Saturday, November 21, 2009

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Bibliotherapy

  Bibliotherapy is the use of self-help books to address a range of practical everyday problems or common cognitive and emotional difficulties.   It can be very effective, especially for people who are highly motivated and whose symptoms are mild to moderate. Self-help materials can be used independently, or alongside support from a doctor or counselor. Employee Assistance Services has listed by category books which could support  you if suffering from mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression or a range of common emotional difficulties.  Bibliotherapy is not meant to replace professional counseling or evaluation and treatment by a medical professional.  The difference between personal counseling and a “face-to-face” meeting with a Doctor or medical professional from self-help books is that the feedback from a  professional will be specific based on  your unique situation while bibliotherapy focuses on problems in a  general way.

DEPRESSION:
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Revised and Updated by David D. Burns
                   Review of how ways of thinking contribute to depression by several
                   cognitive therapists. Direct- not a “warm fuzzy” self-help book, but
                   instead gives a road map to change.
 
Frank, graphic discussion from a psychiatrist living with Bipolar
Disorder.
 
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Kay Redfield Jamison
Written by a psychiatrist about past suicide attempt/ Manic

Depression. Very direct, powerful, gripping read." 

Healing Anxiety and Depression by Daniel Amen, M.D. and Lisa Routh, M.D.

 
 
EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD:
Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet G. Woititz
The classic work about the impact of growing up in an alcoholic family
 
Perfect Daughters by Robert Ackerman 

                        About daughters of alcoholic families- most love or hate this book!

If You Had Controlling Parents: How to Make Peace with Your Past and Take Your Place in the World
 by Dan Neuharth

            A great explanation of how children of controlling parents develop an
"internal critic".

Healing ADD by Daniel Amen, M.D.
 
RESILENCE:
Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Nazi prison camp survivor talks about search for personal meaning. A
biography of hope.

The Resiliency Advantage: Master Change, Thrive Under Pressure and Bouce back from Setbacks by Al Siebert, Ph.D.
 
INTIMATE REALTIONSHIPS:
Talks about women's anger styles and how family influences them.
 
Thorough review of date/acquaintance rape
 Relationships as a 12 step recovery addictive process. Powerful!"
Very simple and powerful discussion about personal boundaries.
 
Good book of daily meditations for anyone struggling with boundaries.
 
 
Great book about how differing male and female conversational styles can
lead to trouble!
 
          Thorough discussion from a pioneer in cognitive therapy about how negative
          thinking, rules, and miscommunication affect relationships.
 
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Covers verbally abusive relationships which are often overlooked.
 
One of the best about domestic violence, written by a survivor.
 
          For those just beginning to leave an abusive relationship.
 
Survivor stories about the long term effects of child sexual abuse.
 
 
EATING DISORDERS:
          Great book on eating disorders, includes case studies.

Hunger Pains by Mary Pipher

Another good one on eating disorders from author of Reviving Ophelia.

 
A classic on how culture shapes the identity of adolescent girls.
 
 
GRIEF AND LOSS:
Reframes losses as being necessary for personal growth. Good for anyone
who has had a recent loss.

 DIVORCE:

Divorce Busting by Michelle Weiner-Davis

 
OBSESSIVE/COMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS:
Good review of how to manage OCD using behavioral therapy.
 

ANXIETY:  Don't Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks by Reid Wilson, Phd

                Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective by Aaron Beck, M.D. and Gary Emery, PhD.

                When Panic Attacks-The new drug free anxiety therapy that can change your life by David Burns, M.D.

 

Healing Anxiety and Depression by Daniel Amen, M.D. and Lisa Routh, M.D.

STRESS:

               Learned Optimism: How to change your mind and life.  By Martin Seligman, Ph.D.

              The Survivor Personality by Al Siebert, Ph.D.

 
MONEY MATTERS: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
 
 
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