Introduction
In today's world, there's an overwhelming abundance of self-help resources available. From books and films to websites and apps, it can be challenging to navigate through the sea of options and find truly effective materials. This is where "Self-Help That Works" by John C. Norcross and his colleagues comes in. The authors conducted extensive research, including 12 national studies, to gather recommendations from mental health professionals across the United States. Their goal was to identify the most valuable and effective self-help resources for over 40 different categories.
This comprehensive summary will explore the key findings and recommendations from "Self-Help That Works," covering a wide range of topics that are relevant to personal growth and well-being. We'll delve into various aspects of life, from career development and parenting to mental health issues and relationships. By the end of this summary, you'll have a clear understanding of which resources are most highly regarded by experts in the field, helping you make informed choices about the self-help materials you invest your time and energy in.
Career Development and Self-Management
Career Development
One of the most highly recommended books in the career development category is "What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard Bolles. This classic has been helping people for generations, with regular updates to keep it relevant. What makes this book stand out is its versatility – it's useful for people at any stage of their career, from recent graduates to those seeking a mid-life career change. The warm and humorous writing style makes it an engaging read, which is crucial for a topic that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
For those considering further education or looking for job opportunities, the authors recommend online resources such as Peterson's (petersons.com) and Monster.com. These websites offer valuable information and tools for career advancement and job searching.
Self-Management and Self-Enhancement
When it comes to overall self-improvement, "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" by Steven C. Hayes and Spencer Smith is highly recommended. This book introduces readers to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on accepting circumstances that are unlikely to change and redirecting energy towards healthier values and goals.
For online resources in this category, Psych Central (psychcentral.com) is consistently recommended across various mental health and self-help topics. It offers a wealth of information on psychology and personal growth, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their self-management skills.
Parenting and Child Development
Infant Development and Parenting
New parents often face a multitude of questions and concerns about their child's development. The "What to Expect" series by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkoff, and Sandee E. Hathaway comes highly recommended. Specifically, "What to Expect the First Year" and "What to Expect: The Toddler Years" offer comprehensive, month-by-month guides to infant and toddler development. These books cover a wide range of topics, from basic care to handling special needs and developmental milestones.
Another classic in this category is "Infants and Mothers" by T. Berry Brazelton. This book focuses on the mother-child relationship and provides warm, sensitive advice on observing and responding to a baby's temperament and development.
Child Development and Parenting
For parents dealing with challenging behaviors, "Your Defiant Child: Eight Steps to Better Behavior" by Russell Barkley and Christine Benton is highly recommended. This book offers practical strategies for managing defiant behavior, emphasizing consistency, communication, reward systems, and appropriate disciplinary measures.
It's worth noting that the child development and parenting category contains the highest number of strongly recommended books among all the categories surveyed. This reflects the complexity and importance of raising children, as well as the ongoing need for reliable guidance in this area.
Aging and Spirituality
Aging
As life expectancy increases and attitudes towards aging evolve, there's a growing need for resources that address the challenges and opportunities of growing older. "Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being" by Andrew Weil is one of the most strongly recommended books in this category. Weil, a respected figure in integrative medicine, offers a balanced approach to aging that focuses on promoting overall well-being rather than fighting against the natural aging process. The book covers essential topics such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
In addition to books, the authors found that films can be valuable resources for understanding and coping with aging-related issues. Two highly recommended films in this category are "On Golden Pond" (1981) and "About Schmidt" (2002). These movies offer insightful portrayals of the challenges and triumphs of aging, touching on themes such as family relationships, finding purpose, and adapting to life changes.
Spirituality and Existential Concerns
Spiritual and existential questions are universal human concerns that often become more pressing as we age. In this category, Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" stands out as the most strongly recommended book. Frankl, a survivor of Auschwitz, developed logotherapy, a psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in life. This powerful book combines Frankl's personal experiences with his professional insights, offering readers a profound exploration of human resilience and the search for purpose in the face of adversity.
Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions, including panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. While there's ongoing debate about the best treatment approaches, many mental health professionals recommend resources that utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques.
One of the most highly recommended books in this category is "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne. This practical guide offers a step-by-step approach to developing skills for managing anxiety. It takes a holistic view, addressing both mental and physical aspects of anxiety, making it a valuable resource for those looking to understand and overcome their anxiety symptoms.
Depression
Depression is a complex condition that goes beyond occasional feelings of sadness. For those struggling with depression, several cognitive-behavioral approach books come highly recommended. "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David Burns and "Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think" by Denis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky are both considered valuable resources for understanding and managing depression.
