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Change Your Thinking with CBT: Overcome stress, combat anxiety and improve your life
All of us experience complicated thoughts and feelings as we negotiate the day and these feelings can be difficult to manage. Sometimes we are aware that the way we think contributes to our difficulties, but don't know what to do about it.
Change Your Thinking is soundly based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), the standard psychological tool used by therapists. The aim of CBT is to develop realistic thought patterns to help us respond better to upsetting emotions.
In this book Dr Edelman demonstrates how to dispute that nagging voice in your head and deal more rationally with feelings of anger, depression, frustration and anxiety. The book also offers sensible suggestions for more effective communication and for finding happiness - something that is within everyone's grasp.
CBT can help you change your thinking and make a difference to your life - beginning today.
548 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2006
612 people are currently reading
2678 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 18, 2009
My psychologist told me to buy this book and I dutifully went out and did so, running into him and his new baby in the process (awkward!). While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is now quickly becoming the unpopular kid in school next to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (that new girl who just moved here three weeks ago and who has a pool and everyone now really likes even though they don't know her all that well), I still got plenty of good strategies out of it.
Its great strength is that it doesn't talk down to you. That, coupled with the generous helping of believable real-world examples the chapters are furnished with, really make it easy to take on its message (which, I supposed, could basically be boiled down to: "Is anyone going to die from this? No? Then SIT DOWN AND SHUDDAP!").
Its great strength is that it doesn't talk down to you. That, coupled with the generous helping of believable real-world examples the chapters are furnished with, really make it easy to take on its message (which, I supposed, could basically be boiled down to: "Is anyone going to die from this? No? Then SIT DOWN AND SHUDDAP!").
July 25, 2011
This is a comprehensive guide to CBT with lots of practical advice and exercises to overcome stress, anxiety and negative thought.
CBT is a proven technique that is practical and doesn't rely solely on 'positive thinking' and catch phrases/affirmations.
When I read this book, I found myself constantly saying 'that's just common sense'. When it is laid out so clearly and logically, I can't help but wonder why my everyday thinking is anything but logical and common sense.
I rage, I ruminate and spend excessive amounts of time trying to please everyone but even with one reading of this book, I've found myself questioning my thoughts and many times over the past few days I have stopped myself from falling back into negative thinking. I guess this demonstrates the power of thought and that a lot of our problems reside in our view of the world.
A great guide that can be dipped into from time to time.
CBT is a proven technique that is practical and doesn't rely solely on 'positive thinking' and catch phrases/affirmations.
When I read this book, I found myself constantly saying 'that's just common sense'. When it is laid out so clearly and logically, I can't help but wonder why my everyday thinking is anything but logical and common sense.
I rage, I ruminate and spend excessive amounts of time trying to please everyone but even with one reading of this book, I've found myself questioning my thoughts and many times over the past few days I have stopped myself from falling back into negative thinking. I guess this demonstrates the power of thought and that a lot of our problems reside in our view of the world.
A great guide that can be dipped into from time to time.
September 12, 2019
Like many self-help aficionados, I have developed a chronic habit of reading about my life problems, without actually overcoming most of them in any spectacular way. There is of course some progress involved; I mean for a while back there, I was pretty sure CBT was a cannabis derivative. But no it's not, close but no - erm - cigar.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a pretty sensible method, very reasonable, systematic, zero mumbo-jumbo, gets things efficiently sorted. Good shit. In fact, the worst I can say about this thorough, well-organized and practical book is, well, you know that older relative or work acquaintance who has this annoying habit of being right? It's a nifty skill, but it can get annoying as hell, I mean gimme a break, having the right answers I can deal with but asking the right questions, huh. So I read this in short burtsts, let's call them instalments. (And I ended up sort of leafing through the indispensible, case-in-point examples of typical problems. They were pretty annoying too: all these people with either insubstantial or enviable issues, I mean I do prefer having a book written more specifically about me.)
So now I ended up learning a lot not only about the messed-up mindfucks that get me into anxious and despondent states, but sound methods to undo the cerebral knots and fix up the rigging to somehow bumble through, well, whatever it is I'm barely avoiding crashing all over. That's a pretty tall order for a self-help book, seasoned self-help-resistant punter that I am.
