The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life

by W. Lee Warren

What if it were possible for you to make structural changes to your own brain so it’s healthier and less prone to depression, anxiety, grief, worry, and other issues that make you unhappy and keep you stuck?

In this neuroscience-based, faith-infused, and immensely practical guide, Dr. W. Lee Warren, a practicing neurosurgeon, trauma survivor, and award-winning writer, reveals how to take control of your own mental, emotional, and physical healing by reordering your mind to change your brain—resulting in a radically transformed life that is healthier, happier, and more hopeful.

Since the development of functional brain imaging in the early 2000’s, we now know that thoughts can direct structural changes in the brain as or more effectively than medicines or surgery and can do so more quickly. That means, whether we know it or not, we’re all brain surgeons.

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery will help

learn and master several types of “self-brain surgery” operations to move from floundering to flourishing heal from trauma, tragedy, and other types of hardship overcome anxiety, depression, loneliness and other emotional and mental health struggles conquer limiting or negative thinking break old habits and create new ones build resilience and wellbeing become an empowered, hopeful person no matter what you’re facing With the skill of a surgeon, the wounds of a trauma survivor, the lessons of a scientist, and a hard-won faith that we are wired for happiness here on earth and not just in the hereafter, Dr. Warren walks readers into nothing less than a new way of life.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Faith, Psychology, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

W. Lee Warren, MD, is a practicing neurosurgeon and award-winning author. His book, "I've Seen the End of You," won the Christian Book Award for Biography and Memoir in 2021.

His newest book ,"Hope is the First Dose: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from Trauma, Tragedy, and Other Massive Things," releases in July 2023 from Waterbrook.

Dr. Warren has appeared on The 700 Club and CBS Evening News and his writings have been featured in Guideposts magazine. His appearance on Focus on the Family was chosen as one of the “Best of 2021.”

He writes a weekly "Self-Brain Surgery" letter at drleewarren.substack.com

The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast, heard in more than 80+ countries around the world, explores the connections between faith and science and how to find hope even when life is hard.

Dr. Warren lives in Nebraska with his wife, Lisa.

Reviews

[Jenneth Leed]

Last December, I went through genuinely the worst pain of my life. It left me reeling with toxic thoughts, broken trust, decimated confidence, and even shaken faith. By February, I wasn't in much better shape, but that's when my mom found Lee Warren's podcast about self-brain surgery. She sent me an episode, and after listening to his practical advice about rewiring our brains for healthier thinking, I bought his new book that had just released.

It might be slightly hyperbolic to claim that this book saved my life, but only slightly. Reeling with a lot of self-loathing and rumination, and coming to terms with undiagnosed ADHD that had contributed to broken relationships, I genuinely didn't have the tools to rebuild those rotten neural pathways that were just getting deeper and more permanent. Warren's kind, compassionate tone became a comfort, and instead of telling me how much I was broken and deserved to feel bitter (like social media algorithms do), he showed me science-based examples of how our brain physically responds to certain thoughts by rushing blood and hormones to different places depending on what we choose to think about. Up until now, the idea of thinking on things "pure, just, and of good report" was just a Bible verse with a spiritual, intangible benefit. Warren gave the physical evidence that the Bible knows what it's talking about.

In fact, this book is the best example of blending science and faith that I've ever encountered. I've chased down other Christian "self-help" books about overcoming negative thinking and depression, and they've all been surface-level platitudes with cherry-picked scripture and very little research. With Warren's, his background as a neurosurgeon and trauma survivor poured concrete into each page, and he built his arguments on anecdotes and practicality instead of feelings and spiritual vibes. So when he did turn to Scripture, those passages lit up with truth.

I have to add, as a nerd, I've gotten great joy looking for quantum mechanics in the Bible in the last few years (long story), but was always a bit sad that no one else considered it. So when Warren started discussing quantum physics and quantum entanglement from a biblical perspective and applying it to neuroscience, faith, and prayer, I truly felt like God had intended this book for me, and the inclusion of those "nerdy" topics was just an added wink-nod to remind me that He has my best interests in mind.

One of the most helpful practices this book gave me was the "thought biopsy." The idea is that, when you feel sad or discouraged, you pause and analyze the thoughts, then rationally decide what might be causing them, then dismissing or invalidating the feelings that you know are untrue. Instead of being a slave to every impulse, a biopsy gives me a chance to remember that feelings aren't facts, and that feelings follow actions. So if I'm feeling sad, I can realize that many times it's because I haven't eaten, or haven't exercised, or haven't been outside, and if I do those basic things, my mood will improve. Again, feelings follow actions. And feelings aren't facts.

