Be Your Own Therapist: Resources for Self-Help
Are you looking to improve your mental well-being and work on your personal growth? While therapy with a professional can be incredibly beneficial, there are also resources available that can help you become your own therapist. By gaining knowledge and utilizing self-help techniques, you can take steps towards understanding yourself better and making positive changes in your life.
1. "The Neurotic Constitution" by Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler's book "The Neurotic Constitution" is a valuable resource for understanding the foundations of personality and the development of neurotic behaviors. This book delves into the psychological aspects of neurosis and offers insights into how to overcome them. By exploring Adler's theories, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your own behaviors.
2. "Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders" by Aaron Beck
Aaron Beck's book "Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders" focuses on cognitive therapy techniques specifically tailored for individuals with personality disorders. This resource provides practical strategies for challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, which can be helpful for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being. By applying cognitive therapy techniques to your own life, you can work towards changing unhelpful thinking patterns and improving your overall mental health.
3. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is a comprehensive guide to the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders. While it is primarily used by professionals, it can also be a valuable resource for individuals looking to understand different mental health conditions. By familiarizing yourself with the DSM-5, you can gain knowledge about various mental disorders and their symptoms, which can aid in self-reflection and self-awareness.
4. "Rational Emotive Therapy" by Albert Ellis
Albert Ellis's book "Rational Emotive Therapy" introduces the principles and techniques of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). This therapy approach focuses on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs and replacing them with rational ones. By learning about REBT, you can develop skills to manage your emotions, improve your self-esteem, and enhance your overall well-being.
5. "Childhood and Society" by Erik Erikson
Erik Erikson's book "Childhood and Society" explores the stages of psychosocial development from infancy to adulthood. Understanding these stages can provide insights into your own personal growth and the challenges you may have faced during different periods of your life. By reflecting on Erikson's theories, you can gain a better understanding of your own identity and the influences that have shaped you.
6. "The Collected Works of Sigmund Freud" by Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud's "The Collected Works of Sigmund Freud" is a compilation of his influential writings on psychoanalysis. While Freud's theories have been subject to criticism and revision over the years, they still provide valuable insights into the workings of the human mind. By exploring Freud's writings, you can gain a deeper understanding of the unconscious mind and the impact it has on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
7. "Escape from Freedom" by Erich Fromm
Erich Fromm's book "Escape from Freedom" delves into the concept of freedom and its psychological implications. Fromm explores the fear and anxiety that can arise when individuals are faced with the responsibility of making their own choices. By reading this book, you can gain insights into the psychological factors that may be influencing your decision-making and explore ways to embrace your freedom while still feeling secure.
These resources provide a starting point for your journey towards self-help and personal growth. By immersing yourself in these books and applying the knowledge gained, you can become your own therapist and make positive changes in your life. Remember, self-help is a continuous process, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate your own path towards self-improvement.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.