In essence, the Brits got this one right, avoiding all the excesses and repetitivity of many an American counterpart, and I'm naming no names, but the difference is striking. Probably I'll end up re-reading at least the Table of Contents, and flip through some chapters to freshen up some of the finer points of not freaking myself out over life. This is a good one to get, so go get it and get to self-helping yourself!
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a pretty sensible method, very reasonable, systematic, zero mumbo-jumbo, gets things efficiently sorted. Good shit. In fact, the worst I can say about this thorough, well-organized and practical book is, well, you know that older relative or work acquaintance who has this annoying habit of being right? It's a nifty skill, but it can get annoying as hell, I mean gimme a break, having the right answers I can deal with but asking the right questions, huh. So I read this in short burtsts, let's call them instalments. (And I ended up sort of leafing through the indispensible, case-in-point examples of typical problems. They were pretty annoying too: all these people with either insubstantial or enviable issues, I mean I do prefer having a book written more specifically about me.)
So now I ended up learning a lot not only about the messed-up mindfucks that get me into anxious and despondent states, but sound methods to undo the cerebral knots and fix up the rigging to somehow bumble through, well, whatever it is I'm barely avoiding crashing all over. That's a pretty tall order for a self-help book, seasoned self-help-resistant punter that I am.
In essence, the Brits got this one right, avoiding all the excesses and repetitivity of many an American counterpart, and I'm naming no names, but the difference is striking. Probably I'll end up re-reading at least the Table of Contents, and flip through some chapters to freshen up some of the finer points of not freaking myself out over life. This is a good one to get, so go get it and get to self-helping yourself!
September 21, 2018
I read this book ages ago, it's a keeper on my shelves, but I've never added it to Goodreads. I recently decided to re-read it as an e-book and it showed up on here - so mini review.
Our thoughts have a powerful effect on how we feel so it makes a lot of sense to work on what we're thinking. Our automatic thinking style can be negative, but without checking in and looking at how we think, what we are thinking, we often don't realise this. This is especially true for depression and anxiety, but it's easy enough with plenty going on in our lives, because of our upbringing, to be quite negative and unaware.
Sarah Edelman knows CBT. This is a great book for any therapist wanting to know more, although I know some therapists are ditching CBT for newer or even older but renewed therapies. CBT is a good therapy. Like anything, it's good to use amongst other ideas. This book is especially good for any person who may be looking to think more positively but with a logical bent, not fluffy affirmations that are a dime a dozen on memes and are simply words with no real meaning or effectiveness.
Now with some mindfulness thrown in, it was well worth it to buy the latest edition of Change Your Thinking. Still 5 stars after the re-read.
Our thoughts have a powerful effect on how we feel so it makes a lot of sense to work on what we're thinking. Our automatic thinking style can be negative, but without checking in and looking at how we think, what we are thinking, we often don't realise this. This is especially true for depression and anxiety, but it's easy enough with plenty going on in our lives, because of our upbringing, to be quite negative and unaware.
Sarah Edelman knows CBT. This is a great book for any therapist wanting to know more, although I know some therapists are ditching CBT for newer or even older but renewed therapies. CBT is a good therapy. Like anything, it's good to use amongst other ideas. This book is especially good for any person who may be looking to think more positively but with a logical bent, not fluffy affirmations that are a dime a dozen on memes and are simply words with no real meaning or effectiveness.
Now with some mindfulness thrown in, it was well worth it to buy the latest edition of Change Your Thinking. Still 5 stars after the re-read.
July 27, 2014
I'm not a great fan of CBT but I found this book practical with some good suggestions interspersed with inspirational quotes. What's more, for once it's actually written from an Australian perspective. Did it change my thinking? Like any good book, yes, in some way I just may think it has!
August 29, 2014
At first glance, this book seems irrelevant to traders.
But when you consider that trading depends on managing emotions, you’ll think twice. After all, as Dr John F Demartini shares research has shown that if you make a gain of more than 10% you’ll zoom into a state of euphoria and think you’ll never lose money again. Likewise, lose more than 10% and you’ll sink into depression and think you’re financially ruined.
Seen in this light, chapters on topics like “Coping With Anxiety”, “Recovery From Depression” and “Taking Charge” (on problem-solving) become most helpful for traders. And not only can you use them to deal with the challenges of being a trader, but you’ll have skills to handle most of the hand life deals you.
