How Psychotherapy Works

How Psychotherapy Works

Author: Joseph Weiss

Publisher: Guilford Press

Published: 1993-08-20

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 9780898625486

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In the landmark volume, THE PSYCHOANALYTIC PROCESS, Joseph Weiss presented a bold, original theory of the therapeutic process. Now, in HOW PSYCHOTHERAPY WORKS, Weiss extends his powerful theory and focuses on its clinical applications, often challenging many familiar ideas about the psychotherapeutic process. Weiss' theory, which is supported by formal, empirical research, assumes that psychopathology stems from unconscious, pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires by inference from early traumatic experiences. He suffers unconsciously from these beliefs and the feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse that they engender, and he is powerfully motivated unconsciously to change them. According to Weiss's theory, the patient exerts considerable control over unconscious mental life, and he makes and carries out plans for working with the therapist to change his pathogenic beliefs. He works to disprove these beliefs by testing them with the therapist. The theory derives its clinical power not only from its empirical origin and closeness to observation, and also from Weiss's cogent exposition of how to infer, from the patient's history and behavior in treatment, what the patient is trying to accomplish and how the therapist may help. By focusing on fundamental processes, Weiss's observations challenge several current therapeutic dichotomies--"supportive versus uncovering," "interactive versus interpretive," and "relational versus analytic." Written in simple, direct language, Weiss demonstrates how to uncover the patient's unconscious plan and how the therapist can help the patient to carry out his plans by passing the patient's tests. He includes many examples of actual treatment sessions, which serve to make his theory clear and usable. The chapters include highly original views about the patient's motivations, the role of affect in the patient's mental life, and the therapist's basic task. The book also contains chapters on how to pass the patient's tests, and how to use interpretation with the patient. Dr. Weiss also provides a powerful theory of dreams and demonstrates how dreams can be utilized in clinical practice. This distinguished volume is a major contribution that will profoundly affect the way one conceptualizes and practices therapy. Theoreticians, investigators, and clinicians alike will find it enlightening reading.


Book Synopsis How Psychotherapy Works by : Joseph Weiss

Download or read book How Psychotherapy Works written by Joseph Weiss and published by Guilford Press. This book was released on 1993-08-20 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the landmark volume, THE PSYCHOANALYTIC PROCESS, Joseph Weiss presented a bold, original theory of the therapeutic process. Now, in HOW PSYCHOTHERAPY WORKS, Weiss extends his powerful theory and focuses on its clinical applications, often challenging many familiar ideas about the psychotherapeutic process. Weiss' theory, which is supported by formal, empirical research, assumes that psychopathology stems from unconscious, pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires by inference from early traumatic experiences. He suffers unconsciously from these beliefs and the feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse that they engender, and he is powerfully motivated unconsciously to change them. According to Weiss's theory, the patient exerts considerable control over unconscious mental life, and he makes and carries out plans for working with the therapist to change his pathogenic beliefs. He works to disprove these beliefs by testing them with the therapist. The theory derives its clinical power not only from its empirical origin and closeness to observation, and also from Weiss's cogent exposition of how to infer, from the patient's history and behavior in treatment, what the patient is trying to accomplish and how the therapist may help. By focusing on fundamental processes, Weiss's observations challenge several current therapeutic dichotomies--"supportive versus uncovering," "interactive versus interpretive," and "relational versus analytic." Written in simple, direct language, Weiss demonstrates how to uncover the patient's unconscious plan and how the therapist can help the patient to carry out his plans by passing the patient's tests. He includes many examples of actual treatment sessions, which serve to make his theory clear and usable. The chapters include highly original views about the patient's motivations, the role of affect in the patient's mental life, and the therapist's basic task. The book also contains chapters on how to pass the patient's tests, and how to use interpretation with the patient. Dr. Weiss also provides a powerful theory of dreams and demonstrates how dreams can be utilized in clinical practice. This distinguished volume is a major contribution that will profoundly affect the way one conceptualizes and practices therapy. Theoreticians, investigators, and clinicians alike will find it enlightening reading.

