Links, Extras, and Articles of interest

Below are links to a selection of recent articles and items of research. The references on this page change from time to time as I come across interesting articles. If you wish to recommend any articles, please send me an email.

(Please note that the content of these websites may have changed since I originally posted these links, and I don't necessarily edorse each author's comments).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and REBT

CBT
A useful overview of the process of CBT/REBT counselling, written for clients. Also on this website are various articles and resources concerning REBT.

REBT
This site gives a clear explanation of the basic principles of REBT, in particular the types of unhelpful beliefs (or "irrational" beliefs, to use the jargon) that underpin our emotional distress.

OCD - Hoarding
I found this site in a recent trawl through the web. It gives some helpful advice about one of the most difficult problems to overcome - compulsive hoarding. There are also onward links to other articles on hoarding.

CBT for a fear of failure
Daily Telegraph motoring journalist Erin Baker explains how she benefited from CBT to deal with anxiety about racing a Caterham 7 sports car.

CBT for weight control (Links to a video podcast)
Anne Diamond talks to Kristina Downing Orr about CBT for weight loss (approx 11 minutes duration).

Relaxation / meditation

Stress & the Relaxation Response: Full Works
Podcast/MP3 recording [approx 15 minutes] produced by the Mental Health Foundation.
A guided relaxation exercise using gentle breathing (don't get too hung up on counting with each breath. They suggest counting to 7 on the in-breath and 11 on the out-breath. I prefer counting slowly: 3 in, 5 out. Experiment with what works for you).

Stress & the Relaxation Response: Quick Fix
Podcast/MP3 recording [approx 5 minutes] produced by the Mental Health Foundation.
As it says, a short guided relaxation exercise using breathing to aid relaxation.

Wellbeing & Relaxation: Full Works
Podcast/MP3 recording [approx 16 minutes] produced by the Mental Health Foundation.
A basic meditation exercise to help you learn to relax.

Wellbeing & Positive Thinking: Full Works
Podcast/MP3 recording [approx 12 minutes] produced by the Mental Health Foundation.
A relaxation exercise using guided visualisation of being on a beach.

Hypnosis

BMJ
This article appeared in the British Medical Journal in 1999. It gives a balanced view of the efficacy of Hypnotherapy, and rightly points out the necessity for the public to seek help only from practitioners with qualifications recognised by the UKCP, the BACP or the General Medical Council. You may need to register (free) to access this article.

BBCi Health
An article posted on the BBC Interactive website, describing the successful treatment of IBS using hypnotherapy.

Michael Heap
Dr Michael Heap is a world-renowned authority on hypnosis. In this article he discusses various theories of hypnosis.

ABC Sydney hypnosis podcast (Links to an mp3 download)
Radio program about hypnosis on ABC Australia
Dr Amanda Barnier is interviewed in this radio program originally broadcast on 702 ABC Sydney. The show covers some of the history of hypnosis, the science behind hypnosis, and some of its clinical uses.

Podcast of the day!

ABC, "All in the mind" (links directly to an MP3 download)
From the blurb on ABC's website, "Do science and religion represent fundamentally different mind-sets?... highlights from the Global Atheist Convention held in Australia." I'll leave it up to you to decide what you think of the speakers' comments. Enjoy... or maybe not.

Charity and Help Sites

Citizens Advice Bureau
A useful source of advice on dealing with legal, money and other problems. The Citizens advice bureau provides a free, independent and confidential service.

Cancer Research UK
Website of Cancer Research UK. "This website is for anyone who wishes to know more about the charity, about cancer, or how to play a part in our vision to cure cancer faster."

NSPCC
A good first port of call for anyone concerned about a child - whether you are a child, or if you are a parent or carer.

General Sites

BBC
If you don't already make regular forays into this site, start now. You will find a wonderful, rich and diverse fund of knowledge and information. The BBC deserves all the accolades it receives for providing this public service. This site could keep you occupied for not just hours but years!

Optical illusions
Just amazing! No need to say more. Have a look for yourself.

Books

Reason to Change: A Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy Workbook
Dr Windy Dryden, Brunner-Routledge
This is a very thorough workbook which takes you step-by-step through the CBT/REBT process. A fairly dry read, it is probably more of interest to therapists than clients.
Order from Amazon (Opens in a new window)

Overcoming Anger
Dr Windy Dryden, Sheldon Press
Quite possibly the best book on dealing with anger. I recommend this to all my anger-management clients.
Order from Amazon (Opens in a new window)

Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
David Veale and Rob Willson, Robinson Publishing
An excellent book that has become a standard source of reference for both clients and therapists.
Order from Amazon (Opens in a new window)

Overcoming Weight Problems
Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert and Clare Grace, Robinson Publishing
Based on the well-known fact that diets don't work, this approach espouses a practical approach designed to help you bring about sustainable changes in your eating patterns and attitudes to food.
Order from Amazon (Opens in a new window)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy WORKBOOK for Dummies
Rhena Branch and Rob Willson, John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The companion book to CBT for Dummmies by the same authors, this can be read on its own. It is a very useful workbook with many exercises designed to really help you get the most out of CBT. Once again, the sections that stand out include one on Self-Esteem/Self-Acceptance, and another on rooting out Core Beliefs.
Order from Amazon (Opens in a new window)

And finally

Lucky dip
Links through to a YouTube video clip. Will you be horrified, amused, shocked or soothed? Only one way to find out...

CBT Surrey, UKCP registered accredited CBT REBT therapist Simon Simpson