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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 135. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:15:16
What books have you found useful in addressing your illness or negotiating the complicated therapeutic relationship?
If you read any books you've seen recommended here, what did you think of them?
If you have, like I and Falls do, a Psych book section of your library, which ones do you refer to over and over again? Or use as workbooks or therapy aids?
Posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:24:11
In reply to Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:15:16
An easy subject to start with, because it's a very short list.
"The Myth of Sanity" by Martha Stout is my very very favorite. This book changed my life. It normalized so many things that scared me before. It is written in a no-nonsense non-sensational manner that is very reassuring. And it talks about milder dissociative experiences that resonate with me. It and "In Session" would be the two books I always want in arms reach.
The other one I like is "The Stranger in the Mirror" by Marlene Steinberg. It is written in a similar straightforward and calm manner and contains some snippets based on Steinberg's dissociative disorder structured clinical interview.
Has anyone read either of these books? If so, what did you think of them? Do you have other dissociative disorders favorites?
Posted by shortelise on September 22, 2004, at 20:36:52
In reply to Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:15:16
"Necessary Losses" by Judith Viorst
is spectacular.
Posted by mair on September 22, 2004, at 21:12:25
In reply to Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:15:16
I bet I've read "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison about 4 or 5 times. I'm not bipolar so I can't identify with alot of what she experienced but reading her book always reinforces for me the importance of sticking with meds and i think it's just inspiring to me to read about what she's been able to accomplish. (and equally as significantly, what she's been able to put behind her) Somehow it makes me feel less ashamed of having a mental illness, or maybe it just makes me see that things could be so much worse.
I seem to always want to pick it up when I'm feeling particularly equivocal about dealing with my own illness so in that respect it's become almost like a security blanket.
Mair
Posted by alexandra_k on September 22, 2004, at 21:25:20
In reply to Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:15:16
I found reading Linehan's "Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder" to be a refreshingly non-judgemental account. Can't find a link to Amazon though so maybe I have the title wrong...
Posted by gardenergirl on September 22, 2004, at 21:55:09
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by mair on September 22, 2004, at 21:12:25
Mair,
I haven't read that book, but is was used as one of the readings for a class offered in my program. The students who did read it all reported they loved it.gg
Posted by vwoolf on September 23, 2004, at 0:16:31
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by mair on September 22, 2004, at 21:12:25
I agree, "Unquiet Mind" is great, and I am also not bipolar. It seems to validate the experience of depression and mental illness.
Posted by cubic_me on September 23, 2004, at 3:54:21
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » mair, posted by vwoolf on September 23, 2004, at 0:16:31
'Night Falls Fast - understanding suicide' by Kay Redfield Jamison is also an an engrosing read. I love her style of writing.
I'm also enjoying reading 'Severe Depression - A practitioner's Guide' by Philip J Barker.
(sorry I can't do links on the books)
Posted by mair on September 23, 2004, at 7:50:06
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » mair, posted by gardenergirl on September 22, 2004, at 21:55:09
GG
It's a pretty quick read which I would highly recommend. Interestingly, it was recommended to me at different times by 2 different Ts, who recommended it to me for entirely different reasons. T #1 (who was also my pdoc) thought I would identify with her descriptions of trying to hold a professional career together in the midst of mental illness, and maybe also because of the way we both struggled with reconciling ourselves to the meds for life regimen. T #2 suggested it because Jamison goes into a lot of detail about all of the gruesome thoughts she'd have when most depressed. I think she wanted me to feel less ashamed of my own thoughts.
The point is that I think even though this woman had endless amounts of talent and intelligence which stood her in very good stead, there's still alot in her story that can resonate for those of us who are far more mortal and whose dxs are not as serious.
I also think it would probably mean even more to you because of your career similarities.
Mair
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 9:26:40
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by alexandra_k on September 22, 2004, at 21:25:20
Here's the link.
"Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder" by Marsha Linehan.
On those long hard to remember titles, I usually do an Amazon search by author then cut and paste the actual name to the post.
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 9:29:53
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by cubic_me on September 23, 2004, at 3:54:21
To do the links, you do two " in front of the name and two " in back of the name. I'd type "" if I could, but it won't let me.
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 9:30:37
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » cubic_me, posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 9:29:53
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 9:39:11
In reply to Re: My favorite books on dissociation, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:24:11
Another reasonably short list.
"Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder" by Marsha Linehan blends cognitive behavior therapy approach with eastern philosophy to create her dialectical behavior therapy. I think it's useful for just about anyone, especially those who have trouble with emotional regulation. It's not just for those with Borderline Personality Disorder.
