Telling Yourself the Truth: Find Your Way Out of Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Anger, and Other Common Problems by Applying the Principles of Misbelief Therapy

by William Backus

Telling Yourself the Truth is based upon the Bible the methods described by the authors can be life changing. It may help you find your way out of depression, anxiety, fear, anger and other common problems. They call it "Misbelief Therapy".

Genres: Christian

231 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1766

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't say this lightly when I tell you that this might be the most useful tool for Christians wanting to overcome depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and a host of other "feelings-centric" issues that keep us in bondage.

I can't tell you how many books I've read on emotions and thoughts and the biblical perspective on both, and after each reading I'm often frustrated because I KNOW what the Bible says, but I'm still not sure how to stop being so angry.

This book gives simple, step-by-step advice for overcoming anger (and fear, anxiety, etc.) that seem TOO simple to be true, but they work. They're Bible based. And they're so encouraging because (for those of us who've struggled for years with being afraid, nervous, people pleasing) it offers hope and a plan.

Quick note: the authors are not discounting that some people truly need to change circumstances in their lives or may actually need medical intervention or prayer, but for many people these steps will be freeing..

Fair warning: this is NOT for the faint of heart. If you want to blame others for your life, you won't enjoy this book. But if you're ready to take responsibility for your thoughts and feelings, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say this could be a lifechanging book.

[JAD · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any resource, it must be read with discernment. I found that there are parts of this work that can be very helpful and others that are problematic. Specifically, it does a good job of helping the reader identify unhelpful/toxic thinking in a wide variety of areas and helps apply biblical truth to them. However, for more complicated cases, I’m afraid it could lead to a person wondering why they can’t just “think” themselves out of a situation that might lead to greater sense of despair or an unhealthy suspicion of the use of any pharmaceutics alongside professional help.

[Robyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book that gives practical ways to take thoughts captive and reframe the story we are telling ourselves. Our misbeliefs are coloring our expectations, feelings, and emotions, which leads to affecting our actions and expectations of others. This book was written well before the over therapized culture we have today, and that made it all the more refreshing. It is a book written by therapists with a Biblical framework. You don't have to agree with every thing in it to get the general premise of our need (and responsibility) to reframe our thoughts that are causing negative beliefs and actions.

[Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, explains a simple idea of opposing own self-defeating and self-deceiving thoughts, and then encourages one to work into making this a helpful habit. Very encouraging and empowering, in a good sense of the word, as I am the only person in the world who can really affect my attitudes and responses. Then it goes through many helpful examples of different areas of life, and how it applies.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, helpful book. ‘Take ever ythought captive’.

[Cassondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for my family. Backus teaches valuable lessons about getting rid of limiting and harmful beliefs. He does so from a Christian perspective. We choose the story we tell ourselves. If it is hurting us, it is likely not true. Tell yourself the truth is referring to filling our minds with truths that lift and inspire and strengthen us, bringing peace as we move forward.