An interesting addition to the recommended list is "The Mindful Way Through Depression" by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. This book combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness techniques, emphasizing the mind-body connection in managing mood disorders. This approach can be beneficial not only for depression but for various other mental health concerns as well.
For those seeking a cinematic portrayal of depression, the film "A Woman Under the Influence," directed by John Cassavetes and starring Gena Rowlands, comes highly recommended. This powerful movie offers a realistic and moving depiction of the struggles associated with depression, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the condition.
Suicide and Death and Grieving
Suicide
Suicide is a critical issue that affects not only individuals but also their friends and family members. The autobiography "Night Falls Fast" by Kay Redfield Jamison is one of the most highly recommended resources in this category. Jamison, both a psychologist and someone who has attempted suicide, offers a unique perspective that combines personal insight with professional knowledge. This book is particularly recommended for those working with adolescents, as it provides valuable information on risk factors and prevention strategies.
Another recommended autobiography is "No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One" by Carla Fine. This book offers a candid look at the impact of suicide on friends and family members, addressing the complex emotions of guilt and shame that often accompany such a loss. It also highlights the importance of support groups in the healing process.
Death and Grieving
Dealing with death and the grieving process is a universal human experience. Several resources are strongly recommended for those grappling with these issues. "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" by Melba Colgrove, Harold Bloomfield, and Peter McWilliams is a highly regarded book that offers guidance on coping with loss and grief.
In terms of films, two come highly recommended: "Ordinary People" (1980), directed by Robert Redford, and "Corrina, Corrina" (1994), directed by Jesse Nelson. These movies provide sensitive portrayals of grief and the process of healing after a significant loss, offering viewers a chance to explore these themes in a relatable and emotionally resonant way.
Addictions and Substance Abuse
Addictions
Addiction is a complex issue that can manifest in various forms, including gambling, sex, pornography, and substance abuse. The growing concern over cyber addictions is also addressed in many modern resources. For those dealing with addiction or codependency issues, two books by Melody Beattie come highly recommended: "Beyond Codependency" and "Codependent No More." The latter, Beattie's autobiography, received the highest rating in this category, offering personal insights and strategies for recovering from codependent and addictive relationships.
For online resources, the survey highlighted several valuable websites. "Check Your Gambling" (checkyourgambling.net) is recommended for those seeking information about gambling addiction. Psych Central's resources on internet and pornography addiction are also widely endorsed by mental health professionals.
Substance Abuse
When it comes to substance abuse, there's a strong consensus that recovery requires ongoing support and treatment beyond self-help resources alone. However, certain books are still highly recommended as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. The official publications from Alcoholics Anonymous, including "Alcoholics Anonymous" (often referred to as the "Big Book") and "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions," are among the most strongly endorsed resources. The principles outlined in these books have been adapted for various other support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous.
For those seeking online resources, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (samhsa.gov) website comes highly recommended by mental health professionals. This site offers a wealth of information, resources, and support for individuals dealing with substance abuse issues.
Sexuality and LGBTQ+ Issues
Sexuality
Given the often sensitive nature of sexual topics, many people have unresolved questions and concerns about sexuality. The self-help category addressing these issues is well-supplied with resources aimed at different demographics and relationship statuses.
For women, "Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual Growth Program For Women" by Julia Heiman is highly recommended. This book offers a range of exercises designed to help women explore and understand their sexual feelings, ultimately leading to increased sexual fulfillment.
Couples may find "Illustrated Manual of Sexual Therapy" by Helen Kaplan particularly helpful. Kaplan, a renowned couples therapist, shares exercises and tips that have proven effective in her practice. The book focuses on strategies for improving communication and overcoming common sexual issues. While popular among sex therapists, some readers may find its academic or explicit nature challenging.
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues
As society becomes more inclusive, there's a growing number of resources available for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. For parents, two books come highly recommended: "Coming Out, Coming Home" by Michael C. LaSala and "Always My Child" by Kevin Jennings and Pat Shapiro. These books offer guidance and support for parents navigating their child's coming out process.
For gay and lesbian partners, "Permanent Partners: Building Gay and Lesbian Relationships" by Betty Berzon received praise from the surveyed experts. Berzon combines personal experience with professional insights as a psychotherapist to offer valuable advice for same-sex couples.