Six months later, I'm finally grasping these truths and building up the "muscle" of resilience. I still have days where I'm discouraged, but this book has been one of the more vital, important books I've ever read in my life. I've bought it for others, shared it with friends, and have more-or-less become its biggest cheerleader and missionary.

Absolutely everyone should read this book. It's a universal game-changer.

[Ericka Andersen]

This could truly be a life changing book for those who read it diligently and take it seriously. I know Dr. Warren personally and he is exactly who he says in this book — a true information on mission from God to share this work.

[Liam]

Had to throw in the towel on this one. Each chapter is a lengthy belabored story from the author’s work life, and just when you finally think you might be getting to the meat and potatoes of what the book is really supposed to be about, he ends the chapter on some silly anecdote like ‘sometimes in life you just need to make a decision.” I started getting extremely frustrated with the lack of real material. Chapter after chapter, all I found was mildly interesting work stories with a slight (and obvious) moral at the end. I tried skipping the long stories to find where the meat and potatoes were, only to be disappointed each chapter again and again.

Perhaps the book gets better further in, but I didn’t have the patience to wade through the biography size length of the personal narratives in order to find it.

[Abigail]

I just finished the audio version of this - helped me get through it relatively quickly so that I could get the info which I SO DESPERATELY have needed for my whole adult life. Grateful that I am encountering this book at 26.

Taking my thoughts captive, and the renewing of my mind always felt like something that was not possible for me. When I am experiencing anxiety - which at certain points in my life I have experienced nearly debilitating levels of anxiety - it is basically impossible for me to control my thoughts. I spiral and panic, whether or not I believe what my mind is telling me. There are so many tools in this book that have already been helpful for me in taking my thoughts captive and replacing them with truth. This book has awakened a true hope in my soul for my healing and the renewing of my mind.

I am going to get the hard copy text for the practice of this moving forward, and do a closer read of the tactical sections of the book.

[readcleancatmomtanya]

Okay, attention, please!!!! Everyone needs to read this book, especially believers. This book is so life-changing, as the title says.

Here's some things you'll learn: you are not your brain, you can rewire or change your brain, feelings are not facts, you can change ingrained thoughts, and your mind runs your body and your brain- mind-down (and lots more in the book).

The Bible tries to tell us how important it is about renewing our thoughts because your mind runs things in your body and brain. You can choose what you think about. When I was growing up, I remember hearing that's just the way they are, and you can't change how you think or what you feel. That's lies right there! Time to turn that thought process around and speak what God's Word says and make some changes in what we think and say.

I also liked how well-written the book was. It's not too much science, but it's understandable for the non-medical people. I liked in the appendix how it covered certain situations and went through them on what to do (ex. Being offended, grief).

Highly recommend! I'm going to start listening to his podcasts, too, which are on YouTube and Spotify.

[Sebastian Michaelis [#BirdsAren'tReal]]

5 ⭐ this may be the best self help book I've ever read. I recommend this to every single person. If you're grieving, if you have panic attacks, if you have an addiction, even if you simply just overreact to small situations, this book will help you change your brain to make your thought patterns healthier.

[Ruth Baills]

excellant strategies to rewire the brain for a better way to live and thrive

[Lisa Tangen]

If I could, I'd give this even more stars. This is an incredibly helpful book. I'm so grateful for the author's courage and conviction. God has blessed him to be a blessing to the rest of us. I listened to this book on Libby send by the 2nd chapter knew I needed a copy of my own and might need to buy copies to share. It is that powerful.

So many profound truths...but the one "thoughts become things" has stuck with me.

Also the concept of a "tomorrow tax" for anything you put off dealing with by numbing the pain with Food, drink, shopping, etc

[Kendra]

An absolutely fantastic book worth reading more than once. I gave it a lower score because it’s not written in a way that would be very engaging or accessible to a wide audience. Personal experience and examples, when given, are helpful and appropriate but overall it’s a bit too technical. I will be revisiting this content and hopefully applying it for years to come! I know so many people who could benefit from this content but who would never touch it.

[Lori]

Every person needs to read this book. I will be purchasing a hard copy for my library.

[Erin Kerry]

“No one in the world can be better than you at managing your mind.”
I’ve had this book on my shelf, unfinished, since it came out and read it at the perfect time I needed to hear it. Dr. Warren’s expertise, wisdom, and compassion shine on every page. I loved the blend of scripture and neuroscience. This is an excellent resource to have on hand!

[Joshua Chung]

My favorite aspect of this book were the numerous scientific facts and studies provided to back biblical truths riddled throughout Scripture applying to mental health. This is an extremely fast, easy, and practical read, structured so that you can come back to reference anything you may have forgotten or overlooked. Dr. Warren wonderfully incorporates his personal and professional story throughout the book, providing readers an anecdotal literary element to supplement the robust neuroscience insight.

