An Outstanding Investment in Mental Well-Being
598484
If there was a six-star category for this item, I'd apply it to GopherHawk.  I live in a rural setting in California and was watching swathes of my yard being consumed by pocket gophers.  I'd tried other traps and they didn't seem to work.  I didn't want to use poison because, 1) I have a dog and don't want her to potentially eat a poisoned gopher, and 2) you're never certain you've actually killed a nuisance gopher by poison because most die underground.  When you've deployed a GopherHawk, you can see when the trap has sprung by a two-inch yellow band that appears on the barrel of the tool just above ground level.  To get rid of a trapped gopher, you just slowly pressure the spring and release the body of the trapped varmint.  I had a problem with one of my early GopherHawks and when I called the toll-free number for any problems with the device I was able to talk with a REAL PERSON.  He quickly sent me a replacement GopherHawk and a label so I could ship my broken GopherHawk back to the factory.  Anyone who wants to know how the device works conceptually can see a short video of it on YouTube.  It's amazing!
2367833
This book is a real jewel. Cordelia Fine does a thoroughly satisfying treatment of this complex subject in an easy-going manner that just plain makes sense--we do not think as much as we think we think. What we consider thinking is in fact a lot of preconceived concepts and prejudices that are designed to make us feel good about ourselves, over-value our efforts and opinions, and avoid the anxiety of life's biggest questions by creating fantasies.

I love the part about how we believe in incredible things that would be qualified as insane if we just switch the characters:

"It is a tricky task to differentiate between faith and insanity without becoming somewhat subjective about it. Mental health professionals are not much concerned by the devout Christian who has been fortunate enough to experience the presence of Jesus. But if the identity of that presence happens to be Elvis, rather than the son of God, eyebrows begin to be raised"

This book is teeming with studies, facts and insights into the workings of the human mind and how the brain deceives itself. This is important information in world facing such daunting problems as ours.
2347572
I have read many self-help books.  The Mind-Brain Matrix is clearly one of the best.  It is easy to read, covering subjects important to living a vital, happy, meaningful life.  For example, the chapter "The Meaning of Life - Discovering Your Gifts and Using Them" gets into the valuable depth of this subject without  the filler of stories of others so often used in self-help books. It is a book where you can dive into any chapter to start your day with a positive attitude and a contagious smile on your face.
4784367
A number of my patients are members of the legal community and I am recommending they buy this book. My patients who practice the techniques in this book are gaining mindfulness skills that I consider to be basic to well-being. Their feedback, that the techniques help them physically and mentally, is very inspiring. I have refuted arguments that these easy to learn and perform techniques take up too much time during the workday. On the contrary, workplace morale, efficiency, and discourse, not to mention the increase of energy followed by a good night's sleep are all increased by using the information in this practical book.
Dr. George Mandel, Doctor of Oriental Medicine - Santa Fe, New Mexico
2763480
"We are beginning to understand some negative psychological effects of the extraordinary volume and pervasiveness of media, advertising, entertainment, and electronic wizardry coming at us, and there is not a moment to waste in correcting them." Ms. Treder-Wolff spends the next few chapters in specifically detailing how each of these numbing, destructive influences, albeit designed to heighten progress, dull the mind in logical thought, feeling and the sense of self-worth necessary to live a fulfilled and successful life. Given that the rate of speed of mechanisms and technology is not about to alter in the near future, this text is a wake-up call and more than that a guide to get back on track before we become the Brave New World or other dystopian novel characters.

To begin with we are reminded that creativity requires both logic and feeling, a "balance between structure and open-endedness, as well as time to envision possibilities, a skill that all great thinkers possessed in the past. It also requires living with a certain amount of tension that always exists between what is and what is to be. Rather than being purely speculative, however, this social worker, creative arts therapist and certified group psychotherapist, offers valuable suggestions on how to achieve this structure and balance.

One chapter deals with the need for social connection, the fact that it is easier to brainstorm in community than it is individually. Living and working in a dynamic community decreases pressure and fosters creative ideas as well as networking connections to make the ideas a reality. Our technology often locks one into just the opposite as we sit typing on our computers or communicating on Facebook; this kind of connection lacks what in-person dialogue and living fosters so much more creatively. The author proceeds to both explain and prove this by citing research about how the neurons in the brain react to close relationships and communication, a reminder today's culture needs to heed. The roles we play emerge not only from our inner self but also from our "socially-imposed channels."

