How to break the circle of 'never good enough' Striving for something can be a healthy and positive attribute; it's good to aim high. But sometimes whatever we do just isn't good enough; we want to be too perfect and start setting unrealistic goals. Such high levels of perfectionism, often driven by low self-esteem, can turn against success and develop into unhealthy obsession, triggering serious mental-health problems, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), on which this self-help book is based, has been found to be a highly effective treatment and provides relief from that disabling sense of not being good enough. In this essential self-help guide, you will learn: - How clinical perfectionism manifests itself - Effective coping strategies with invaluable guidance on how to avoid future relapse OVERCOMING self-help guides use clinically-proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme. Series Editor: Professor Peter Cooper

How to break the circle of 'never good enough' Striving for something can be a healthy and positive attribute; it's good to aim high. But sometimes whatever we do just isn't good enough; we want to be too perfect and start setting unrealistic goals. Such high levels of perfectionism, often driven by low self-esteem, can turn against success and develop into unhealthy obsession, triggering serious mental-health problems, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), on which this self-help book is based, has been found to be a highly effective treatment and provides relief from that disabling sense of not being good enough. In this essential self-help guide, you will learn: - How clinical perfectionism manifests itself - Effective coping strategies with invaluable guidance on how to avoid future relapse OVERCOMING self-help guides use clinically-proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme. Series Editor: Professor Peter Cooper

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Perfectionism is a term that is used commonly in everyday life. It is defined as the pursuit of excellence and perfection, and it can be present in every aspect of life. Someone may be a perfectionist in just one part of their life, for example work, but it is more common to have perfectionism across many areas of life. #2 Perfectionism is the continual striving to achieve high standards that a person has set for themselves, despite negative consequences. It involves self-criticism when the person thinks they have not met one of their standards. #3 There are three main parts to perfectionism: demanding standards and self-criticism, striving to meet demanding standards despite negative effects, and basing self-evaluation on achieving high standards. #4 If you have unhelpful perfectionism, you will tend to judge your self-worth on what you do, not who you are. Rather than viewing your idea of yourself in a balanced way, you believe that you are only a good enough person if you are achieving an excellent standard in the important areas of life.

How to break the vicious circle of 'never good enough' Perfectionism can be healthy but when it becomes unhealthy and turns into 'clinical perfectionism' (sometimes referred to as 'dysfunctional perfectionism') is can cause serious problems. It is associated with different mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, eating diso...

How to break the vicious circle of 'never good enough' Perfectionism can be healthy but when it becomes unhealthy and turns into 'clinical perfectionism' (sometimes referred to as 'dysfunctional perfectionism') is can cause serious problems. It is associated with different mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. Those suffering from clinical perfectionism tend to judge themselves predominantly in terms of the pursuit and attainment of personally demanding standards and often feel unable to be flexible and change their goals, despite the significant negative impact that the pursuit of perfectionism may have on their quality of life. Includes: Description of Clinical Perfectionism Clinical Perfectionism and depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic fatigue Identifying the problem and monitoring Overcoming perfectionism - step - by - step self - help course based on CBT principles Avoiding relapse Case studies Other treatments - an overview.

How you can stop worrying about your health and enjoy life 'This book not only helps sufferers to better understand the nature of the problem, but also provides them with the skills necessary to overcome it and to regain quality of life' Professor Paul Salkovskis, Professor of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford Many of us have a tendency to worry unnecessarily about our health. For some the anxiety becomes severe and persistent. This can involve spending many hours checking for symptoms, seeking reassurance from others, surfing the internet for information about different diseases, or repeatedly visiting the doctor. It is distressing for them and for everyone around them. In fact, health anxiety can be very successfully treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - the approach taken in this self-help guide. Using a structured, step-by-step approach the authors explain how the problem develops, how to recognise what feeds it and how to develop effective methods of dealing with it. This book includes: - Questionnaires, case studies and exercises - Chapters on fear of death and on medication Overcoming self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, boith psychological and physical. READING WELL This book is recommended by the national Reading Well scheme for England and Wales delivered by The Reading Agency and the Society of Chief Librarians with funding from Arts Council England and Wellcome. www.reading-well.org.uk Series Editor: Emeritus Professor Peter Cooper

Most of us know about extreme highs or lows. For some people, however, emotional extremes can seriously disrupt our lives, either because they happen too frequently or because the mood swings are intense and accompanied by other symptoms of depression or mania, such as changes in energy and activity levels. This valuable self-help guide teaches tried-and-tested strategies that will help anyone troubled by mood swings to effectively identify and manage their moods, and achieve a more stable and comfortable emotional balance. It includes: - Information on depression and mania - A step-by-step, structured self-help programme and monitoring sheets Overcoming self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. READING WELL This book is recommended by the national Reading Well scheme for England and Wales, delivered by the Reading Agency and the Society of Chief Librarians with funding from Arts Council England and Wellcome. www.reading-well.org.uk Series Editor: Emeritus professor Peter Cooper

Emotional, physical and sexual abuse in childhood can result in a range of problems and lead to long-term difficulties that make life a struggle. With this in mind, clinical psychologist Dr Helen Kennerley has devised this highly acclaimed self-help programme based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you to understand the links between your past trauma and any present difficulties. It offers you the means to gain control of your life and your feelings, enabling you to deal with any intrusive memories and mood swings, and develop healthy, better relationships in adulthood. Anyone who has endured childhood abuse and continues to battle with its aftermath will find this book supportive and liberating. The book gives you: - An understanding of the range of problems childhood abuse can create - Advice on how to build healthy relationships in adulthood - A structured, step-by-step self-help guide OVERCOMING self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well scheme. Series Editor: Emeritus Professor Peter Cooper

Break free from the vicious cycle of anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa affects both men and women, of all age groups and social classes, internationally. For both the sufferer and the friends and family who care for them, the impact of the illness can be devastating. However, it can be treated effectively using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This self-help book provides support to battle this notorious and widespread eating disorder and has been used effectively with many patients in clinical settings. Using CBT techniques, you will learn to: Understand the many forms and causes of anorexia nervosa Challenge negative thinking and behaviour Improve your body image Develop coping strategies for the future These clinically proven tools form a complete recovery programme, with practical exercises and worksheets. Overcoming self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well scheme. Series Editor: Professor Peter Cooper

Take control of your life, take control of your pain Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating; however, it does not need to dominate your life. This self-help book is based on highly effective self-help methods developed by specialists and used in community and hospital pain management programmes. Your experience of pain can be greatly reduced by pacing daily activities, reducing stress, learning relaxation techniques and effective ways to cope with depression, anxiety, worry, anger and frustration. This easy-to-follow book sets out: - Why pain can persist when there's no injury or disease present - How to become fitter and pace your activities - Practical ways to improve sleep and relaxation - Tips for returning to work, study and gaining a life you value Overcoming self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. This book is recommended by the national Reading Well scheme for England delivered by The Reading Agency and the Society of Chief Librarians with funding from Arts Council England and Wellcome.