[Caryn Demaree]

A friend recommended this book and it didn’t disappoint. This was an audio book for me but I think I’ll buy the book for the resources and to review. The book is written by a Christian neurosurgeon (from my home state of Nebraska!) but the principles are of use to anyone. The idea of taking our hurts, trauma, grief, guilt and replacing them with something else ( gratitude, positive truths). The author can get detailed and scientific but tries to couple that to interesting stories . Two of my favorite quotes; “ feelings are not facts” and “ thoughts are not all true”. I Highly recommend reading this book.

[Susan Mather Barone]

Neurosurgeon and best-selling author Dr. Lee Warren combines neuroscience and faith in his latest book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, sharing his tried-and-true approach to transforming and renewing our minds. Self-brain surgery does not mean we have to cut open our brains. It is a scientific method that offers a unique approach to challenging disordered thinking that can keep us stuck in a self-destructive loop that leads to depression and anxiety. (If you read my last review, you might be surprised, as I was, that I requested advance review copies of books about "the doldrums." See my previous review of Chris Hodges' Breathe Again.)

Dr. Warren wants his readers to have the tools and best practices needed to confront the life events he calls "The Massive Things" (TMTs) that threaten to overwhelm us. As always, he uses stories about real people and shares personal insights from his own journey using these tools. He uses the metaphor of a medical student's journey to become a doctor and surgeon to illustrate how we can become both patient and doctor in this process. He guides readers through medical school, residency, and ultimately, becoming a full-fledged surgeon. In doing so, readers gain insight into the dedication and challenges of the medical profession, particularly neurosurgery, while simultaneously learning about self-brain surgery.

While his message is rooted in Christianity, Dr. Warren emphasizes that these principles apply broadly, encouraging both believers and nonbelievers to take charge of their mental health. Psalm 126:5-6 showed him how God uses tears we plant in the soil of our hearts to help us reap a harvest of joy.

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

With four books, a newsletter, and podcasts on this topic, Dr. Warren has taken what he's learned and shared it so others might reap the benefits and pass them on to those facing life's challenges. He's reaping that harvest. Whether you are a Christian or a nonbeliever, Dr. Warren wants you to know that science and faith are friends and not enemies. We can learn how to do what the apostle Paul tells the Corinthian believers in 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Dr. Warren asserts that we are not constrained by genetics, past traumas, or tragedies. He emphasizes that we do not have to allow our brains to operate on default when it comes to thinking patterns that keep us feeling "sad, sick, stressed, or stuck." We can monitor our thoughts, order tests and scans, biopsy, and treat those that are holding us back from healing.

For example, he suggests "transplant" surgeries, where we identify a diseased (or dis-eased) thought, remove it, and replace it with new thoughts. The apostle Paul would say to let the Holy Spirit guide us to fix our gaze on Christ and have His mind. We can replace and transplant thoughts based on Philippians 4:8-9. Dr. Warren recommends follow-up "rehab" to ensure the new thoughts take root and start to renew our minds.

In each chapter, Dr. Warren provides the relevant neuroscience behind his approaches, explaining how our brains physically change based on our thoughts, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Studies have shown that negative thinking decreases gray matter, while positive thinking strengthens areas related to memory and emotion. Adopting a proactive and positive mindset not only improves mental health but also alters brain structure.

Dr. Warren first takes readers to the waiting room. While waiting in a rural Oklahoma hospital, he realized he found himself both a patient and a medical student. A broken tooth led him there. He had been eating sour candies and crunched down on one. Thankfully, the residency placement had an emergency dentist available. He met the doctor he would work under while he waited. The doctor wanted him to use the SOAP note system when documenting patient concerns. SOAP—subjective, objective, assessment, and plan—guides doctors to record symptoms, gather measurable data, assess findings, and determine next steps. He takes the reader through the waiting room to the doctor’s office, where we will document using the SOAP method to learn what is mentally ailing us, how we feel about it, explore treatment options, and develop a plan.

One of the best illustrations of self-brain surgery that Dr. Warren shares is the story of Dr. Leonid Rogonov, a doctor turned patient-doctor. As the lone physician on a 1961 Soviet Antarctic Expedition, Rogonov recognized his symptoms indicated appendicitis, understanding he needed to perform his own appendectomy or face death from a ruptured appendix. His story highlights that link between perception and action. He could have only seen himself as a sick and dying, alone and without aid. Rogonov first had to overcome the mental block and recognize that he wasn't just a sick patient, but also a capable surgeon. He survived with help from colleagues – a meteorologist and a driver – who kept him awake and alert while he performed life-saving surgery on himself. He learned as he performed the appendectomy that had he done nothing that day, had he let fear overwhelm him, he would have died.

