-reading. When I read Depression I felt more and more excited as I progressed through the book. I began to understand the accumulation of emotions and feelings within my life just as I felt my excitement growing as I read. The author defines the soul and explains in language I felt within my heart, just as clearly as I saw the words on the page, the transition of our emotions from fear to love as we evolve as a consciousness. I have read a lot of books in my 35 years, and until now I have never found one which defines the soul and spirit and spirituality in a logical, sensory way which excites me as I relate the knowledge to my life. When I read in Kathy's dedication, "this book is dedicated to the millions of people who innocently suffer the emotional and mental pains of unhappiness, sadness, and depression without knowing why," I know I am only one of those millions. Are you? Read this book.

This product is a must read for practitioner and client. It is filled with information to ask a practitioner before getting any type of bodywork. Information such as education, years experience, licensing, and so on. It also provides hints to receiving the best massage, reflexology, and other treatment for stress relief and health. For the practitoner it educates on ambience, dress, professionalism, and safety to insure a good experinece for the client. As a reflexologist, I found the scenarios presented humorous and helpful. I wanted to know how to enhance my practice through brochures, definitions of various types of body work for my position as a Delaware Board Massage/Bodywork member to use as we review law and make changes. It has great descriptions as to what each body wisdom/work is which helps all concerned. I highly recommend this book even though it has been around for a while, it is very informative.

Discovering the Body's Wisdom - A Book Review By Monica Roseberry

When America was a "new" territory being explored by the Europeans, there were the trailblazers, trackers, pioneers, and others who opened the continent up to eventually millions of new residents. Of those original forerunners, the pathfinders and mapmakers were crucial, for without their vision, expertise and labors, new arrivals would have never found their way into the future and promise of uncharted frontiers.

In the world of holistic health, healing, touch therapies and alternative medicine, a vast terrain has been opened, new ground has been taken and diverse grassroots efforts have grown and flourished. However, for others to find or follow the trails blazed by the ancient and modern pioneers in the healing arts, a guide, a map, was needed.

Like Lewis and Clark exploring and charting the new frontier of America, Mirka Knaster, author of the book, Discovering the Body's Wisdom, traveled around the world, studying, researching and cataloging many methods of healing, observing and recording how people view, take care of and heal their bodies. Ms. Knaster's 20 years of experience in the alternative health field culminate in one of the most comprehensive, useful and powerful beacons to help pilot newcomers onto the shores and across the plains to the "new world" of wellness.

For Massage Therapists, Discovering the Body's Wisdom offers many valuable tools, resources and perspectives on our growing and thriving industry. Covering 75 Body/Mind practices that can "relieve pain, reduce stress, and foster health, spiritual growth, and inner peace," this book has something for just about everyone in the massage profession. Three sections comprise the book, beginning with an overview of "Bodyways," a term Ms. Knaster coined to incorporate the many diverse and distinct modalities and processes by which the body is healed.

Part I covers "causes of body difficulties and what advantages you can derive from working with your body." It also discusses critical and often unaddressed issues such as body alienation, how we lost connection with the body, and how we can befriend the body and learn from its wisdom. As Massage Therapists, this section can give you words and ideas to educate your current clients on a deeper level about how to approach their own healing process, as well as to market to prospective clients by educating them on the value of touch and bodyways.

Part II describes "ways of choosing and interacting with a practitioner as well as deciding on which bodyway approach to work with." While this section is designed more for the general public on how to choose a practitioner, we as Massage Therapists can deepen our understanding of the needs of our clients, the benefits of our work, and measure ourselves by standards befitting professionals.

Part III serves as a guide to the individual bodyways, categorizing them according to modalities or approaches that emphasize working with Western Function, Structure and Movement; Eastern Energy and Movement, plus Body/Psyche methods. This section provides Massage Therapists a perspective on the width, depth and history of a tremendous number of bodyways, revoking any arrogance that there are "right" and "wrong" modalities, while relieving frustration that there is a single "magic bullet" out there that can help every client every time. Whether for identifying new directions for professional growth and training, or for referring clients to other practitioners, this section gives an accessible and even experiential understanding of a wide range of bodyways. Extensive resources are cited at the book's conclusion for those who wish to study a bodyway further.