Doing What Works in Brief Therapy

Doing What Works in Brief Therapy

Author: Ellen K. Quick

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2008-03-11

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9780080557328

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Doing What Works in Brief Therapy: A Strategic Solution Focused Approach is both a set of procedures for the therapist and a philosophy– one that is shared with clients and one that guides the work of the therapist. This second edition continues its excellence in offering clinicians a guide to doing what works in brief therapy- for whom, and when and how to use it. Psychotherapy that follows these guidelines validates the client’s most important concerns – and it often turns out to be surprisingly brief. Author, Ellen Quick integrates strategic and solution focused therapy and includes guidelines for tailoring technique and interventions to client characteristics and preferences. With clinically rich examples throughout, this book offers applications for couples, including indications for individual or conjoint sessions. Chapter summaries highlighting key points Presents ways of eliciting what clients most want to remember Describes the "Doing What Works Group," including outcome research findings and all materials needed to run the group Addresses the relationship among the positive psychology movement and this approach and the potential for collaboration Emphasizes an acceptance-based stance and how acceptance commonly leads to change Proposes that "doing what works and changing what doesn't" can provide a transtheoretical perspective for therapists of any orientation


Book Synopsis Doing What Works in Brief Therapy by : Ellen K. Quick

Download or read book Doing What Works in Brief Therapy written by Ellen K. Quick and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2008-03-11 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Doing What Works in Brief Therapy: A Strategic Solution Focused Approach is both a set of procedures for the therapist and a philosophy– one that is shared with clients and one that guides the work of the therapist. This second edition continues its excellence in offering clinicians a guide to doing what works in brief therapy- for whom, and when and how to use it. Psychotherapy that follows these guidelines validates the client’s most important concerns – and it often turns out to be surprisingly brief. Author, Ellen Quick integrates strategic and solution focused therapy and includes guidelines for tailoring technique and interventions to client characteristics and preferences. With clinically rich examples throughout, this book offers applications for couples, including indications for individual or conjoint sessions. Chapter summaries highlighting key points Presents ways of eliciting what clients most want to remember Describes the "Doing What Works Group," including outcome research findings and all materials needed to run the group Addresses the relationship among the positive psychology movement and this approach and the potential for collaboration Emphasizes an acceptance-based stance and how acceptance commonly leads to change Proposes that "doing what works and changing what doesn't" can provide a transtheoretical perspective for therapists of any orientation

Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brains (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)

Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brains (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)

Author: Louis Cozolino

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Published: 2015-11-09

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0393711439

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The story of why psychotherapy actually works. That psychotherapy works is a basic assumption of anyone who sees a therapist. But why does it work? And why does it matter that we understand how it works? In Why Therapy Works, Louis Cozolino explains the mechanisms of psychotherapeutic change from the bottom up, beginning with the brain, and how brains have evolved—especially how brains evolved to learn, unlearn, and relearn, which is at the basis of lasting psychological change. Readers will learn why therapists have to look beyond just words, diagnoses, and presenting problems to the inner histories of their clients in order to discover paths to positive change. The book also shows how our brains have evolved into social organs and how our interpersonal lives are a source of both pain and power. Readers will explore with Cozolino how our brains are programmed to connect in intimate relationships and come to understand the debilitating effects of anxiety, stress, and trauma. Finally, the book will lead to an understanding of the power of story and narratives for fostering self-regulation, neural integration, and positive change. Always, the focus of the book is in understanding underlying therapeutic change, moving beyond the particular of specific forms of therapy to the commonalities of human evolution, biology, and experience. This book is for anyone who has experienced the benefits of therapy and wondered how it worked. It is for anyone thinking about whether therapy is right for them, and it is for anyone who has looked within themselves and marveled at people's ability to experience profound transformation.


