One of the world's leading practitioners, thinkers and teachers in the field of psychotherapy and counselling here presents an account of how to run brief, structured, educationally oriented groups which aim to develop self-acceptance as a step in helping clients who have emotional problems. Windy Dryden illustrates the process and practicalities of running self-acceptance groups with a detailed session-by-session review of his own practice with one group, using the Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy approach with which he is so much associated. This book offers to students and practitioners of therapy and counselling * An introduction to the principles of REBT and some valuable developments of the approach which will interest even experienced followers of REBT * A powerful process for building self-acceptance, rather than self-esteem, in a way which stresses a person's uniqueness, humanity, complexity and fallibility * Clear, practical guidance on how therapists and counsellors can use and present these principles and processes within structured, educational groups "Windy Dryden has done it again ... he has taken one of the key theories of REBT, added to it considerably, and shown in detail how it can be successfully implemented by teachers, and by therapists with their clients ... (he) has done a great service to emotional education by providing us with this sound and practical manual." From the Foreword by Albert Ellis, President, Albert Ellis Institute for REBT, New York This book appears in the Wiley Series in Brief Therapy and Counselling Series Editor: Windy Dryden Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK

​ Self-acceptance is recognized in diverse schools of Christian and Eastern theology as well as in various schools of counseling and psychotherapy (e.g., Humanistic, Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy) as a major contributor to mental health, life satisfaction and wellness. A review of the professional literature reveals there is no text that spells out how different theologies, theories of personality and approaches to counseling and therapy conceptualize self-acceptance and how this concept is interrelated to other aspects and constructs of spirituality and psychological functioning (e.g., flexibility, mindfulness). Additionally, the field of positive psychology, which studies the character strengths and virtues that help individuals to experience well-being and to flourish, has largely ignored the concept of self-acceptance.

In an age where self-esteem is seen as essential to mental health, we are seeing unprecedented rises in mental health difficulties from depression anxiety, eating disorders and many others. Is there not a dichotomy at play here? Is Self - Esteem (ie 'I live for my rating') a reality at all or simply a myth we are all buying into. In this book bestselling author Harry Barry challenges the conventional wisdom and explores why the terms self-acceptance, self-respect and self-actualization are more helpful in developing positive mental health. In his trademark style he also provides practical examples of what we should all be doing instead to build confidence and reach our full potential. Part 1: The myth of self-esteem Part 2: Debunking the myth of 'low self-esteem' Part 3: Debunking the myth of 'high self-esteem' Part 4: Debunking the myth 'others can dictate my self-esteem'

The mantra of self-esteem has by now reached us all: we hear that we should focus on our positive aspects and discover our hidden potential for greatness. Unfortunately, however, we live in the real world, and our imperfections do not go away just because we wish them to. Ending the Struggle Against Yourself takes us to the core of true self-esteem: deep confidence. This confidence can be seen in those fortunate few who have fully accepted the realities of their existence and have learned to integrate both their limitations and their potential into their entire being. With exercises, activities, and personal stories, this powerful workbook will show you how to face self-doubt squarely and, by learning its lessons, make it work for you instead of against you.

A comprehensive and groundbreaking workbook addressing the stigma and distorted self-image issues experienced by those suffering with mental illness.

Sometimes we all need a little lift—something to put the bounce back in our step. If you are like many, you may struggle with self-confidence. You may also compare your successes and failures with those of others. If everything is going well in your life, this tactic may temporarily bolster your sense of self-worth. But what happens when things aren’t going so well? Based on the idea that true self-esteem is grounded in internal, rather than external factors, this book offers 50 easy-to-use mindfulness practices that will help you improve inner awareness and live a more fulfilled life without harsh self-judgment. Mindfulness can help you battle feelings of low self-worth by encouraging you to pay attention to your negative thoughts as they occur, accept them, and ultimately control of how you react to them. The exercises in this pocket-sized book are intended to be simple, brief, and powerful. These are practices to settle into each morning, perhaps before your cup of tea or coffee, and which can be sprinkled throughout the day when you are at work, play, or home. To help you keep track of your thoughts, the book also includes journaling exercises that will help you discover what actions may have led to feelings of positivity or negativity. By focusing on your own awareness and thought processes, you will begin to understand what factors cause you to feel bad about yourself, and honestly assess those factors without giving in to feelings of hopelessness. You will discover that true self-esteem has less to do with what the world is telling you, and has everything to do with what you tell yourself.

Put a stop to self-sabotage and overcome your fears so that you can gain the confidence you need to reach your goals and become your own best friend. Too many people seem to believe that they are not allowed to put themselves first or go after their own dreams out of fear of being selfish or sacrificing others' needs. The Self-Love Experiment rectifies this problem. Whether you want to achieve weight loss, land your dream job, find your soul mate, or get out of debt, it all comes back to self-love and accepting yourself first. Shannon Kaiser learned the secrets to loving herself, finding purpose, and living a passion-filled life after recovering from eating disorders, drug addictions, corporate burnout, and depression. Shannon walks you through her own personal experiment, a simple plan that compassionately guides you through the process of removing fear-based thoughts, so you can fall in love with life. If you want to change your outcome in life, you have to change your daily habits and perspective. Shannon takes you on this great journey into self-love and true self-acceptance.