Self Help

Why use self help?

There is evidence that self help can be helpful for people who are motivated to tackle their problems on their own or would like some help whilst waiting for an appointment to see a professional. Self help books are mostly suitable for people with mild to moderate problems and can be a good first-step to understanding why you are thinking, feeling or acting in certain ways. For some people, reading a self help book can be a first step to understanding the difficulties and make it easier to approach professional support.

The books listed below are a small selection of self help material available. Most are available from your local library and the others are available from most high street book stores.

Eating & Body Image difficulties

Breaking free from anorexia nervosa: a survival guide for families, friends and sufferers.
Treasure, J. (1997)

Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa
Freeman, C & Cooper, P. (2002)

Overcoming Binge Eating
Fairburn, C. (1995)

Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e)
Schmidt, U & Treasure, J. (1993)

Depression

Conquer your Critical Inner Voice
Firestone, Robert W. (2002)

Your Depression Map:
Find the source of your own depression and chart your own recovery
Paterson, Randy J. (2002)

Mind Over Mood:
Change how you feel by the way you think.
Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C. (1995)

Think Good – Feel Good:
A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People.
P Stallard. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd (2003)

The Feeling Good Handbook
Burns, D. (2000)

Surviving post natal depression: at home no-one hears you scream
Aitken,C. (2000)

Overcoming Mood Swings
Scott, J. (2001)

Self Esteem

Self Esteem 3rd Edition
M McKay & P Faming (2000)

Anxiety

Overcoming Anxiety
Kennerly, H. (1997)

Essential help for your Nerves
Weekes, C. (2000)

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
Bourne, E. J. (2000)

Stop Worrying about your Health
Zgourides, G. (2002)

Overcoming Panic
Silove, D. (1997)

Panic Attacks
Ingham, C. (2000)

Triumph over Shyness: Conquering shyness and social anxiety
Stein, M. & Walker, J. (2002)

How to Stop Worrying
Tallis, F. (1990)

The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook:
Proven techniques for overcoming your fears
M.M. Antony & R.P. Swinson (2000, 2008)

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook
Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, Matthew McKay, and Patrick Fanning (2008)

Obsessive and Compulsive Problems

Understanding Obsessions & Compulsions
Tallis, F. (1992)

Trauma

Overcoming Traumatic Stress
Herbert, C. & Wetmore, A. (1999)

Breaking Free
Ainsclough, C. & Toon, K. (2000)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Workbook:
Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms.
Mary Beth Williams & Soili Poijula. Arbinger Self Help Workbook (2002)