Matthew McKay - Thoughts and Feelings

Thoughts and Feelings is the kind of self-help book that everyone should read. This updated version provides the reader with numerous techniques and ideas for coping with difficult emotions. It is clear, practical, and every chapter is a valuable contribution. If you want to become your own therapist or work more effectively with the therapist you have now, this book is essential reading. Highly recommended.

Robert L. Leahy, PhD , director of The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy

This is a masterful, comprehensive workbook that naturally guides readers toward psychological freedom and purposeful living with the most advanced, evidence-based practices. If youre serious about change, or helping others do the same, this edition of Thoughts and Feeling s is an invaluable resource.

Scott Symington, PhD , clinical psychologist, creator of the Two-Screen Method, and author of Freedom from Anxious Thoughts and Feelings

The esteemed authors provide their fifth edition of Thoughts and Feelings , now with conveniently downloadable materials, to guide readers in journeys for positive change. This well-informed and skillfully composed workbook is an especially valuable resource for mental health professionals use in clinical practice.

Thomas F. Cash, PhD , professor emeritus of psychology at Old Dominion University, and author of The Body Image Workbook

The clear strategies outlined throughout this wonderful book will help you successfully tackle your anxiety and depression. If you wrestle with your mood, I strongly recommend that you start reading Thoughts and Feelings today. The more you work your way through this powerful book, the better you will feel. It is that simple.

Jonas Horwitz, PhD , licensed psychologist in Durham, NC; and author of How to Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed

This workbook puts you in the drivers seat to control your difficulties with your thoughts and feelings. The authors pair this cognitive approach with skills to help you relaxmindfulness, self-compassion, and positive coping skills. I recommend this book without reservation. Thoughts and Feelings is an inclusive book for a wide range of mental health needs. You will get action steps to help you manage your problems head-on.

Gina A. Biegel, MA, LMFT , psychotherapist; researcher; author and coauthor of several books, including The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens ; and founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction program for teens (MBSR-T)

Praise from Previous Editions

Chock-full of systematic strategies for the treatment of a wide variety of psychological problems. Eminently readable and helpful for professionals as well as patients.

Aaron T. Beck, MD , president of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy

An outstanding book. I recommend it without reservation for both general readers and therapists. It stands apart from other similar books in its reliance on scientific data, not fad, hype, or mysticism.

Jacqueline B. Persons, PhD , director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy; and clinical professor in the department of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley

An excellent resource, reference tool, treatment manual, therapy coach, and compendium of techniques.

Arthur Freeman, EdD, ABPP, HSPP , president of the Freeman Institute for Cognitive Therapy, and director of clinical training and supervision for the Center for Brief Therapy in Fort Wayne, IN

One of the most comprehensive and empirically sound guidebooks in all of self-help literature. All of the major problems in living are covered.

Cory F. Newman, PhD , clinical director of the Center for Cognitive Therapy, and associate professor of psychology in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania

For professionals and the public, this wonderful workbook, like a wise teacher, can help make a positive difference.

Thomas F. Cash, PhD , professor emeritus of clinical psychology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA

A jewel of a book: supportive and empathetic, short on platitudes and long on practical applications. A must-buy for all cognitive behavioral therapists.

Thomas E. Ellis, PsyD, ABPP , professor of psychology at Marshall University in Huntington, WV

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2021 by Matthew McKay, Martha Davis, and Patrick Fanning New Harbinger Publications, Inc. 5674 Shattuck Avenue Oakland, CA 94609 www.newharbinger.com

All Rights Reserved

Acquired by Jennye Garibaldi

Cover design by Amy Shoup

Text design by Tracy Marie Carlson

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: McKay, Matthew, author. | Davis, Martha, 1947- author. | Fanning, Patrick, author.

Title: Thoughts & feelings : taking control of your moods & your life / Matthew McKay, Martha Davis, Patrick Fanning.

Other titles: Thoughts and feelings

Description: Fifth edition. | Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, Inc., [2021] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020030375 (print) | LCCN 2020030376 (ebook) | ISBN 9781684035489 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781684035496 (pdf) | ISBN 9781684035502 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: Cognitive therapy--Popular works.

Classification: LCC RC489.C63 M34 2021 (print) | LCC RC489.C63 (ebook) | DDC 616.89/1425--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020030375

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020030376

Preface to the Fifth Edition

The first edition of Thoughts and Feelings appeared in 1981. It was an introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy that was used by general readers and therapists alike. It provided simple, step-by-step instructions for a dozen specific techniques.

Over the years we came to realize the books limitations. To begin with, some of the techniques had not stood the test of time. Later studies had shown them to be less effective than newer, more powerful interventions. In addition, although cognitive behavioral therapists were developing multistep protocols to treat many disorders, the original edition of Thoughts and Feelings didnt show how to link a series of techniques together into an integrated treatment plan for problems like depression, panic disorder, or anger.

With subsequent editions of Thoughts and Feelings , the book has been revised to include more effective methodologies and reflect changes in modern practices. Thoughts and Feelings now offers multistep treatment plans for many mood-based problems. These plans are outlined in chapter 1 to show you a sequence of relevant chapters and techniques for each disorder. This is consistent with the way cognitive behavioral treatments are conducted during therapy: You take a series of steps to acquire skills that serve as building blocks in coping with problems. For this edition, we have revised the chapters on worry control, getting mobilized, and brief exposure and added new chapters on self-compassion and habit reversal.

As always, our intention with this edition is for both the general reader and the therapist to use this book. The general reader will find that each treatment protocol has clear, easy-to-follow steps that provide tools for genuine self-help. Therapists will find the book to be a resource for the most effective treatment methods, as well as a helpful take-home manual for clients.