Tell me that's not powerful!

Through his teachings, Dr. Warren empowers individuals to participate in their own healing by intentionally changing the way they think, emphasizing that this process is both real and achievable. He begins with ten principles for the self-brain surgeon to follow. Like the Ten Commandments, he presents ten truths to keep in mind so that we are able to press on with the goal of removing what is hurting us and keeping us stuck.

Neural pathways are forming whether we do nothing or something, Dr. Warren said. Like Pastor Chris' maritime description of "the doldrums," do nothing and you'd be like sailors stuck in the doldrums, with no wind in their sails and a storm raging overhead. Shipwreck is inevitable. He said if we do nothing when we have the tools and knowledge, we also commit an act of self-malpractice. In spiritual terms, we sin against ourselves.

Conclusion
I appreciated that someone finally stated it is a lie that we can't overcome our genetic code, trauma, or past circumstances that have left us broken, hurting, emotionally drained, and perpetually stuck. For too long, people believed they could not change. Their family life and experiences had defined them, leaving them powerless to change their outcomes. That simply isn't true, and Dr. Warren shows how neuroscience proves this.

Still grieving the son of their son, he and his wife Lisa first saw the 7-Tesla MRI machine that led him to the conclusions he shares in this book about how our thoughts impact our brains. He researched and provided the sources that also helped him arrive at this technique of self-brain surgery. For example, Dr. Daniel Amen, who wrote Change Your Brain, Change Your Life that he discusses on YouTube.

Dr. Warren's stories offer readers a glimpse into the dedication and challenges of becoming a doctor and surgeon, while simultaneously guiding them through the process of self-brain surgery. He emphasizes that we cannot anesthetize ourselves during this process, meaning no alcohol, drugs, or escapism through distractions like binge-watching K-Dramas. We must feel to heal, he said. His own journey informed him on how we can carry pain and losses and still live an abundant, joyful life.

This book is a great resource for readers to take control of their mental health and responses to life's challenges. Appendices in the back of the book have specific self-brain surgical procedures, making this a resource you will want to return to again and again. Even though we are the ones doing the surgery, Dr. Warren wants us to know we aren't going it alone. While he may not have explicitly stated it, he impressed upon me that like Rogonov we have our own meteorologist and driver, and the Holy Spirit for believers, assisting us in the "OR."

[Steven Evans]

Really really wanted to like this book after hearing the author on the podcast. While the stories from his surgery practice and his overcoming the grief of losing his son were interesting, I was underwhelmed by this book. It is repetitive and doesn’t really have much about the actual practice of self-brain surgery. Mostly it is just affirmations that neuroscience says we can rewire our brain. While that does encourage me to take action, I’m not sure exactly what take up this approach looks like in application. I also questioned his application of quantum physics to anything in the sphere of the mind as there are limitations on quantum effects at the macroscale. I’d be interested to see reviews from folks that are not Christian as the author seems to make overtures in that direction.

[Kevin Dufresne]

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by Dr. Lee Warren, MD, surgically guides one to mindfully improving one's life (independently as well as interdependently) by way of one's neurological development. Engaging my interests in healthful progressions of life as well as of being a more mindful romantic/life partner, I decide to buy then read the text to further broaden and deepen my healthfully progressing understanding of healthfully progressing parameters of life. The text embraces aspects of Christianity, particularly biblically, by way of detailing elements of which the author finds entwining scientifically and spiritually. Even so, the author details that individuals may subscribe to elements of mindfulness without religiosity. The text offers immediately implementable strategies to being more mindful so as to be of the choice-healthy life one feels one is to be living, moving from where one is toward where one wants to thrive. The text offers elements to contribute to healthful lifestyle developments and does not aim to offer any quick-fix strategies or pathways of dogma.

Here are a few of my ponderings when reading the text: religiosity entwining with other disciplines to a similar capacity as in the text (perhaps effectively differently as well) may add a different element to walking with faith; one need not conflate religiosity nor spirituality in connection with a particular church culture when observing walking with faith; one must be mindful of gaslighting elements of religiosity; one may benefit from observing biblical details of full contexts; one has much control over one's life.