Finally, the end chapters of this text speak about the need to face our strengths and talents, as well as face our darkest thoughts and feelings in order to free up the space taken by pressure and pain to be filled with a stronger and more satisfying sense of personal worthiness and a positive self-identity. Many examples and details follow in a realistic, meaningful way that is both credible and supported by quotes from some of the greatest thinkers of the past and present.

Possible Futures: Creative Thinking For The Speed Of Life is a well-written, intelligent look at an alternative lifestyle awaiting one who wishes to live in the modern world but not be consumed by it. Much more information and discussions fill these pages that is practical, visionary and motivational for anyone looking to move out of the rut of contemporary living and consider a different "possible future."

Very nicely done, Ms. Treder-Wolff!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on August 21, 2009
2347123
I trust Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is helpful not just for individuals with melancholy, uneasiness or OCD. I think this treatment is helpful for everybody who needs to comprehend themselves better and for evading physical, enthusiastic and general diseases in future. This is a greate control with straightforward directions which are anything but difficult to take after. I'm happy that I've purchased this book since I've known a considerable measure of fascinating and supportive data from it.
1164290
After many years of working overseas and having lapsed in my practice of meditation, I started meditating again about 18 months ago. I immediately experienced great benefit. After purchasing the (both this and the previous edition) book and reviewing the medical studies, etc. that have been done since I first meditated in the mid 1970's, I am amazed. I can attest that I have noted many of the benefits outlined in the studies. I recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the improvement of their lives.  I have purchased many copies of the book to give to friends.
687020
I bought this book in Kindle format from Amazon and have been reading it voraciously.  I was trained as a PhD psychologist who, because of several major health issues, left the field without obtaining my license.  My experience which included severe major depression during that time actually made me question whether my field truly had the answers to mental health issues.  It is wonderful to see the many seemingly disparate things I've dealt with over my 71 years (chronic constipation, depression, stomach discomfort, chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, multiple food and chemical sensitivities, even the effects of cancer treatment) actually tied together by the various functional medicine experts I have since learned about.  Dr. Brogan's book has added a much needed mental health piece to this holistic picture for me.  There is a need for this sensible information based on true, unbiased research to guide us in pursuit of wellness.  I would recommend Dr. Brogan's book to everyone.
4533078
My brain is very happy I just interviewed Dr. Mike Dow for our Inspire Nation Show! He offers fantastic advice in his book to help defog the brain.

What's that mean? Well, you know how we're all tired, cranky, or can't think straight, or the brain's just too tired, for at least part of the day? Well it turns out that's not normal. It's caused by our environment, medications, diet, sleep, and so much more. Dr. Mike Dow details all of it in the book, PLUS simple fixes to get our brain's back on track. And his argument (backed by science) is how critically important this is, not just for our brain's function today, but for it's health in the long run--preventing alzheimers, dimentia and more.

The changes he recommends are super-easy to make, and have greatly helped my brain. Yes, I was an ADHD poster-child years ago and taking the steps in this book (some I found before reading this book, others I've never seen elsewhere) have helped me think more clearly and more focused than ever before!
1075628
I first heard of "The Pursuit of Happiness" by David G. Myers as a recommended read in "Psychology Applied to Modern Life" by Wayne Weiten and Margaret A. Lloyd - a truly remarkable textbook. This obviously gives immediate credibility to this book, and I have to say that my personal assessment of it is in keeping with that of the two aforementioned authors.

Take these few quotes as a preview of "The pursuit of Happiness" by David G. Myers, a treasure-trove of modern wisdom:

"Happiness is loving what you do, and knowing it matters."

"Well-being resides not in mindless passivity but in mindful challenge."

"Growing up means gaining the wisdom and skills to get what we want within the limitations imposed by reality."

"... two ways to be rich: One is to have great wealth. The other is to have few wants."

"Realizing that well-being is something other than being well-off is liberating. It liberates us from spending on eighteen-hundred-dollar dresses, on stockpiles of unplayed CDs, on luxury cars, on seagoing luxury homes-all purchased in a vain quest for an elusive joy. It liberates us from envying the life-styles of the rich and famous. It liberates us to invest ourselves into developing traits, attitudes, relationships, activities, environments, and spiritual resources that will promote our own, and others', well-being."

Happy reading!