In terms of films, two standout recommendations are "Milk," directed by Gus Van Sant, and the miniseries "Angels in America," based on Tony Kushner's play. "Milk" dramatizes the life of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, while "Angels in America" explores the lives of gay characters during the 1980s AIDS crisis. Both offer powerful, touching, and sometimes heartbreaking portrayals of the gay experience in America.
Marriage and Divorce
Marriage
The landscape of marriage has changed dramatically over the past few decades, with couples facing new challenges and expectations. Two books by John Gottman come highly recommended for those looking to strengthen their marriages: "Why Marriages Succeed and Fail" and "Seven Principles for Making Marriages Work."
Gottman, a psychologist with years of research experience studying hundreds of marriages, offers a systematic approach to diagnosing and predicting a couple's success. His books provide strategies, principles, and self-assessments geared towards creating and maintaining a healthy marriage. Some key principles include creating shared meaning, developing "love maps" of your partner's inner world, allowing your partner to influence you, and effectively resolving conflicts.
Divorce
While many strive for successful marriages, some relationships inevitably end in divorce. The self-help resources in this category tend to focus on either the adults going through the divorce process or the children affected by it.
For children, "Dinosaurs Divorce" by Laurene Brown and Marc Brown comes highly recommended. This illustrated book, aimed at elementary school-age children, explains the concept of divorce and what it's like to have parents living in separate homes. It can be a valuable tool for helping children understand and cope with this significant life change.
Adults going through divorce may find "Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce" by Abigail Trafford helpful. Trafford, a journalist who went through her own difficult divorce, collected stories from other divorce survivors. Through these accounts, she identified a three-stage pattern of divorce: the initial split, the "crazy time," and the recovery phase. While not all surveyed experts were familiar with this book, those who were gave it high marks for its insights and guidance.
Stress Management and Happiness
Stress Management and Relaxation
Stress is a pervasive issue in modern life, as evidenced by the high sales of anti-anxiety medications. However, recent research suggests that managing stress effectively requires a multi-faceted approach rather than a single solution. This approach typically involves a combination of relaxation techniques, anger management strategies, mindfulness practices, regular exercise, taking more vacations, and cultivating close relationships.
One highly recommended resource is "The Relaxation and Stress-Reduction Workbook." This book helps readers understand their personal stress triggers and reactions, then offers various techniques for relaxation and stress management that can be applied in different environments. Many mental health professionals use the exercises in this book with their patients.
Another popular book with a different approach is "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. This book focuses on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness for mental health. It emphasizes the importance of attention, awareness, and being present in the moment, while also explaining how meditation can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and stress reduction.
Happiness
The field of positive psychology has shifted the focus from viewing humans as inherently neurotic to a more optimistic outlook on human nature and potential. This shift is reflected in the self-help resources recommended for pursuing happiness.
Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, authored "Learned Optimism: How To Change Your Mind and Your Life," which is the most strongly recommended book in the happiness category. Seligman argues that being a pessimist or an optimist is not an innate trait but rather a learned thought pattern that can be changed. He provides extensive research to support his claims and offers practical strategies for cultivating a more optimistic outlook.
Final Thoughts
"Self-Help That Works" provides an invaluable service by curating and recommending the most effective self-help resources across a wide range of topics. By relying on the expertise of mental health professionals, the authors have created a trustworthy guide for anyone seeking personal growth and improvement.
Key takeaways from this comprehensive review include:
The importance of evidence-based approaches: Many of the recommended resources are grounded in well-researched therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices.
The value of multiple perspectives: For most topics, several resources are recommended, acknowledging that different approaches may work better for different individuals.
The integration of various media: While books remain a primary source of self-help information, the inclusion of films, websites, and other resources highlights the diverse ways people can access helpful information.
The ongoing evolution of self-help: Regular updates to classic resources (like "What Color Is Your Parachute?") and the inclusion of newer topics (like cyber addictions) demonstrate how the self-help field continues to adapt to changing societal needs.
The interconnectedness of different life areas: Many of the recommended resources touch on multiple aspects of life, reflecting the complex nature of personal growth and well-being.
The importance of professional support: While self-help resources can be incredibly valuable, the authors consistently emphasize that for serious issues, these materials should complement rather than replace professional help.
In conclusion, "Self-Help That Works" serves as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to improve various aspects of their life. By focusing on resources that have been vetted by professionals, readers can feel confident that they're investing their time and energy in materials that have the potential to make a real difference. Whether you're dealing with career challenges, relationship issues, mental health concerns, or simply seeking personal growth, this book offers a roadmap to the most effective self-help resources available.