Let me give you an example: Reading this book succeeded in changing my thinking.
Through a combination of illness, and meeting the demands of work and study, I’d become short-tempered and aggressive with the people closest to me. With the book at hand, I could pick out the chapter that was relevant to my current challenges and take charge.
Through changing my thinking and becoming mindfully aware, I’ve changed my behavior and become much more likeable.
Once you’ve read this book, keep it near you. You’ll go to it a lot.
But when you consider that trading depends on managing emotions, you’ll think twice. After all, as Dr John F Demartini shares research has shown that if you make a gain of more than 10% you’ll zoom into a state of euphoria and think you’ll never lose money again. Likewise, lose more than 10% and you’ll sink into depression and think you’re financially ruined.
Seen in this light, chapters on topics like “Coping With Anxiety”, “Recovery From Depression” and “Taking Charge” (on problem-solving) become most helpful for traders. And not only can you use them to deal with the challenges of being a trader, but you’ll have skills to handle most of the hand life deals you.
Let me give you an example: Reading this book succeeded in changing my thinking.
Through a combination of illness, and meeting the demands of work and study, I’d become short-tempered and aggressive with the people closest to me. With the book at hand, I could pick out the chapter that was relevant to my current challenges and take charge.
Through changing my thinking and becoming mindfully aware, I’ve changed my behavior and become much more likeable.
Once you’ve read this book, keep it near you. You’ll go to it a lot.
January 9, 2014
One of the issues that Dr. Sarah Edelman addresses as she brings her book to a close is the role our expectations play in our happiness. What a wonderful way to start a review, don't you think?
This book is absolutely wonderful for those who are new to the self-help and psychology fields. It's a great introduction to the concepts of everyday psychological irritants and provides wonderfully practical exercises to help the reader understand faulty logic.
Unfortunately, I went into the book expecting that it would be a bit more comprehensive. I really wanted to like it, but every aspect of it fell victim to redundancy. The anecdotes were overkill, basic concepts were defined patronizingly, and nothing was really spoken about in much detail. I understand that this is an introductory self-help book, and I appreciate the "suggestions for further reading" but I really would have liked to have learned more about logic instead of reading twelve more stories about failed marriages.
Overall, it just felt so fluffy and tender and INSPIRATIONAL!
It's a great book if you want to be coddled and have little experience with therapy or psychology, but not so much if you're looking for actual meat and potatoes information about the theory and why it works.
This book is absolutely wonderful for those who are new to the self-help and psychology fields. It's a great introduction to the concepts of everyday psychological irritants and provides wonderfully practical exercises to help the reader understand faulty logic.
Unfortunately, I went into the book expecting that it would be a bit more comprehensive. I really wanted to like it, but every aspect of it fell victim to redundancy. The anecdotes were overkill, basic concepts were defined patronizingly, and nothing was really spoken about in much detail. I understand that this is an introductory self-help book, and I appreciate the "suggestions for further reading" but I really would have liked to have learned more about logic instead of reading twelve more stories about failed marriages.
Overall, it just felt so fluffy and tender and INSPIRATIONAL!
It's a great book if you want to be coddled and have little experience with therapy or psychology, but not so much if you're looking for actual meat and potatoes information about the theory and why it works.
April 5, 2017
Easy to read. To-the-point. Easy to grasp. Very practical advice. Must read for those who are battling depression and anxiety. Also a must read for friends & family of those people suffering from depression. CBT is practical and it works.
August 28, 2020
The most actionable, insightful and practical guide toward the practice of cognitive behavioural therapy. Dr Edelman uses many relatable experiences and situations to further enhance the practicality of the book. Anybody struggling to control their thoughts or deal with negative emotions should attempt some of the techniques presented within this book. I believe the content within the book can live up to the title.
February 19, 2023
When I've been to a pyschologist, they've just given me CBT worksheets to go through and never really made much effort.
This book is better than any psychologist I've visited. The best part is they give plenty of examples and have exercises (with sample answers on the back).
It made me feel normal to be annoyed with people who are over an hour late and guilty saying no to shop assistants who spend ages going through their products when you don't end up buying from them.
The book does go into more complex matters too! And give recommendations when to see a specialist.
Highly recommend for anyone interested in psychology, CBT or who just want to change their thinking.
