In this uplifting guide, a philosopher offers a commonsense approach to using "rational medicine, " in the tradition of Aristotle, as a means of attaining greater freedom and control over one's life.
Integrating Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with a logic-based restructuring of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), this book provides therapists with a guide for addressing self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. Cohen explores how the tyrannical use of the words "I can’t" creates and sustains many commonplace behavioral and emotional problems. It shows how cognition and affect are intimately connected, demonstrating how cognitive-behavioral interventions help clients to address both their feelings and irrational ideas. Each chapter explores a specific problem, including low frustration tolerance, obsessiveness, risk avoidance, phobias, intolerance to criticism, dependent personalities, and much more. The theories developed throughout are integrated with practice sections and session transcripts that focus on the application of these theories for the treatment of clients who have self-destructive linguistic habits. Cohen also provides resource materials including reflection activities, bibliotherapy, meditation, and step-by-step guidance. This book is essential reading for mental health professionals looking for novel techniques of using CBT, life coaches, positive psychology coaches, counselors, and academic and clinical researchers who work with CBT.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Those Who Say They Can’t is a comprehensive aid for people who stifle their personal freedom, creativity, and autonomy by telling themselves they "can’t" do things such take risks; make commitments; control their anger or fear; avoid intrusive thoughts; tolerate disappointment; accept challenges, make decisions, and more. This accessible workbook concisely explains how to identify, refute, and replace "I can’t" with uplifting and liberating virtues. Worksheets include systematic exercises on coping with shame, rational–emotive imagery, reframing, mindfulness, behavioral planning, and taking risks. Each chapter tackles a particular type of self-defeating "I can’t" and is complete with an assessment inventory that helps users/clients identify which chapter/s they need to work on. This workbook provides essential self-help for those struggling with disempowering thoughts and can also be used by mental health professionals in working with their clients.