I like her videos too. (Yes, I did. I had to sell a bunch of stuff on eBay, but I did.)
http://behavioraltech.org/store/products.cfm?category=Videos
I also like the first workbook my therapist used with me, a CBT workbook called "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook".
And while they aren't technically workbooks, I found two CBT oriented books very helpful for my OCD. "Stop Obsessing" by Foa was my favorite. But "Brain Lock" was pretty good too.
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on September 23, 2004, at 10:11:35
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by cubic_me on September 23, 2004, at 3:54:21
Albert Ellis' "Guide to Rational Living" has helped me quite a bit. Though it was written in the late '50s and not updated really since the early '60s, the concepts are still helpful. A lot of the language is a little old fashioned, but that just makes it quirky.
Ellis is the father of REBT and this book is very helpful for people doing CBT. I keep it on my nightstand!
Posted by shortelise on September 23, 2004, at 13:36:49
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Miss Honeychurch on September 23, 2004, at 10:11:35
I think there is
"A New Guide to Rational Living" from the 80'sShortE
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on September 23, 2004, at 14:15:19
In reply to Albert Ellis, posted by shortelise on September 23, 2004, at 13:36:49
I'll have to check that out! Thanks for the tip.
Posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 17:59:32
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » gardenergirl, posted by mair on September 23, 2004, at 7:50:06
Thanks, Mair. I'll have to add that to my ever-growing list of post-doc reading. Someday.....
:)
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 18:11:57
In reply to Re: My favorite workbooks, posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 9:39:11
> > I also like the first workbook my therapist used with me, a CBT workbook called "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook".
Ah yes, this is a great book. I used with a client with agoraphobia and panic attacks. She really loved it, and acutally, I think she suggested it to me, come to think of it.
>
>I just started working through Elaine Aron's "The Highly Sensitive Person's Workbook: The Practical Guide for Highly Sensitive People and Hsp Support Groups" recently. It has all the information from her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You" which I have read and re-read...love that book! But the workbook also has pages for journalling about the exercises she suggests. It can also be used in a group, which I think would be really cool to do. I almost suggested forming a group online here to work through it together when we had that empathic people thread, but I didn't feel I could fully commit to it just now. Maybe later....
Enjoying this thread.
gg
Posted by Speaker on September 23, 2004, at 22:23:55
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » mair, posted by gardenergirl on September 23, 2004, at 17:59:32
The book that clicked with me is "Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You". If you are a Christian it is a tremendous book. It answered a lot about Disassociation, Dividedness and other things about mental health and how all of that fits with Christianity. It was very freeing for me! It was written by several Dr.s from The Shepherd's House in Pasadena, CA. in 1999.
Posted by tryingtobewise on September 23, 2004, at 23:10:32
In reply to Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 20:15:16
I always find "Feeling Good" by David Burns, MD to be encouraging (all about CBT). I love the book "Worry" by Edward Hallowell, MD.
"The Shelter of Each Other" by Mary Pipher, Ph.D. has some very interesting perspectives on therapy. I also love an early book of hers called "Hunger Pains".
I have no idea if I'm doing the double quotes right. I hope so.
:) Kim
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 24, 2004, at 16:29:56
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Speaker on September 23, 2004, at 22:23:55
> The book that clicked with me is "Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You". If you are a Christian it is a tremendous book...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book, movie, or music without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by RosieOGrady on September 24, 2004, at 18:00:20
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by Speaker on September 23, 2004, at 22:23:55
I looked that book up on Amazon and all they had was used paperbacks and the prices started at 175.00 dollars!!!It must be a REALLY good book.
It does sound fascinating. It's hard to find good Christian psychology book. I read the Minreth Meyer book 'Happiness is a Choice" and was disappointed in it. Although there were some good tips, I believe with depression happiness isn't ALWAYS a choice.
> The book that clicked with me is "Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You". If you are a Christian it is a tremendous book. It answered a lot about Disassociation, Dividedness and other things about mental health and how all of that fits with Christianity. It was very freeing for me! It was written by several Dr.s from The Shepherd's House in Pasadena, CA. in 1999.
Posted by Speaker on September 24, 2004, at 20:39:55
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » Speaker, posted by RosieOGrady on September 24, 2004, at 18:00:20
It is a GOOD book but it is a very small book...I think I paid 7.95. It might be worth checking with the Shepherd House and see if you can get a copy directly from them. I didn't list all the authors but if you want them I would be glad to. Also, I'm not much for the it's all a choice thing. I always think about Elijah and how after he won the battle he ran off and was depressed and God sent and angle to feed him not just once but twice...seems to me if it was just a choice God would have said "Get up and choose to get better"! Instead God fed him and took care of him. That's what I like about this book it's called The Life Model and deals with truth not choice. Hope you get a copy and we can discuse it.