Additionally, I find the following texts may assist with further deliberating concepts of contexts within The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by Dr. Lee Warren, MD: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Dr. Robert M. Sapolsky, PhD, Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding by Dr. Daniel Lieberman, PhD, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing (Newly Updated and Revised 5th Edition) by Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Dr. Matthew Walker, PhD, Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging: An Easy and Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Body Young, Your Mind Sharp and Your Spirit Fulfilled by Dr. Christina Chen, M.D. and Dr. Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means, MD, and Calley Means, What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff,The Book of Hormones: Ultimate Playbook for Women's Health And Hormonal Balance Through Every Stage of Life by Dr. Shweta Patel, MD, FACOG, This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More by Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD, The Penis Book: A Doctor's Complete Guide to the Penis—From Size to Function and Everything in Between by Dr. Aaron Spitz, M.D., All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today by Dr. Elizabeth Comen, MD, Mastery by Robert Greene, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Dr. Daniel Goleman, PhD, It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn, Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon by Dr. Joe Dispenza, The MindBody Code: How to Change the Beliefs That Limit Your Health, Longevity, and Success by Dr. Mario Martinez, Limitless (Expanded Edition) by Jim Kwik, Dodging Energy Vampires: An Empath's Guide to Evading Relationships That Drain You and Restoring Your Health and Power by Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by Dr. David A. Sinclair, PhD, with Matthew D. LaPlante, Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life by Professor/Dr. Rose Anne Kenny, MD (FRCP FRCPI FRCPEdin FTCD FESC MRIA), The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters: The Science Behind Employee Happiness and Organizational Performance by Dr. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, PhD, and Dr. George Ward, PhD, The New Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Travis Bradberry, PhD, Not In Your Genes: The real reasons children are like their parents by Oliver James, The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by Dr. William Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson, Working with Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Daniel Goleman, PhD, A Man's Guide to Healthy Aging: Stay Smart, Strong, and Active (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Edward H. Thompson, Jr., and Lenard W. Kaye (with contributions from contributors which receive credits at the end of the book), Come As You Are (Revised and Updated): The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Dr. Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Dr. Emily Nagoski, PhD, Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women by Dr. Julia R. Heiman, Ph.D., & Dr. Joseph LoPiccolo, Ph.D., (illustrations by David Palladini), Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Dr. Anna Lembke, MD, Feel It All: A Therapist's Guide to Reimagining Your Relationship with Sex by Casey Tanner, LCPC, CST, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, PhD, (Illustrations by Ethan van Sciver), Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, PhD, The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy by Dr. John Gottman, PhD, and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex by Dr. John Gray, PhD, Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose-Filled Life by Dr. Nan Wise, PhD, Exploring Sexuality and Disability: A Guide for Human Service Professionals with contributions and edits by Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari, PhD, MEd, CSE (with further contributions from contributors which receive credits at the beginning of the book),The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey, How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear, and Positive Discipline: The Classic Guide to Helping Children Develop Self-Discipline, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Problem-Solving Skills by Dr. Jane Nelsen, Ed.D.

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest

[Emily]

"This book is designed to train you in self brain surgery and to give you the theoretical and tactical tools you need to operate your mind and your brain. To that end, we are going to discuss the possibility that God can help you operate them in a way that is fundamentally different and more powerful than you can achieve alone. This is not an altar call; it is an acknowledgement that pursuing truth through a scientific approach leads to questions that cannot be answered by that method, and it is an invitation to a path that we can take from there when needed." (W. Lee Warren)

Dr. Warren has taken the catastrophic and unimaginable pain of having his teen-aged son murdered, and turned it into a monumentally redemptive testimony and tool for others.

Moreover, he refutes some of the widely popular buzzwords and social trends of this generation (see "The Body Keeps the Score" et. al) and offers a perspective rooted in his own observations and research as a neuroscientist, as well as drawing on this own experience in the aftermath of the horror visited on him and his wife

Fascinating to me was the escalation in very recent years of technology in MRI imaging to see the direct effects on the brain as it is subjected to various stimuli.

Dr. Warren also asserts what (my favorite bible scholar) Derek Prince has long maintained: the brain is not the mind. The mind can exercise authority over the brain, and in essence, tell it what to do to an extent.

I would be most curious to know Dr. Warren's assessment of controlled dosage of nicotine (he lists it as a harmful substance along with marijuana and alcohol) in light of peer-reviewed journals showing its positive effects against Alzheimers, Parkinsons, MS, and covid. Since nicotine is often associated only with smoking, rather than as a chemical found in tomatoes and many nightshade vegetables, it has not received widespread attention until the covid era revealed nicotine's propensity to bind with brain receptors , activating neuroprotective signals that help reverse inflammation.

For me personally, the Lord brought Dr. Lee and his book before me at just the right time. This book proved to be a powerful tool in overcoming a debilitating stronghold in my life.