Book Synopsis Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brains (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) by : Louis Cozolino

Download or read book Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brains (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) written by Louis Cozolino and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2015-11-09 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of why psychotherapy actually works. That psychotherapy works is a basic assumption of anyone who sees a therapist. But why does it work? And why does it matter that we understand how it works? In Why Therapy Works, Louis Cozolino explains the mechanisms of psychotherapeutic change from the bottom up, beginning with the brain, and how brains have evolved—especially how brains evolved to learn, unlearn, and relearn, which is at the basis of lasting psychological change. Readers will learn why therapists have to look beyond just words, diagnoses, and presenting problems to the inner histories of their clients in order to discover paths to positive change. The book also shows how our brains have evolved into social organs and how our interpersonal lives are a source of both pain and power. Readers will explore with Cozolino how our brains are programmed to connect in intimate relationships and come to understand the debilitating effects of anxiety, stress, and trauma. Finally, the book will lead to an understanding of the power of story and narratives for fostering self-regulation, neural integration, and positive change. Always, the focus of the book is in understanding underlying therapeutic change, moving beyond the particular of specific forms of therapy to the commonalities of human evolution, biology, and experience. This book is for anyone who has experienced the benefits of therapy and wondered how it worked. It is for anyone thinking about whether therapy is right for them, and it is for anyone who has looked within themselves and marveled at people's ability to experience profound transformation.

I'm Working On It in Therapy

I'm Working On It in Therapy

Author: Gary Trosclair

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2015-06-09

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 1632207486

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Learn to get the most out of therapy to unlock your best self. Learn to get the most out of therapy to unlock your best self. Millions of Americans will go to therapy this year, but veteran psychotherapist Gary Trosclair believes the vast majority of them will start the process with little to no sense of how to best use their sessions to achieve their goals. Recent research has identified effective client participation as one of the most crucial factors in successful therapy. What can one do to get the most out of their sessions to create lasting positive changes in their lives? What does it look like to “work on it” in therapy? Trosclair covers these points and more, combining cutting-edge scientific research with years of fascinating anecdotal evidence to create a guide that is as compelling as it is indispensable. It teaches readers how to take off their masks and be real with their therapists, how to deal with emotions that arise in session, how to continue their psychological work outside of sessions, how to know when it’s time to say goodbye to their therapists, and much more. Whether you’re already in therapy and looking to make more out of each appointment, or you’re thinking of starting the process and want to go in with a game plan, I’m Working on It in Therapy will show you how you can make every session count towards becoming your best possible self.


Book Synopsis I'm Working On It in Therapy by : Gary Trosclair

Download or read book I'm Working On It in Therapy written by Gary Trosclair and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2015-06-09 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn to get the most out of therapy to unlock your best self. Learn to get the most out of therapy to unlock your best self. Millions of Americans will go to therapy this year, but veteran psychotherapist Gary Trosclair believes the vast majority of them will start the process with little to no sense of how to best use their sessions to achieve their goals. Recent research has identified effective client participation as one of the most crucial factors in successful therapy. What can one do to get the most out of their sessions to create lasting positive changes in their lives? What does it look like to “work on it” in therapy? Trosclair covers these points and more, combining cutting-edge scientific research with years of fascinating anecdotal evidence to create a guide that is as compelling as it is indispensable. It teaches readers how to take off their masks and be real with their therapists, how to deal with emotions that arise in session, how to continue their psychological work outside of sessions, how to know when it’s time to say goodbye to their therapists, and much more. Whether you’re already in therapy and looking to make more out of each appointment, or you’re thinking of starting the process and want to go in with a game plan, I’m Working on It in Therapy will show you how you can make every session count towards becoming your best possible self.

The Power of Specificity in Psychotherapy

The Power of Specificity in Psychotherapy

Author: Howard A. Bacal

Publisher: Jason Aronson

Published: 2010-12-28

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 0765707713

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The Power of Specificity in Psychotherapy: When Therapy Works_And When It Doesn't presents specificity theory, a contemporary process theory of psychotherapy that holds that each therapist-patient dyad constitutes a unique reciprocal system, challenging us to reconsider how psychotherapy is optimally practiced and taught. The perspectives of specificity theory are corroborated by cutting-edge findings in neurobiology and infant research and alter traditional views of how we understand and utilize 'theory,' 'response,' and 'relationship' in both treatment and training.