For those in search of a path for healing, Discovering the Body's Wisdom is an authoritative, masterful guide, a vista point to the world of wellness we are just truly discovering, and a place to which hopefully millions will soon arrive.

I'm often asked by my patients for recommended reading on natural medicine. Below I suggest some excellent reference books for consumers, listed by topic.... Bodywork . "Discovering the Body's Wisdom" by Mirka Knaster. This is an informative and inspiring guide to more than 60 body-oriented approaches--from traditional Eastern disciplines, such as tai chi and yoga, to modern Western techniques, such as Rolding and the Feldenkrais Method. The author--a massage therapist and writer--includes many illustrated exercises to try at home. --Andrew Weil, M.D., "Self Healing" (August 1999)

This book has been crucial in my career as a Mind-Body specialist. I began using some of the techniques on my own back pain before I had even finished the book. At over 400 pages it packs quite a bit of information on a wide variety of mind-body healing processes. I highly recommend it as a reference book for anyone in the fields of massage, physical therapy, reiki, and the like. I wish medical programs would make this book (or Human Kinetics) part of their teaching.

This book is like Axis two disorders for dummies. It is great there are a small amount of illustrations. There are references to movies that you could see that would give you a picture of what the diagnosis looks like. This is one of the easiest to read text books that I have ever had.

The best book I've read to be used with patients in helping them understand a PD diagnosis in a non-threatening way. Wonderful refresher.

This book is considered a very good intruduction for " personality disorders" from the DSM point of view. Its very readable, illustrated with mnemonics, cartoon examples, media examples , more over it uses humer a an educational tool. It could be considered as an appetizer, rather than a comprehensive refrence in this area. I would recommend it for medical students , residents and mental health workers. It can be helpful for non medical people intrested to know more than personality disorders.

This book is considered a very good introduction for "personality disorders" from the DSM point of view. It's very readable, illustrated with mnemonics, cartoon examples, media examples, more over it uses humour as an educational tool. It could be considered as an appetizer, rather than a comprehensive reference in this area. I would recommend it for medical students, residents and mental health workers. It can be helpful for non medical people interested to know more than personality disorders.

The best manualised book for working with eating disorders so far! Not too theoretical and extremely practical for working with patients.

I have been working with eating disorders for the fifteen years and this is the best book I have read yet. The book offers comprehensive strategies that are very useful. I highly recommend this book if you work with clients who have eating disorders!

Finally a book that describes exactly how to meet our clients where they are at simultaneously assisting them in effecting positive change in their lives! Villapiano and Goodman fully address a variety of the complex issues inherent in the eating disorders treatment process. Complete with case examples, the authors describe interventions that are successful with even the most difficult to reach clients. This is a "must have" for every therapist who treats people with eating disorders! Great book!

As a therapist in the field of eating disorders for the past 19 years, I was excited to read a book that got to the heart of the concerns that therapists bring to the table when working with people experiencing eating disorders. The book helped me to think about the multitude of issues that permeate our work in the eating disorders field. I appreciated all the practical issues raised in the book, such as the therapist's use of food and drink, the therapist's attire and the many seemingly simplistic but truly complicated concerns that arise in the treatment relationship. This book is a wonderful teaching tool for all therapists in the field of eating disorders.

All Businesses have them - those difficult clients who come in and only seem to make the day seem to drag out longer and longer. "Effective Techniques for Dealing with Highly Resistant Clients, 2nd Edition" will lay out everything the reader need to know to deal with these formerly dreaded but valuable people. Written with practicality in mind, it teaches readers nine common errors therapists make that foster resistance, use the inherent power of language to create movement, the problem of over questioning, managing difficult responses, dealing with awkward silences and specific techniques to manage it all. Recommended for both business management and industrial psychology community library shelves.