I would like to add as a personal commentary, I firmly believe that many of the mental and physical problems we see - most of them, in fact, have a spiritual component to them. I also believe in and operate regularly in the ministry of deliverance, as Christ demonstrated and commanded His followers. Dr. Warren offers a scientific perspective that is wholly compatible with the teachings of scripture - and I would observe that science in fact reinforces what the bible has already told us.

For me personally, the deliverance of this stronghold came not simply through prayer and repentance, but through standing and facing the dreaded thing in my life and walking through it. This book was the rod that the Great Shepherd gave to shield me and help provide a path forward.

[Deirdre Clancy]

This book was a mixed experience for me. The first part seemed a little repetitive, and it took a while to get to the point. Warren's own personal story appears to be quite compelling, involving PTSD following deployment in Iraq and the tragic loss of his son, but he only skates over the surface of this narrative in the book. I would have liked more of his own story to be included in greater depth, although he has written about the death of his son in another book.

When he does finally get into the nuts and bolts of what he calls 'self-brain surgery', it turns out that this is basically CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) under another name, using a set of metaphors related to neurosurgery. This may suit many people who find the references to surgery compelling, but for me, it adds an unnecessary layer of terminology to what should be a fairly simple process of recalibrating your thinking patterns (the process is simple, but not always easy). The scriptural references in support of CBT, or 'self-brain surgery', are genuinely interesting, however, and were something I had not thought about previously.

This book does contain observations that will be useful to many people, so please don't get me wrong. I believe that my reservations relate largely to personal taste regarding the choice of metaphor. Warren is obviously correct that it behoves us all to remember that our feelings are not facts, that many of our automated thoughts about ourselves and our future potential are inaccurate, and that it is a good idea to be proactive in tackling negative thought patterns in order to effect positive change in our lives. These are not particularly popular observations in our current world of trigger warnings and cancellations, so I salute Warren for doubling down on them.

The book becomes a little more compelling in the final few chapters. The strategies Warren suggests for tackling feelings of isolation, panic and anxiety attacks, and feelings of offence are genuinely of great practical use. I particularly like the 5-4-3-2-1 method for deflecting panic attacks, as these can be highly debilitating. This grounding technique is not new but it may be new to some of Warren's readers. I can report from past experience that mindfulness exercises similar to the 5-4-3-2-1 method are definitely vital in retraining your mind to transcend panic attacks if they keep recurring after a traumatic experience, such as an assault. It is also true that failing to take steps to recalibrate your thought patterns can mean that these experiences continue for years.

While there is the caveat that this book is essentially recommending CBT repackaged under another name, thus unnecessarily complicating it for some people, for others it probably won't hurt to read it. People who relate to the metaphor may even benefit from following some or all of its advice.

[AMAO]

✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾
What if it were possible for you to make structural changes to your own brain so it's healthier and less prone to depression, anxiety, grief, worry, and other issues that make you unhappy and keep you stuck?

In this neuroscience-based, faith-infused, and immensely practical guide, Dr. W. Lee Warren, a practicing neurosurgeon, trauma survivor, and award-winning writer, reveals how to take control of your own mental, emotional, and physical healing by reordering your mind to change your brain-resulting in a radically transformed life that is healthier, happier, and more hopeful.

Since the development of functional brain imaging in the early 2000's, we now know that thoughts can direct structural changes in the brain as or more effectively than medicines or surgery and can do so more quickly. That means, whether we know it or not, we're all brain surgeons.

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery will help you:

learn and master several types of "self-brain surgery" operations to move from floundering to flourishing
heal from trauma, tragedy, and other types of hardship
overcome anxiety, depression, loneliness and other emotional and mental health struggles
conquer limiting or negative thinking
break old habits and create new ones
build resilience and wellbeing
become an empowered, hopeful person no matter what you're facing

With the skill of a surgeon, the wounds of a trauma-survivor, the lessons of a scientist, and a hard-won faith that we are wired for happiness here on earth and not just in the hereafter, Dr. Warren walks readers into nothing less than a new way of life.

[Elena (ElenaReadsGoodBooks)]

4.5 - A deep dive into functional neuroscience - equipping yourself to change your thought patterns and perspectives. ACTUAL METHODS AND TECHNIQUES to make some real changes and get better at getting better. This is what I liked most about this book. Instead of just giving you the idea and how it came to be, we actually get step by step instructions on how to do what he talks about -- and even more than that, specific techniques for specific scenarios.

This book was science heavy, but in a way that was easy to understand. From my perspective, it connected things I have learned and understood about how our brain and body work to how I can use that knowledge for my own good. It bridged what I knew academically to what I can use personally.