This book is better than any psychologist I've visited. The best part is they give plenty of examples and have exercises (with sample answers on the back).
It made me feel normal to be annoyed with people who are over an hour late and guilty saying no to shop assistants who spend ages going through their products when you don't end up buying from them.
The book does go into more complex matters too! And give recommendations when to see a specialist.
Highly recommend for anyone interested in psychology, CBT or who just want to change their thinking.
August 14, 2011
Practical thinking for a happier life
February 13, 2014
This is a great book for anybody who has problems in life,
that can be maintained by changing your thoughts.
that can be maintained by changing your thoughts.
August 3, 2021
Very educational and thought provoking. It did take me a little bit to finish the book since I did read it from front to back, but I am glad I did. Although I was only going to read the book to learn how to better handle depression and was going to ignore other sections like anger and anxiety. Good thing I didn't!! Ironically, I feel as if I can cope with my anxiety better and understand why myself and others feel angry at times. Although a smaller section the chapter about good communication helped my understanding immensely, both recognizing how myself and others that I have argued with are not communication properly which lead to further arguments. I think this was very important for me because although now I know how I should discuss things with people, I also can be aware of how people should speak with me. Although fixing my depression still eludes me, this book definitely changed my thinking on my own mental health.
December 29, 2020
Read this on the recommendation of a friend. Not sure the average person needs to read it cover-to-cover, but I figured I would since you never know what sort of issues you might encounter in the future (or what your friends might need advice about. Some sections definitely applied to me more than others though. There was even one example situation that was *exactly* about me, so that was handy in contextualizing the advice.
My "favorite" sections were on handling "awfulizing"/catastrophic thinking, and communication strategies, just because they pertained the most to what I struggle with.
Struggling now with how to review a therapy book, but it was clearly written, easy to understand, and made it easy to understand what your next steps should be.
My "favorite" sections were on handling "awfulizing"/catastrophic thinking, and communication strategies, just because they pertained the most to what I struggle with.
Struggling now with how to review a therapy book, but it was clearly written, easy to understand, and made it easy to understand what your next steps should be.
February 7, 2018
A fantastic book about how to apply “2nd wave” - thought challenging - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in our lives. Filled with a lot of tips I found very helpful and rewarding in application.
January 7, 2023
My psychologist told me to buy this at the time.
It helped a lot and I do recommend anyone who thinks/knows they are struggling to read this. CBT is a great form of self help
It helped a lot and I do recommend anyone who thinks/knows they are struggling to read this. CBT is a great form of self help
October 14, 2021
maybe i forgive self help books
this book was recommended to me by a therapist and this book has everything in it that all of my therapists ive ever seen have been trying to teach me..
i really enjoyed this read i did a lot of note taking n im really hoping everything i learnt sticks in my tiny brain
this book was recommended to me by a therapist and this book has everything in it that all of my therapists ive ever seen have been trying to teach me..
i really enjoyed this read i did a lot of note taking n im really hoping everything i learnt sticks in my tiny brain
August 9, 2014
This is a good book which helps people challenge their negative thought patterns, it has chapters on different areas of negative thought from things like anxiety and depression to low self esteem and general "awfulising" I found this book good but a bit long winded with sooo many examples that I found myself skipping past some examples the more I got into the book. I also just skimmed some chapters on things that I didn't feel applied to me and so couldn't find myself interested in reading them properly. It's still a great book and would be good for people looking to not let negative thoughts affect them so often in life, some people might find the entire book helpful others would only find parts useful if they apply to their circumstances.
April 26, 2015
Change Your Thinking is the bestselling guide to managing upsetting emotions by learning to think in a healthy and balanced way. It provides practical strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and behaviours, and taking control of emotions such as anxiety, depression, frustration, anger and guilt. It also describes techniques for enhancing self-esteem, improving communication skills and developing greater personal happiness.......
January 23, 2014
Great book with real strategies to moving beyond the polarizing and overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, and unrealistic expectations. My mom cannot read the book since her eyesight is very poor so I copied down a lot, a lot of the book on Microsoft Word to send to her so she can blow it up 200% and read it. I hope that she chooses to use the help that is in this book for her.