I just received this book last week, but it is already tremendously useful to me in my work. For example, last night during a session with my most challenging client, I experienced his resistance in a completely new way: instead of feeling like a source of frustration to me, it became a place of great therapeutic opportunity for the client. He was more vulnerable and engaged than ever and his work took on an organic "flow" which was remarkable to experience.

I'm new to the field, still learning what counseling is and is not, and Dr. Mitchell's book is, by far, the best presentation of the therapeutic relationship I've yet run across. It makes me feel excited again about being a counselor and instills hope in me that I can actually help my clients change.

I work with involuntary clients in a lock-down facility for delinquent juveniles and dealing with heavy resistance is a daily struggle. The methods I've used from this book have greatly improved my success in gaining cooperation and participation during counseling sessions. It's also relieved a lot of stress.

In this book you will find a new way of viewing resistance. It is approached as a product of the interaction between therapist and client instead of an internal client trait. It is a special form of communication from the client, and when handled skillfully, it can actually be used to move therapy forward. I love the Aikido metaphor he uses to make this point. Responding to the resistance to change is also viewed as the heart of all therapy because without it people wouldn't be in therapy in the first place.

In addition, he covers the importance of eliciting the "desire side" of change to boost client motivation, the importance of being sensitive to the client's stage of change using the transtheoretical model of change, and the importance of collaborative goal creation to keep therapy moving in a positive direction.

This book cuts to the chase by bypassing elaborate theory to get right to case examples that illustrate the methods and techniques described. The metaphors and excerpted quotes promote the quick understanding of the material even further. At first glance it may appear to be just a book of techniques, but it is actually a complete approach to therapy and is built on the foundation of Rogers' Person-Centered Therapy. This book also makes an excellent compliment to Miller and Rollnick's Motivational Interviewing.

The only criticism I have is that I would have liked to have seen an extended transcript from a collection of actual sessions with a single client that illustrate the techniques as that client moves through the stages of change.

A practical resource for therapists at all levels of experience. Seasoned therapists will find a fresh approach for many of the most common and frustrating client interactions. Students will find helpful tips to develop confidence to work with clients while practicing various therapeutic techniques. Dr. Mitchell presents the material in a no-nonsense, sometimes humorous style that is clear and concise. You will find yourself returning to review the techniques in this manual frequently.

Despues de leer el libro sobre "El control menstal,, su fisiologia,su practia y sus beneficios, escrito por el colega Dr. Garcia, debo manifestar a todos los futuros lectores, que es un libro muy interesante, a la vez que practico, y muy agradable de leer. Vale la pena hacer la inversión en la compra del libro, y gastar el tiempo para leerlo, pues realmente nos proporciona salud mental, al prepararnos para manejar todas las situaciones que producen stress y fatiga mental. Recomiendo pues, su lectura.

The mental control is the best way to improve your self, in every aspect of your life.For example : Work, health,sports personal interelationship.

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Es un libro muy interesante ,por medio del cual se puede mejorar la calidad de vida. Un buen libro de consulta para buscar soluciones a problemas fisicos o sicologicos del ser humano.

El doctor Henry Garcia-Prada, urologo de Cali,escribio el libro El Control Mental,su fisiologia,su practica y sus beneficios.,el cual es una maravillosa obra cientifica que enseña a obtener el dominio de la mente y el cuerpo. Sus 285 paginas, invitan a leer sin interrumpir.Su contenido,a aplicar con sabiduria. Su autor, a admirar y seguir su ejemplo. Para la comunidad urologica es un inmenso honor el contar con las enseñanzas del doctor Garcia. Tenerlo como miembro de la Sociedad Colombiana de Urologia llena de orgullo a tan selecto grupo de cientificos colombianos. Su labor demuestra la importancia de la medicina del Valle del Cauca.

I wouldn't know where to start... this book has been more helpful than The Bible and all my counseling sessions combined.