Laurent Grenier, author of the book "A Reason for Living."
1179078
I'm a parent to a young adult son with schizophrenia. Like so many others in my position, I have been navigating the maelstrom of mental disability. Tossing and turning on such turbulent seas, I have been hankering for a safe harbor of understanding from which I can chart a more productive course. I have found it in Psychiatric Rehabilitation, a wonderful textbook by Carlos Pratt, et.al. at University of Medicine and Dentristry of New Jersey, one of the few schools which actually teaches this subject at a graduate level. (Boston University and University of Illinois at Chicago are the other two.)

Psychiatric rehabilitation is a relatively new field within mental health. Originated by early adopters like William Anthony of Boston University and Robert Drake of Dartmouth Medical School, psychiatric rehabilitation proposes to turn the traditional concepts of mental illness on their heads. No longer are we talking illness and disability. We are now all about wellness and recovery. This makes perfect sense. As a cancer survivor myself, I appreciate an affirmative tone that this book projects... confidence... autonomy... VICTORY over affliction! The old thinking is about disability, illness, limits, constraints, restraints, disability... The new thinking, so well embodied in Pratt et.al.'s fine text, is all about empowerment, hope, recovery, POSSIBILITIES!

Psychiatric Rehabilitation describes it all well. For a loved one of someone with a mental illness, this book is a godsend. It speaks of the wonderful potentialities for all mentally afflicted to create a better life for themselves in their recoveries. All recoveries will differ. They all depend on the individual. Families also play a critical role. The beauty of this book is its laying out so lucidly all the possible elements of a holistic recovery, supported employment, supported education, and supported housing, just to mention three.

Never would I wish a mental illness on anyone. My son's PACT director says that mental illness is an ailment worse than cancer. At least with cancer there is a definitive end. I don't go that far. My son's mental illness, I tell my incredulous friends, has actually been a blessing: I have come to learn first-hand of the significant trauma that many loved ones navigating this maelstrom experience for themselves. The blessing is in the bonding with all of them. It is part of the spirit that Psychiatric Rehabilitation embraces.

This text lays out cogently, simply, articulately all the aspects of recovery available to our disabled. Its plain and direct explanations can help the afflicted--and their loved ones alike--to see ahead a better future. Psychiatric Rehabiliation, both this text and the movement it describes, is all about positive empowerment. More power to Carlos Gill et.al,. with thanks from this layman for this fine canonical text!
2564953
More than incredible, best money investment
1052072
While there are many guided meditation programs available on the market these days, a number of factors make some stand out above the others. Those factors include concept, writing, narration, pacing, and background music, all of which are given the highest professional consideration in The Healing Waterfall series. All music is composed by company founder, Max Highstein, an award-winning recording artist with decades of experience in this field, and an impeccable ear for just the right music to go with each program.

Like the original recording in the series, the imagery in this new one also features a serene forest walk, mountain stream, and waterfall with an inviting pool below, and has the added benefit of an angelic figure at the top, pouring healing light into the water." For me, it didn't take long after the meditation started to feel myself becoming immersed in its calm ambiance with the cares of the day beginning to drift away on the soothing music of the piano, keyboards, and flute. The narrator's voice has just the right kind of tone and cadence for a guided meditation. I appreciated how detailed the imagery was and the way it draws you into the scene and makes it feel like you are there. The meditation runs 17 minutes and is a good length for a quick getaway, to recharge on a break from work, after a long day, when you feel stressed, or as a peaceful start to your morning. The meditation is followed by the musical soundtrack without narration which also runs 17 minutes.

As mentioned, there are many programs on the market for relaxation, stress relief, etc. yet few are on the level of The Healing Waterfall, with its blend of exquisite music, imaginative scripts, attention to detail, and degree of professionalism. With an impressive background like he has, it is no surprise that Max Highstein has become a leader in the field of relaxation music and guided meditation. I'm glad to have discovered this series and know exactly where to go when I'm in need of a calm supportive space to unwind in.
4948488
I've read a lot about the brain in the last decade, and I thought this book was the most helpful summary I've seen of what to do differently. The thinking person is the person who aerobically exercises regularly.

Spark is an excellent summary of the brain research during the last decade or so that has added to our knowledge of how regular aerobic exercise stimulates better and more effective mental activity. Dr. Ratey considers the impact of such exercise on school-age children . . . and adults with stress, anxiety, depression, attention deficits, hormonal changes, and aging bodies. He also recommends a general exercise regime that seems to optimize what we know today from these studies.