It was very much written by a scholar - in the way that every point was well argued with lots of supporting evidence. My only qualm was how long it took to make each point and give the analogies/examples (hence the 4.5). I know it made for a well rounded case and convince those who are like-minded, but it may also create a barrier to knowledge for those who find reading daunting and are already struggling.

I listened to the majority on audiobook which made it much more digestible for me, but I appreciated having the physical copy too so I could go back and tab what I found helpful or further process what was said. Also a great reference tool to have with all the techniques/examples.

I will definitely try out these things and keep a journal of the progress!

[Jeff McCormack]

I bought this book based on an NPR program featuring the book.

I read most of the book, about three-fourths of it. The neuroscience is compelling and interesting, but the author was very repetitive. I browsed quickly through the remaining one-fourth of the book, skipping some of the remaining material. While the book is useful and the recommendations easily applied, I was offended by the endless quotations of scripture chapter by chapter. That added little to nothing about the book's message.

Sometimes I felt the author missed his calling, perhaps he wanted to be an evangelist as well as a neurosurgeon. That said, I don't doubt that his religion has served him well, but it doesn't belong in the book to great excess.

The "Guiding Scripture" at the end of many chapters was frankly pointless, and a stretch too far. I ended up skipping that portion at the end of each chapter. The book has nothing to do with "faith" (a word that reviewers improperly use). The proper word that reviewers should have used is "Christianity", rather than "faith". I have no problems with Christianity when practiced in its pure form, and I respect its believers and what it does form them (and some portions that resonate with me), but I am not a fan of anyone who excessively proselytizes any religion.

The 10 chapters in in Part 3 of the book, called "The Ten Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery" is an unnecessary reference to the Bible. The author just couldn't seem to help himself by again and again making references to the Bible.

All in all, a useful book, but I was frankly turned off by some of the messaging.

[Johnna]

This Book Is for Everyone
The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery isn’t just an interesting read—it’s a practical guide I know I’ll return to often. I’ve read Dr. Warren’s other books and I’m a regular listener of his podcast, both of which have helped me and my family.

What stood out most is his practical guidance for dealing with thoughts and mental patterns we’ve carried for years. Through relatable stories, Dr. Warren makes complex neuroscience concepts easy to understand and apply, offering tools that truly bring clarity and freedom.

I’ve personally used self-brain surgery in the middle of the night when I’ve been overcome with worry. I’ve also shared these concepts with women I coach, as well as with middle school and high schoolers—who said it helped them realize they have more power to manage their minds and their brains.

I also appreciate that this teaching doesn’t conflict with my Christian faith—it strengthens it. The integration of neuroscience and faith is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply encouraging.

I’d recommend this book to anyone feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or wanting to grow in mental resilience and faith. Buy a copy for yourself and consider getting an extra for a friend or family member.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book as part of the launch team, but all opinions are my own.

[Tammy]

I listened to this book, which helped me actually get through it. It is fairly long, so if I were reading a physical book, I think I would have put it down without finishing. In fact, I did consider DNFing, as it just got tedious to listen to.

Besides being long, much of the content is not relevant. The stories of the author's training and surgeries were entertaining but not quite applicable to his points. The phrase "self-brain surgery" is repeated ad nauseam. I understood the correlation without hearing the phrase every other sentence.

The author attempted to write a book that anyone - secular or Christian - could read. In my opinion, he should have chosen a target audience. As a Christian reading a book written by a Christian, which was filled with references to God and Bible verses, yet also constant reminders of "if you aren't a believer, do XYZ instead", I can see where the negative reviews are coming from. I don't think it is a book that will appeal to those who are not Christian, but an attempt was made.

So all of that being said, the most helpful section is actually Appendix A. It is full of very helpful practices to change your mindset, your thought patterns, and to help you with things like grief, physical pain, and trauma. While I don't love this book, I would still recommend it, especially to someone who felt stuck and wanted to try something different.

[Viola Kate]

This book is not for the faint of heart. I have enjoyed using many of the concepts presented in this book for the last couple of years with a life coach, even without understanding any of the science.

I think this is important information that some people will absolutely need in order to feel comfortable using their minds to change things about their lives. Even though I enjoy some good science once in a while, this was a bit much for me.

However, I can see myself recommending this book to people who just NEED to know that something is scientific rather than mystical. So, in that way, it is a needed book for our day.

Also, there are SO many stories about brain and spinal cord surgeries, as well as the author's journey of grief over the loss of his son, and that was all VERY intense for me. Reading those surgery stories was kind of like watching a car accident - I really didn't need to know all of that but couldn't tear my eyes away from reading about it.