Speaker
Posted by fallsfall on September 25, 2004, at 21:27:56
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books » RosieOGrady, posted by Speaker on September 24, 2004, at 20:39:55
I have a fairly extensive collection... Most of mine are technical - written for therapists. I'll list them over time in no particular order...
"The Analysis of the Transference in the here and now" by Gregory P. Bauer. This one gives a really good understanding of transference. From the chapter entitled "Working Through" (yes, a whole chapter!): "This mastery of conflictual, self-defeating behavior often first occurs by means of practice with the therapist in their here-and-now relationship. As the patient gains an awareness of his manner of relating to the therapist, of what brings about this relationship pattern, as well as what its consequences are, the opportunity to behave in a different fashion is made possible."
"Changing Mind-sets : The Potential Unconscious" by Maria Carmen Gear, Ernesto Cesar Liendo and Lila Lee Scott. This is the best book I have ever seen on the Unconscious. It is quite technical. It talks about how stuff gets into the Unconscious and out of it, and how this relates to therapy techniques. I was really clueless about unconscious motivations, this book helped me to accept that I *have* an unconscious and feel more comfortable about how it works. I borrowed it from the library and then bought a used copy online.
"The Dance of Anger : A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships" by Harriet Goldhor Lerner, Ph.D. This book is not really about anger. I think that any person who is in a relationship with anyone (parent, child, spouse, friend, therapist) should read this book. It talks about how patterns in the relationship (i.e. dominant/submissive, controlling/powerless, abusing/abused) are maintained by BOTH people in the relationship. It talks about what happens when one person tries to change these patterns - what the effectis on the other person, and what the other person will do in response. This information can help us to understand the dynamics of change, and see what might be making changes hard for us. It's not a long book, it is written for the general public, you should be able to find at least one copy at any mid-sized used book sale. I pick them up as I find them and give them away to people...
"Healing the Soul in the Age of the Brain : Becoming Conscious in an Unconscious World" by Elio Frattaroli, M.D. This is one of the books I got from my library when I was researching the Unconscious. My dog decided that it tasted good, so I had the opportunity to buy it from my library - but I really do like this book, so I wasn't unhappy to "have" to buy it. The most important theme that I got from this book is the difference between "The Swimming Pool" and "The Quest". Both are metaphors for life. In The Swimming Pool we spend all of our energy trying to stay afloat - to keep from drowning. In The Quest we are focused, instead, more on the big picture - where we want to go. The book talks about how both are necessary at different times. It has a section, also, called "Experiencing the Psychotherapeutic Process"...
Posted by fallsfall on September 25, 2004, at 22:18:26
In reply to Re: Useful psychology and psychotherapy books, posted by fallsfall on September 25, 2004, at 21:27:56
These are my favorite Borderline Personality Disorder books.
"Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder" by Marsha Linehan. This book made me feel understood (maybe for the first time). It also helped me understand why my therapist would do certain things, and what I could do to help friends of mine who also have BPD. It has great sections on suicide risks, and on acceptance vs. change.
"Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder" also by Marsha Linehan. This is the manual for DBT. It gives a briefer overview of Linehan's theory of BPD. It describes how the DBT skills are taught. And it has a wonderful section on emotions - pages of emotion words (for those of us whose emotional vocabulary is stunted...).
"Psychodynamic Psychotherapy of Borderline Patients" by Otto F. Kernberg, Michael A. Selzer, Harold W. Koenigsberg, Arthur C. Carr, Ann H. Appelbaum. Linehan's books give the CBT view of BPD, this book gives the Psychodynamic view. This book is fairly technical, but I found it very interesting to compare the views and therapies of two different therapeutic orientations for the same illness. It talks a lot about "objects" and "part objects" and "self objects", so it is not for the faint of heart. It was particularly helpful to me when I was switching from CBT to Psychodynamic therapy.
"A Primer of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy for the Borderline Patient" By Frank E. Yeomans, John F. Clarkin and Otto F. Kernberg. This book is written in question and answer style (which makes it harder to read, but perhaps easier to look up particular things?). It is a helpful book if you are wondering how therapy works, what you are supposed to be doing in therapy, what your therapist is doing (note that is is about Psychodynamic Therapy - not CBT).
"Losing and Fusing : Borderline Transitional Object and Self Relations" by Roger A. Lewin, M.D. and Clarence Schulz, M.D. This book speaks to the see-saw that many of us ride, between being afraid of being abandoned (losing), and being afraid of being too close (fusing). As we are afraid of abandonment we cling, but that puts us too close, so we proclaim our independence by distancing ourselves, which brings us back to the fear of abandonment. It talks about "holding environments" in therapy. This book presented yet another view of BPD.
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