People with co-occurring anxiety and depression often share one common trait: avoidance of emotions. In this workbook, psychologist Michael Tompkins offers readers evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to target the emotional avoidance patterns that drive anxiety and depression. With this step-by-step guide, readers will also learn to manage difficult thoughts and feelings, improve mood and well-being, and experience long-lasting relief.
Don&;t let anxiety and depression keep you from living life to the fullest.
If you suffer from co-occurring anxiety and depression, you may experience an overwhelming urge to avoid difficult emotions and emotional experiences. The last thing you want to do is kick the hornet&;s nest you carry around with you. However, the latest research in psychology emphasizes the importance of approaching&;rather than avoiding&;your emotions. Avoiding emotions works in the short term, but in the long term it only teaches you to believe you can&;t handle your feelings. What you need is a solid set of tools that will allow you to feel a full range of emotions with confidence. This book will provide just the tool set you require.
In this workbook, psychologist Michael Tompkins offers evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help you target and tear down the emotional avoidance barriers that drive your anxiety and depression. By engaging with the emotions you&;ve been seeking to avoid, you&;ll learn, &;I can handle this feeling.&; You&;ll also find strategies to help you stay calm during emotional situations; and discover relaxation and mindfulness techniques to deal effectively with difficult thoughts and feelings, and improve your mood and well-being.
The tools in this workbook help you learn this important lesson: You can handle emotions, even unpleasant ones. When you believe you can handle feeling anxious and depressed, you&;re less likely to avoid those feelings, creating space for you to be more willing to do the things that you want to do in your life.