Book Synopsis The Power of Specificity in Psychotherapy by : Howard A. Bacal

Download or read book The Power of Specificity in Psychotherapy written by Howard A. Bacal and published by Jason Aronson. This book was released on 2010-12-28 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Power of Specificity in Psychotherapy: When Therapy Works_And When It Doesn't presents specificity theory, a contemporary process theory of psychotherapy that holds that each therapist-patient dyad constitutes a unique reciprocal system, challenging us to reconsider how psychotherapy is optimally practiced and taught. The perspectives of specificity theory are corroborated by cutting-edge findings in neurobiology and infant research and alter traditional views of how we understand and utilize 'theory,' 'response,' and 'relationship' in both treatment and training.

Why Group Therapy Works and How to Do It

Why Group Therapy Works and How to Do It

Author: Christer Sandahl

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-09-20

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 1000164209

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This book describes how group treatment offers a unique opportunity for group members to learn and to change as they interact with other group members. The group structure presents a social microcosm of relationships that people who seek psychotherapeutic treatment find problematic in their private and public lives. In groups, the participants can observe each other, provide feedback to each other, and practice change strategies. In short, group treatment has a powerful healing and supportive function. Based on the authors’ many years of education and experience in academia, the private and public sectors, specific guidance is offered to group leaders on participation, organization, and communication in group treatment. The authors describe the history and characteristics of group treatment, how to organize a treatment group, the roles and responsibilities of the group leader, methods of group treatment, and typical responses of participants. Given its purpose and methodology, this book takes an original perspective on group treatment aimed ultimately at improving healing processes in healthcare and social care. This book will provide a helpful introduction and guide for a range of professionals who work in primary healthcare, company healthcare, somatic care, psychiatric and social care, and the non-profit sector.


Book Synopsis Why Group Therapy Works and How to Do It by : Christer Sandahl

Download or read book Why Group Therapy Works and How to Do It written by Christer Sandahl and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-09-20 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes how group treatment offers a unique opportunity for group members to learn and to change as they interact with other group members. The group structure presents a social microcosm of relationships that people who seek psychotherapeutic treatment find problematic in their private and public lives. In groups, the participants can observe each other, provide feedback to each other, and practice change strategies. In short, group treatment has a powerful healing and supportive function. Based on the authors’ many years of education and experience in academia, the private and public sectors, specific guidance is offered to group leaders on participation, organization, and communication in group treatment. The authors describe the history and characteristics of group treatment, how to organize a treatment group, the roles and responsibilities of the group leader, methods of group treatment, and typical responses of participants. Given its purpose and methodology, this book takes an original perspective on group treatment aimed ultimately at improving healing processes in healthcare and social care. This book will provide a helpful introduction and guide for a range of professionals who work in primary healthcare, company healthcare, somatic care, psychiatric and social care, and the non-profit sector.

Compassionate Therapy

Compassionate Therapy

Author: Jeffrey A. Kottler

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 1992-03-20

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13:

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Compassionate Therapy explores the characteristics of difficult clients and the nature of client resistance. Arguing that conflict can be a constructive force, it shows how practitioners can use the struggle to examine their own abilities, deepen their compassion, and improve therapeutic flexibility and effectiveness. It offers proven approaches to working through therapeutic impasses with difficult clients and blAnds professional development with personal growth.


Book Synopsis Compassionate Therapy by : Jeffrey A. Kottler

Download or read book Compassionate Therapy written by Jeffrey A. Kottler and published by Jossey-Bass. This book was released on 1992-03-20 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Compassionate Therapy explores the characteristics of difficult clients and the nature of client resistance. Arguing that conflict can be a constructive force, it shows how practitioners can use the struggle to examine their own abilities, deepen their compassion, and improve therapeutic flexibility and effectiveness. It offers proven approaches to working through therapeutic impasses with difficult clients and blAnds professional development with personal growth.

How Clients Make Therapy Work

How Clients Make Therapy Work

Author: Arthur C. Bohart

Publisher: Amer Psychological Assn

Published: 1999-01-01

Total Pages: 347

ISBN-13: 9781557985712

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This new book challenges the medical model of the psychotherapist as healer who merely applies the proper nostrum to make the client well. Instead, the authors view the therapist as a coach, collaborator, and teacher who frees up the client's innate tendency to heal. This book offers provocative reading for clinicians intrigued by the process of therapy and the process of change.


Book Synopsis How Clients Make Therapy Work by : Arthur C. Bohart

Download or read book How Clients Make Therapy Work written by Arthur C. Bohart and published by Amer Psychological Assn. This book was released on 1999-01-01 with total page 347 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This new book challenges the medical model of the psychotherapist as healer who merely applies the proper nostrum to make the client well. Instead, the authors view the therapist as a coach, collaborator, and teacher who frees up the client's innate tendency to heal. This book offers provocative reading for clinicians intrigued by the process of therapy and the process of change.

Fire Your Therapist

Fire Your Therapist

Author: Joe Siegler

Publisher: Turner Publishing Company

Published: 2009-06-22

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0470461780

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Build the life you want with the powerful alternative to therapy "This is a terrific book about you achieving peak performance, better balance, and success. Think of it as your own personal guide to getting from good to great in your life. Dr. Siegler actually does what many before have set out to accomplish-bright, ambitious people of all ages now have a proven path to transformation." —Stewart Emery, coauthor of the international bestsellers Success Built to Last and Do You Matter? "Dr. Siegler possesses the qualities of the best catalysts for profound change: clarity, compassion, and the courage to see each client with brand new eyes. This book is the essential guide for finding your way through the confusing thicket of self-mastery options." —Raphael Cushnir, author of The One Thing Holding You Back and Surfing Your Inner Sea "Finally, a new paradigm-that is refreshing, daring, cutting edge, and client-centric-that can yield the life and career you want. With Fire Your Therapist, Dr. Siegler ushers in a new era of self-improvement." —Josh Baran, author of The Tao of Now Feel like therapy isn't working for you? Wish there were a better way to achieve your goals? Fire Your Therapist introduces a new, holistic approach to creating the life you want. Based on Dr. Siegler's groundbreaking Spheres of Life Coaching Method, this book explains how to move beyond the "talking cure" of traditional therapy to a more creative, results-oriented way of achieving your goals. You'll be inspired by the experiences of clients who have benefited from Dr. Siegler's proven methods. Fire Your Therapist is the essential step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to create a more successful life.


Book Synopsis Fire Your Therapist by : Joe Siegler

Download or read book Fire Your Therapist written by Joe Siegler and published by Turner Publishing Company. This book was released on 2009-06-22 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Build the life you want with the powerful alternative to therapy "This is a terrific book about you achieving peak performance, better balance, and success. Think of it as your own personal guide to getting from good to great in your life. Dr. Siegler actually does what many before have set out to accomplish-bright, ambitious people of all ages now have a proven path to transformation." —Stewart Emery, coauthor of the international bestsellers Success Built to Last and Do You Matter? "Dr. Siegler possesses the qualities of the best catalysts for profound change: clarity, compassion, and the courage to see each client with brand new eyes. This book is the essential guide for finding your way through the confusing thicket of self-mastery options." —Raphael Cushnir, author of The One Thing Holding You Back and Surfing Your Inner Sea "Finally, a new paradigm-that is refreshing, daring, cutting edge, and client-centric-that can yield the life and career you want. With Fire Your Therapist, Dr. Siegler ushers in a new era of self-improvement." —Josh Baran, author of The Tao of Now Feel like therapy isn't working for you? Wish there were a better way to achieve your goals? Fire Your Therapist introduces a new, holistic approach to creating the life you want. Based on Dr. Siegler's groundbreaking Spheres of Life Coaching Method, this book explains how to move beyond the "talking cure" of traditional therapy to a more creative, results-oriented way of achieving your goals. You'll be inspired by the experiences of clients who have benefited from Dr. Siegler's proven methods. Fire Your Therapist is the essential step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to create a more successful life.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Author: Albert Ellis