It goes into detail how we all have basic needs as human beings that are being exploited by the rapist. Having been emotionally raped is no more our fault than dying of drinking from a well that has been poisoned by someone else - we were merely attempting to quench our natural thirst and, because we could not have possibly known better at the time, picked the wrong well.

What amazes me is that the author does not appear to have a degree in psychology at all, yet this book seems so much smarter and to-the-point in describing what has really happened than what I have been hearing from "the experts".

I highly recommend this book. I wish more therapists would read it.

Worth its weight in gold.

I have had several long term relationships end in my life and had bounced back. I just could not not put my finger on why my most recent relationship has devastated me. I read every book I could get my hands on regarding relationships, love, bereavment etc nothing really spoke to me. It is such a relief to finally put something tangible with what I have been through. This book is my bible. I am so grateful to have finally found the answers and understanding to what has happened to me. Thank god I found it.

This book is a must for those who are questioning about the possibility of an Emotional Rape in their life or want to learn about such a traumatic event. But, it is not only a must, but also a lifeline for those who have been Emotional Raped. I have lived and experienced the "pages" in this book and I am an Emotional Rape victim. My core was raped and I was left traumatized and devastated. Without this book, I would not have known what it is, the resulting trauma, and that a recovery process existed. It is so well written. The pages of my book are folded, written on, and falling out. This book is nothing short of a lifeline and has become one of my enduring support references. For all you victims, I honor your courage.

I was abused by my narcissitic mother, and entertained the thought about killing myself for about 10 years.

Although I almost recovered, I still fear people.

This book taught me who I should be wary of to avoid being hurt again. Among many advices in this book about healing methods, ones I found true were laughter, avoidance of evil people, helping others, and religion.

Mr. Gallo is a brialliant writer. He has an unique ability to pack up incredible amount of information in relatively limited space and yet to present this relatively new subject in a clear, concise and easy-to-understand manner. I purchased the book during my own health crisis and successfully applied some of the methods from this and other Mr. Gallo's books (Energy Psychology and Energy Tapping) in my path toward self-recovery. But above all, I'm fascinated with the authors sincere and autenthic devotion to his life goal- the alleviation of suffering of those who are psychologically distressed. Looking forward to your next work Mr. Gallo.

Gallo's first book, Energy Psychology, laid the ground work for this field and provided easily applied treatment recipes, what he calls algorithms. This book teaches beyond prepackaged treatments and covers how to tailor treatment to the individual client. There are a couple of comprehensive algorithms offered--the negative affect erasing method (NAEM) and the healing energy light process (HELP)--but mostly this book covers how to diagnose and treat energy disruptions at the source of psychological disorders. This is absolutely important for when the simple approach--algorithms--doesn't work. This book also positions energy psychology as an integrative psychotherapy, rather than simply as a technique. The book is fairly easy reading, although it is a text book and a handbook that requires practice to learn the methods. Training with the developer is also needed I believe, since a book can only cover so much.

Fred Gallo, Ph.D. did a great work in his latest book! With an approach of a scientist and an expirienced psychotherapist, he shared with us the complete knowledge on how to use body energy system to alleviate number of both psychological and physical disorders. But as far as I know, this is the only book about the new and emerging "tapping" psychology field that shows us how to DIAGNOSE. Other authors weren't willing to share with us this secret, therefore leaving us to be effective in 70-80% of cases. The Author invented his own method of Energy Diagnostic, and freely gave it to us. And this method works excellent. I applied EDxTM in few dozens of cases, and the results assured me that it is almost for sure not inferrior to better known (and many times more expensive) Voice Technology (VT) made by doctor Roger Callahan. This book is a must have for proffesionals in the field, but also to self helpers who are willing to invest some effort and uncover deeper level of the field of Energy Psychology (or Meridian Therapies as some would prefer to say). Big thanks to the author with a wish to uncover some more "secrets" in his next book.

