The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

October 1, 2012

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) borrows elements from both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing erroneous thoughts and actions, and Buddhist meditation techniques, which emphasize acceptance of the current situation ("mindfulness") and compassion for all living beings. CFT uses meditation to help the tense person disengage from his or her own anxiety-provoking thoughts and encourages people to have as much compassion for themselves as they would for any other individual (the golden rule in reverse). The book includes exercises and worksheets. Two caveats: There is no discussion of whether any studies have been done to compare this technique with other treatments, and there is no discussion of the role of medication in the treatment of severe cases. VERDICT Anxious people who like the idea of meditation will enjoy this approach, although those whose anxiety keeps them from taking part in the normal activities of daily life should not rely on any self-help book alone.--Mary Ann Hughes, Shelton, WA

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.