I imagine this would be a great book for the husbands of women who like their mindfulness practice ;) and for anyone who is skeptical about the power of the mind to change our realities. It's also a good companion to the psychological science put forth by William Backus a few decades ago.

[Lisa W]

I picked up this book during one of the hardest seasons of my life, and it fundamentally changed how I understand healing and hope. The idea that stayed with me most is that I have the power to change my life by changing my mind—I don’t have to stay stuck or sick. My thoughts can create real structural changes in my brain, as effectively as, or even more effectively than, medicines or surgeries. The guiding principles in the Ten Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery have shifted my thinking for the better, making me more hopeful and more aware of my thought patterns; one of my favorites is “thoughts become things.” I also deeply appreciate the practical, tactical procedures offered for specific struggles like chronic illness. My mother passed away in December of 2025, which was profoundly traumatic, especially on top of living with chronic illness, and if it weren’t for the principles taught by Dr. Warren—combined with my faith and incorporated into my daily life—I truly believe I would have fallen off the edge. This is a unique book, written by a trauma survivor, that beautifully integrates faith and neuroscience in a way a layperson can understand and apply. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the author as part of the launch team, but all opinions are my own.

[LAMONT D]

This is a fascinating read that would apply to all those dealing especially with stress, anxiety and depression. It really is a book about common sense from a somewhat Christian perspective. God has created you to be able to control your thoughts with your mind. You are able to create new connections if you will in your brain from your mind to override the automatic responses coming from your brain. There is plenty of science and studies to back this theory up which is detailed in the book. The best parts are the appendixes in the back that in great detail guide you through certain scenarios that you may face (Appendix A - for example one scenario would be when you feel sad or depressed). Appendix B gives you a way to record your notes and progress. Appendix C deals with working with young people. Appendix D is about helping others. Appendix E has an extensive library of resources to refer to. And Appendix F gives you biblical references to encourage you in your journey. In conclusion, whether you believe in God or a higher power, this book can lead you to a belief that your genes do not entirely control the outcome of your life. You have ways to teach yourself on how to think properly to transform your responses to what life has dealt to you.

[Michelle Wenzel]

What a gift this book is! I want to give a copy to everyone I know! The concepts presented are so powerful, and they really shifted my perspective. Dr. Warren's style of communicating takes extremely complex ideas and breaks them down so they are completely understandable and relatable to your life. I wholeheartedly believe that practicing these principles of self-brain surgery truly has the power to change my life. I intend to apply the ten commandments of self-brain surgery and am confident that my mind will be renewed day by day. I am so grateful to Dr. Warren for writing this book. I was introduced to him when I was going through an incredibly dark time in my life and read his book, "Hope is the First Dose", which I also loved and would encourage anyone to read. He is a skillful, compassionate, and approachable writer and I couldn't recommend this book more highly! (I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the author as part of the launch team, but all opinions are my own.)

[Katherine Sloan]

Impactful, life-changing, and practical.

I have been listening to Dr. Warren for a year and half on his podcast and subscribe to his Substack. This book brought the 10 commandments of self brain surgery even clearer with actionable steps to change the way I think. Story and examples in this book were light bulb moments that gave me hope of change.

My feeling stuck from my trauma, I found a way out! Understanding even clearer how thoughts become things made me stop in my tracks. Each of the 10 commandments I will repeat over and over with new clarity from reading this book.

Highly recommend you don’t have to stay the way you are. Pick up a copy today.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the author as part of the launch team, but all opinions are my own.

[Savvy_]

I had never read other books by Dr. Warren, but the title and description intrigued me. I was not disappointed. I very much enjoyed reading the book The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brainstorm Surgery. Optimistic and practical, the author shares techniques backed by neuroscience research on tackling issues such as feeling stuck, anxious, or unhappy. The author does spend time discussing his Christian faith, but he did not come across in an overbearing or judgmental tone in my opinion. I especially enjoyed the real-life stories and experiences he sprinkled throughout the text. It made what could have easily been a boring self-help book show his heart and compassion for others. He has obviously triumphed through tragedy using the skills he describes in the book.

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher Tyndale Refresh for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book.

[Sally Allen]

I want to personally thank Dr.Warren for having a deep heart for those who are hurting, stuck, sad, sick, stressed. He has courageously followed the Lords leading and giftedness to develop this program. His new book, “The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery” is truly life giving and life altering. He couples his strong faith in Jesus Christ with his brilliant mind in neuroscience to show us how the Lord intends for us to live and think. Now modern day science completely defends these biblical truths. He covers a great deal of material with many excellent resources that you can go back to frequently for guidance and instruction. It will help anyone who is serious about changing their lives the knowledge needed to begin to change their minds.