Fred Gallo, Ph.D. did a great work in his latest book! With an approach of a scientist and an expirienced psychotherapist, he shared with us the complete knowledge on how to use body energy system to alleviate number of both psychological and physical disorders. But as far as I know, this is the only book about the new and emerging "tapping" psychology field that shows us how to DIAGNOSE. Other authors weren't willing to share with us this secret, therefore leaving us to be effective in 70-80% of cases. The Author invented his own method of Energy Diagnostic, and freely gave it to us. And this method works excellent. I applied EDxTM in few dozens of cases, and the results assured me that it is almost for sure not inferrior to better known (and many times more expensive) Voice Technology (VT) made by doctor Roger Callahan. This book is a must have for proffesionals in the field, but also to self helpers who are willing to invest some effort and uncover deeper level of the field of Energy Psychology (or Meridian Therapies as some would prefer to say). Big thanks to the author with a wish to uncover some more "secrets" in his next book.

Every Day Bliss for Busy Women: Energy Balancing Secrets for Complete Health and Vitality is packed with practical processes to improve health and provide balance that can be easily understood and put into practice right away. While it is written with the well-being of women in mind, it has a lot of useful "how tos" for anyone. The book is also approachable and easy to read. I highly recommend it.

Maryam Webster is fun to talk with because she's so knowledgeable and passionate about what she does and who she is. Her long awaited book, "Everyday Bliss," was published in May. I immediately bought copies for my wife, Linda, and my two daughters. If you don't yet have the book, I highly recommend getting it. Here's what Linda has to say about "Everyday Bliss."

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You're gonna wear this book out. Highlight it. Mark it up. It's full of "how-to" gems. I absolutely love Maryam Webster's book, "Everyday Bliss for Busy Women." Let's start with its user-friendly format. At 5×7, it's a handy size that feels good in your hands. The book is nicely laid out and inviting to read.

I like that, "Everyday Bliss" is written by a woman especially for women. Sorry guys, but society expects women to play and juggle more roles in life than men. Women also have different needs than men.

"Everyday Bliss" starts out explaining why it's important to create bliss in our lives and balance our energy. We can choose to take the time to focus our energy instead of reacting and dispersing it in different directions. Maryam talks about the toxic effects of negative energy as well as negative beliefs and how harmful and limiting they can be.

What I like best about the book is that Maryam shares her knowledge, providing specifics for cleansing and relieving tension, plus ways to create everyday bliss using cutting-edge methods like EFT, TAT, ZPoint Process and others.

Ultimately, this book is about getting in touch with your spirituality. "Everyday Bliss" is a soothing wave of caring and encouragement. I wish I had a beautiful tool like this when I was in my twenties or thirties. Maryam, thank you for sharing your life experiences and methods, reaching out to the women of the world to show us that there is a way of being, doing, and having a life of everyday bliss.

I have already earmarked this book to give as gifts to the busy women in my family. Maryam writes a friendly, inspiring and useful book that gives women easy, useful and very powerful tools to take care of themselves in a loving way.
Gloria Arenson, author of Procrastination Nation and Five Simple Steps to Emotional Healing

Maryam Webster has written an exceptionally positive book, filled with common sense and practical techniques to help you decrease stress and accentuate your bliss. She also offers succinct descriptions of several simple and powerful energy psychology techniques, including Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), and ZPoint Process. Apply this wisdom and enjoy your bliss.
--Dr. Fred Gallo, author of Energy Tapping and Energy Tapping for Trauma: Rapid Relief from Post-Traumatic Stress Using Energy Psychology

This powerfully written book will give you the practical tools to live life to its fullest and still maintain your sanity! It is the answer to what every working woman is looking for in today's world of crazy schedules, unreasonable demands and unrealistic expectations. Renewing your energy and focus with the ideas from Everyday Bliss For Busy Women will change your life and help you avoid self-destruction from toxic stress.

Review by Dr. Charles D. Schmitz and Dr. Elizabeth A. Schmitz
Award winning authors of the new book, Golden Anniversaries: The Seven Secrets of Successful Marriage