February 14, 2015
Not only a self help book but powerful in its ability for you to begin to 'recognise faulty thinking' patterns in people you deal with often. I would highly recommend this book to guide a change in attitude and change in practice to a better life.
October 21, 2008
Great CBT based approach to mood, anxiety, self esteem, anger management... highly recommended!
June 23, 2009
Very Logical and easy to understand! A fantastic book for anyone who lets their emotions control them.
November 22, 2011
Great book. Well organised and just what I needed. Will be reading again soon.
Read
March 4, 2022Meh
March 27, 2012
Comprehensive guide and explanation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
June 12, 2024
I bought this book a long time ago after doing a short course by the author. Then I lent it to a friend who was struggling with depression and anxiety before I got the chance to read it myself! Many years later, I asked for it back and have only just read it.
I've always struggled with social anxiety plus I have ADHD and suspected autism. I was not a hundred percent convinced CBT would help because your thoughts can't change the way other people treat you or your failure to act as per neurotypical expectations in social situations. I lack the intuitive social skills others take for granted and always feel one step behind socially.
I still think it's not a perfect solution, because I'll always be me, but it's empowering to realise you CAN change the way you react internally to all of the above. I feel like my own mind has been duping me all this time. For example, how much does it matter if not everyone likes me or I say inadvertently offensive things sometimes?
The book is a lot to absorb in one reading, so I'll probably come back to it. It's worth reading if you have low self-esteem, anxiety or intrusive negative thought patterns.
It's not just another self-help book.
I've always struggled with social anxiety plus I have ADHD and suspected autism. I was not a hundred percent convinced CBT would help because your thoughts can't change the way other people treat you or your failure to act as per neurotypical expectations in social situations. I lack the intuitive social skills others take for granted and always feel one step behind socially.
I still think it's not a perfect solution, because I'll always be me, but it's empowering to realise you CAN change the way you react internally to all of the above. I feel like my own mind has been duping me all this time. For example, how much does it matter if not everyone likes me or I say inadvertently offensive things sometimes?
The book is a lot to absorb in one reading, so I'll probably come back to it. It's worth reading if you have low self-esteem, anxiety or intrusive negative thought patterns.
It's not just another self-help book.
April 14, 2025
A fantastic introduction to REBT, a variant of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that focuses more on changing the beliefs behind your thoughts, than your thoughts themselves (as CBT does). I found this book one of the most accessible yet comprehensive guides to mental self-work. All the tools Edelman introduces are easy to work with and rather effective as well.
The only critique I might have is that the book doesn't explicitly position itself well within the CBT umbrella of therapies. I had quite a bit of trouble figuring out the overlaps and differences between REBT, CBT, and ACT, for example, since they are all similar yet distrinct treatment modalities.
Overall though, I'd say this book and Feeling Good by D. Beck are the two books to recommend if you are looking to add tools to your toolbox that will help you deal with all the garden-variety mental issues you might come across in life.
The only critique I might have is that the book doesn't explicitly position itself well within the CBT umbrella of therapies. I had quite a bit of trouble figuring out the overlaps and differences between REBT, CBT, and ACT, for example, since they are all similar yet distrinct treatment modalities.
Overall though, I'd say this book and Feeling Good by D. Beck are the two books to recommend if you are looking to add tools to your toolbox that will help you deal with all the garden-variety mental issues you might come across in life.
May 5, 2020
So, I'm torn about reviewing this book. It has some great insights and I often recommend it to people because it did help me change some of my thinking patterns (be aware that I also had the help of a therapist, though), but to me it was a very boring read. I think it's because everything it says is accompanied by tons of examples that to me felt similar and unnecessary. After leaving it on my "currently reading" bookshelf literally for YEARS, I think it's time to let go of the expectation I'll ever finish it. I'll probably keep it as a reference book and read whatever chapter feels more relevant at the time whenever I feel I need help sorting out my thoughts.
September 30, 2020
This book is amazing! I wish I could give it more stars. I am going through some life stuff currently, and found it difficult to understand what I was feeling and how to react to it. I would find myself consumed by the issues in my life and thought I was on an island. However, after reading this book and working through the advice and and exercises provided, I am feeling a thousand times better. I now have warning of situations that will cause me to go in a spiral, and I have the tools to either stop it from happening or work through it quickly. I recommend everyone take the effort to read this book. Your sanity will thank you for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews