The Workbook for Breaking Free from Intrusive Thoughts and Emotional Overload. Methods of Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Unpleasant thoughts and complex emotions happen to everyone, and that’s normal. But sometimes negative ruminations repeat and over time become obsessive. Such a problem may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a prerequisite for it.

Intrusive thoughts and a constant stream of difficult feelings strongly affect quality of life and prevent you from enjoying being in the present. The authors of the workbook, John Hershfield and Blaise Aguirre, based on their extensive experience in psychiatry and psychotherapy, explain how to effectively deal with obsessions (repeated unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (rituals and repetitive behaviors) and break the vicious cycle. As effective methods, the authors offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

John Hershfield and Blaise Aguirre use exposure in their practice: they suggest that clients approach their own fears and not give in to unhealthy repeating scenarios. The theory in the workbook will help you put everything into perspective, and the practical part will help you reinforce the material and turn useful skills into real life.

What is this book about?

In the first part, John Hershfield and Blaise Aguirre briefly present the main points of the book and ask basic questions. What are thoughts and emotions? Why do we take them so seriously? How do they lead us to a certain destructive state? The authors also explain the key principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

The second part looks at common problems of people who try to cope with unwanted thoughts and painful experiences at the same time. The authors encourage reflection on such difficulties and consider what skills can be used to overcome them.

In the third part, a series of questionnaires is provided—filling them out will help you find your path to recovery. The questionnaire format allows you to create an individual treatment approach using CBT and DBT tools.

Why you should read this book

After reading this book, you will:

– understand why you are plagued by unpleasant thoughts and complex emotions;

– learn about effective evidence-based psychotherapy methods—CBT and DBT;

– try these methods in action;

– be able to overcome OCD.

Who this book is for

This book will be useful for those who…

– suffer from OCD or similar disorders;

– can’t manage their thoughts and feelings;

– often get anxious because of their ruminations, which don’t always match reality;

– are interested in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

Why it was decided to publish

OCD is a complex disorder that poisons life for many people. Thoughts and emotions can cause discomfort and suffering, but it’s possible—and necessary—to fight this. The workbook will help you разобраться в the most effective therapy methods for overcoming intrusive thoughts and emotional overload.

About the authors

John Hershfield is the director of the OCD and Anxiety Center in Towson, Maryland. He treats obsessive-compulsive disorder using cognitive behavioral therapy. He is the author and co-author of several books on psychotherapy. He is a speaker at annual conferences of the International OCD Foundation and the American Association for Anxiety and Depression.

Blaise Aguirre is a doctor of medical sciences and an expert in child psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. He has worked extensively with children and in family therapy. He holds the position of medical director at McLean Hospital, a Harvard affiliate, and is an associate professor at the Department of Psychiatry of Harvard Medical School.

Key concepts

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, obsessions, compulsions, intrusive thoughts, emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, CBT, DBT, psychotherapy.