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2010-03-19

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 161592065X

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Albert Ellis, the renowned creator of one of the most successful forms of psychotherapy — Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) — offers this candid self-assessment, which reveals how he overcame his own mental and physical problems using the techniques of REBT. Part memoir and part self-help guide, this very personal story traces the private struggles that Ellis faced from early childhood to well into his adult life. Whether you are already familiar with Ellis's many best-selling psychology books or are discovering his work for the first time, you will gain many insights into how to deal with your problems by seeing how Ellis learned to cope with his own serious challenges.In his early life, Ellis was faced with a major physical disability, chronic nephritis, which plagued him from age five to nine and led to hospitalization. This experience then caused the emotional reaction of separation anxiety. At this time he also suffered from severe, migraine-like headaches, which persisted into his forties. Later in life, he realized that some of his emotional upset was the result of initially taking parental neglect too seriously. Active and energetic by nature, he gradually learned that the best way to cope with any problem, physical or emotional, was to stop "catastrophizing" and to do something to correct it.As Ellis points out in all of his work, when faced with adversity, we must realize that we have a real choice, either to think rationally about the problem or to react irrationally. The first choice leads to healthy consequences—normal emotions such as sorrow, regret, frustration, or annoyance, which are justifiable reactions to troubling situations. The second choice leads to the unhealthy consequences of anxiety, depression, rage, and low self-esteem. When we recognize irrational beliefs as such, we must then use our reason to dispute their validity. Ellis goes on to describe how these techniques helped him to cope with many other adult emotional problems, including failure in love affairs, shame, anger, distress over his parents' divorce, stress from others' reactions to his atheistic convictions, and upset due to his attitudes about academic and professional setbacks.Honest and unflinching yet always positive and forward-looking, Ellis demonstrates how to gain and grow from trying experiences through rational thinking.


Book Synopsis Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy by : Albert Ellis

Download or read book Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy written by Albert Ellis and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2010-03-19 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Albert Ellis, the renowned creator of one of the most successful forms of psychotherapy — Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) — offers this candid self-assessment, which reveals how he overcame his own mental and physical problems using the techniques of REBT. Part memoir and part self-help guide, this very personal story traces the private struggles that Ellis faced from early childhood to well into his adult life. Whether you are already familiar with Ellis's many best-selling psychology books or are discovering his work for the first time, you will gain many insights into how to deal with your problems by seeing how Ellis learned to cope with his own serious challenges.In his early life, Ellis was faced with a major physical disability, chronic nephritis, which plagued him from age five to nine and led to hospitalization. This experience then caused the emotional reaction of separation anxiety. At this time he also suffered from severe, migraine-like headaches, which persisted into his forties. Later in life, he realized that some of his emotional upset was the result of initially taking parental neglect too seriously. Active and energetic by nature, he gradually learned that the best way to cope with any problem, physical or emotional, was to stop "catastrophizing" and to do something to correct it.As Ellis points out in all of his work, when faced with adversity, we must realize that we have a real choice, either to think rationally about the problem or to react irrationally. The first choice leads to healthy consequences—normal emotions such as sorrow, regret, frustration, or annoyance, which are justifiable reactions to troubling situations. The second choice leads to the unhealthy consequences of anxiety, depression, rage, and low self-esteem. When we recognize irrational beliefs as such, we must then use our reason to dispute their validity. Ellis goes on to describe how these techniques helped him to cope with many other adult emotional problems, including failure in love affairs, shame, anger, distress over his parents' divorce, stress from others' reactions to his atheistic convictions, and upset due to his attitudes about academic and professional setbacks.Honest and unflinching yet always positive and forward-looking, Ellis demonstrates how to gain and grow from trying experiences through rational thinking.