Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

David D. Burns introduces Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a practical method for managing depression and anxiety without initial reliance on medication. The core argument is that emotions stem from thoughts rather than external events. Burns identifies ten specific cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking, emotional reasoning, and overgeneralization, which lead to low self-esteem. He provides a framework called the Three-Column Technique where readers write down automatic negative thoughts, identify the associated distortion, and substitute them with objective, rational rebuttals to shift their internal dialogue.

This book serves individuals struggling with chronic pessimism, guilt, or clinical depression who seek a self-directed clinical approach. Readers use these exercises to dismantle the mental habits that cause procrastination and social withdrawal. By applying these behavioral tools, the reader walks away with a systematic way to evaluate their own logic during periods of distress. The goal is to develop a reliable skill set for stabilizing one’s mood by addressing the specific irrational beliefs that trigger emotional pain.

Inward-looking, growth-minded and clear-cut; an easy read.

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