Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think

I used this book in college when I was struggling with depression. It helped me to locate the sources of my moods and slowly change my thinking patterns. I have since recommended it to a handful of other people who have all said it helped them tremendously. I bought this copy for my grandmother. The book works for all ages.

This is a very operable book giving detail steps to see clearly what is behind our emotions, how we get there, and how we can change to a more balanced, and realistic view so that our emotion can be uplifting.

I've read many CBT self-help books both as a mental health professional and a sufferer of depression. What this book fails to recognise are my feelings as a human being. My feelings are not simply a direct reaction to my thoughts but are direct responses to the world. Mind Over Mood suggests that all I need do is 'reprogram' my thinking (as if I'm some computer!) and I'll feel better. But 'bad' feelings often tell us that there is something wrong in our world and if we continue changing what Padesky calls 'negative cognitions' then we fail to value either ourselves as accurate perceptors of an often damaging world, whilst we remain passive citizens who do not act to change what is wrong in society, the relationship, the family etc.

Clients and patients need to recognise that their experiences are not 'dysfunctional' just because CBT says they are. All experiences have meaning and are rooted in a context. There is not substitute for seeking the support of a well trained, sensitive psychotherapist (I don't mean a CBT therapist) before using such books to 'reprogram' yourself. Remember, you're a person, not a piece of computer software!

Procedure sometimes a little obscure, but overall an excellent reference for the mind over mood enthusiast.Positive feedback

Excellent work book , have already started using this with our client base.