The essence of the book can be found in the observation that optimal brain functioning requires plenty of blood, the right nutrients, a balance of body chemicals designed to help the brain operate, and an ability to grow new cells and connections in the brain. Each of these elements is helped by regular aerobic exercise. The results are often measurable within a few weeks.

So if you thought that aerobic exercise was simply about looking and feeling good, you're wrong. It's also about thinking well and being able to learn. There are longevity and other quality of life benefits as well . . . including reduced incidence of disease and less chance of dementia.

The book also explores that you don't have to do a tremendous amount of exercise to get most of the benefits.
3650465
Secrets from the Sofa by Dr. Kenneth Herman, a board-certified psychologist, is a book that will benefit adults of all ages.  Why?  Although there are many reasons, allow me to emphasize five very important ones:

1. Parents, in the process of rearing their children, will better understand the impact that their spoken words and display of emotions have on their sons and daughters.  They are creating parental tapes that will replay in the minds of their children for the rest of their lives--whether the tapes are positive or negative.  Dr. Herman offers sound advice in regard to parenting skills, providing examples on how to handle specific situations.

2. Adults who are suffering from childhood wounds are given information and exercises to complete that are emotionally challenging but necessary for healing.  There are core effects that must be identified and addressed; however, the author reassures readers that what has happened to them in the past need not be a reflection of their future. What was learned can be unlearned!

3. Dr. Herman enables readers to identify their coping styles which are normally the result of false perceptions due to poor self-images.  Some need to be eliminated in order for individuals to reach their full potential in life. Through the completion of written exercises, readers will identify coping styles as well as defense mechanisms.

4. Once problem areas are identified, individuals are reassured that they have the power and courage to change.  An exercise in which they check words to describe their positive and negative characteristics helps with such changes and enables these individuals to comprehend the importance of the cognitive behavioral approach.

5. The main purpose of this book, in my opinion, is to help readers establish a peace plan--a plan of action that will help change their thinking so they can lead fuller, happier lives.  Using a goal worksheet, readers are asked to rank their problems and set a time-frame for bringing about what they believe are necessary changes and solutions.  The author cautions them to be realistic and offers advice on putting their individual plans into action while avoiding common deviations. In order to bring about permanent changes, Dr. Herman's reading audience of self-help patients will have to confront many emotions; therefore, he devotes an entire section to help readers deal with their feelings of depression, anxiety, etc.  He offers self-control techniques that I personally found helpful.

Although the author modified names and facts, he used actual case histories throughout the book, enabling readers to see themselves in other people.  This provides great insight into therapy and offers interesting reading. Dr. Herman has successfully written and designed a book to assist people who truly want to help themselves; however, he wisely points out that there are times when professional help may be required, citing some questions to enable individuals to make such determinations.

As a book reviewer who has some background in psychology and someone who has successfully written a self-help book, I do not hesitate to recommend Secrets from the Sofa as a "must read."  If you want to become all you can be--to achieve personal peace--buy this book, read it, do the exercises and change your life.

Bettie Corbin Tucker
An Independent Professional Reviewer
4530537
In this book a psychiatrist/medical doctor brilliantly investigates the potential of mindfulness as a holistic prescription to wellness, neuroplasticity, and the unexpected benefit of improved social relationships. Educators will benefit from reading this book and applying Dr. Siegel's "wheel of attention" in classrooms.  Medical and mental health practitioners have the opportunity to offer their patients young and old new insight into an ancient tool to better physical and mental health.  Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear Dr. Siegel speak will appreciate how he has put into print his personal and professional insight from cross-discipline perspectives.
2002530
I've finished reading (and rereading) "Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong," by Kelly Wilson & Troy Dufrene. As I expected from having read the previous book by this duo ("Mindfulness For Two"), this latest work is not only for those of us anxious about our anxiety, but for anyone interested in living well.

It's different than most self-help books. For one thing, it is not a workbook so much as a playbook. It has games you can try out - some hard, some easy - and poems too.

I find that with a few of the games, my mind starts complaining even while I'm reading the instructions on how to play: "That's impossible! That makes no sense!" This is already a hint of the possibilities involved.

I also like the book's discussion of values & how we can commit to them in this moment. And if we fail, as we sometimes do, how we can gently come back to a value & renew our commitment to it.

And those of us who want control at almost any cost (I raise my hand) will benefit from the examples throughout of how helpful it can be to allow life to surprise us.