Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #170941 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 225 pages

Synopsis
Many of us know the helpless predicament of losing control of our emotions. We may not be clinically "crazy" but instead "high reactors," experiencing overpowering feelings that knock us off balance, plunge us into depression, make us fly off the handle, or terrify us without warning. We can anticipate, understand, avoid and replace these "high reactions" by applying the methods of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is an eclectic mix of cognitive-behavioral techniques, skills training, Zen, and existentialism, that has been honed for the treatment of the highest reactors among us--those with Borderline Personality Disorder. Author Scott Spradlin uses proven DBT techniques, worksheets and assessment exercises, to teach us to pay attention to emotions when they arise, assess our blocks to controlling them, and finally overcome these blocks and eliminate overpowering feelings. We learn what emotional triggers exist in our environments, become less judgmental about ourselves when we do experience a surge, and avoid or reduce the distress that emotions cause us.

This workbook ultimately equips us to reduce the impact of painful feelings and increase the effects of positive ones so that we may tolerate life's ongoing stresses and achieve a sense of calm co-existence with our emotions.

Customer Reviews

clear introductory workbook guide
Whilst Linehan may have written the definitive book on DBT, the likes of Spradlin are a godsend to those of us who are interested in a clear accessible introduction to the method. This book has added an important emotional dimension to my CBT work with clients in the NHS. It provides techniques that help clients who struggle to regulate their extreme emotions by specifically focusing on the emotional process as primary (rather than secondary to cognitive change as CBT often espouses). The chapter on mindfulness is very accessible and provides some concrete guidelines for mindfulness in everyday life - a boon for clients (if not practitioner as well!)
I have not given this book 5 stars because I was disappointed with the presentation of the cognitive dialectical work. This did not seem to be as fleshed out as I had expected. As a workbook and introduction to the area my clients and I have found it helpful - It has certainly whet my appetite for more.