When You Can't Pour From an Empty Glass: CBT Skills for Exhausted Caregivers

by Patricia Farrell

Dr. Patricia A. Farrell's essential guide offers evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools specifically designed for overwhelmed caregivers. Unlike other self-help books requiring extensive time commitments, this practical resource provides immediate strategies that caregivers can implement during their most challenging moments.
What Makes This Book
Real Authentic experiences from caregivers facing dementia, stroke recovery, and chronic illness
8 Targeted Each addresses specific struggles with proven CBT interventions
Crisis Practical techniques for catastrophic thinking and emotional emergencies
Boundary Pre-written phrases to establish healthy limits without guilt
Core Skills Caregivers Will Spotting burnout before it devastates health, breaking free from perfectionism and guilt cycles, reclaiming joy through behavioral activation, processing anger and resentment safely, building emotional first-aid kits for difficult days, and rediscovering identity beyond caregiving
Who Needs This Exhausted family caregivers feeling trapped, those caring for aging parents or chronically ill loved ones, and anyone experiencing guilt or resentment they're afraid to acknowledge.
The Author's Dr. Farrell brings decades of clinical psychology experience, having served as a former WebMD expert consultant, an Alzheimer's researcher at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, and a personal caregiver, combining professional expertise with an authentic understanding.
Immediate Impact Readers gain a personalized toolkit of CBT strategies, boundary techniques, and emotional regulation tools they can use immediately—no therapy experience required. This isn't just self-help—it's an essential survival guide for caregivers who give endlessly while slowly disappearing themselves. Your well-being matters just as much as theirs.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2025

Reviews

[Judith Friedman]

Finally! A very helpful guide from one who displays intellect, compassion and understanding. Both self help and specific exercises are included. We caretakers are recognized as being as needy as those to whom we minister. Thank you for recognizing our worth and what it takes to face each day. A most worthy addition to a very slim list. 5plus ⭐️

[DYoko · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents passed away over a decade ago but if I had this book, it would have been so beneficial to me. I struggled with emotions of guilt and loneliness as I was a caregiver. I find this book so valuable to anyone who is taking care of a loved one. There are so many strategies that can help you through times when you feel lost as you devote your time taking care of others. Highly recommended.

[Chris Montez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing I didn't already know, but I did need a refresher.