Recommended Resources

Suggested reading list

This list is a selection of personal favourites.
It is by no means exhaustive, there are literally thousands of titles out there on various topics, feel free to explore beyond this list to find other books that may be of interest to you.

Self-esteem

McKay, M. & Fanning, P. (1987). Self-esteem. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
A classic on improving your self-esteem.

Burns, D. (2000). 10 days to great self-esteem.
“10 steps to brighten your mood and discover the joy in everyday living”.

Positive Thinking/ CBT/ depression

Martin Seligman (2006). Learned optimism. USA: Vintage Books.
“Optimism is essential for a good and successful life. You too can acquire it.”

Tanner, S. & Ball, J. (2001). Beating the blues. A self help approach to overcoming depression. Moorebank, NSW: Double Day Books.
A practical and easy to read text for people affected by depression, and their families.

Edelman, S. (2006). Change your thinking. Sydney, NSW: ABC Books.
Positive and practical ways to overcome stress, negative emotions and self-defeating behaviour using CBT.

Greenberger, D. & Padeski, C. (1995). Mind over mood. A cognitive therapy treatment manual for clients. New York: Guildford Press.
A very practical and easy to use manual with practical exercises to learn the recommended strategies.

Young, J. & Kosko, J. (1993). Reinventing your life. NY: Penguin Putman.
“The breakthrough program to end negative behaviour… and feel great again. Discover the tools and techniques to create a more positive and productive environment, develop fulfilling relationships, energize and transform your everyday life, free yourself from anxiety, fear and panic, break the cycle of self-defeating behaviour, overcome feelings of insecurity and rejection. “

Burns, D. (1999). Feeling good. The new mood therapy.
The clinically proven drug-free treatment for depression. One of the classic self-help titles on CBT.

Williams, M., Teasdale, J., Segal, Z. & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2007). The mindful way through depression. Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness. New York: Guildford Press.
“A proven program from leading scientists. Includes a CD of guided meditations my Jon Kabat-Zinn”.

Relationships/communication

Bolton, R. (2001). People Skills. How to assert yourself, listen to others, and resolve conflicts. Roseville, NSW: Simon & Schuster.
An excellent book on improving your communication skills.

Montgomery, B. & Evans, L. (1983). Living and loving together. Camberwell, VIC: Penguin Books.
“How to make your personal relationships more fulfilling”.

Jansen, D. & Newman, M. (1998). Really relating. How to build an enduring relationship. Milsons Point, NSW: Random House.
A very good text addressing all aspects of intimate relationships.

Gottman, J. & Silver, N. (1999). The seven principles for making a marriage work. London: Orion.

Snyder, D., Baucom, D. & Gordon, C. (2007). Getting past the affair: A program to help you cope, heal, and move on – together or apart. NY: Guildford Press.

Stress management / relaxation

Davis, M., Robbins Eshelman, E. & McKay, M. (2008). The relaxation and stress reduction workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Simple, concise step-by-step directions for mindfulness, breathing, progressive relaxation, meditation, acceptance, focusing, visualization, refuting irrational ideas, worry control, coping skills, exercise, nutrition, anger management, time management, assertiveness, work stress management, quick relaxers.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living. Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain and illness. New York: Dell Publishing.
Essential reading on the application of mindfulness meditation to manage stress and chronic pain.

Williams, Teasdale, Segal and Kabat-Zinn (2007). The mindful way through depression. New York: Guildford Press.

Harrison, E. (2005). The 5-minute meditator. Perth: Perth Meditation Centre.

Recommended Audio Visual Resources:

Relaxation CDs

Edelman, S. Magic moments: Guided meditation and relaxation.

Harris, H. Mindfulness skills vol. 1 & 2 (see http://www.actmindfully.com.au)

Nejad, L. and Volny, K. Relaxation techniques: Reduce stress and anxiety and enhance well-being.

Parenting

Sanders, M. Every parent’s survival guide.
(see http://www.triplep.net)

Useful Forms

Automatic Thought Monitoring Form

Behaviour Diary