One of the world's leading practitioners, thinkers and teachers in the field of psychotherapy and counselling here presents an account of how to run brief, structured, educationally oriented groups which aim to develop self-acceptance as a step in helping clients who have emotional problems. Windy Dryden illustrates the process and practicalities of running self-acceptance groups with a detailed session-by-session review of his own practice with one group, using the Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy approach with which he is so much associated. This book offers to students and practitioners of therapy and counselling * An introduction to the principles of REBT and some valuable developments of the approach which will interest even experienced followers of REBT * A powerful process for building self-acceptance, rather than self-esteem, in a way which stresses a person's uniqueness, humanity, complexity and fallibility * Clear, practical guidance on how therapists and counsellors can use and present these principles and processes within structured, educational groups "Windy Dryden has done it again ... he has taken one of the key theories of REBT, added to it considerably, and shown in detail how it can be successfully implemented by teachers, and by therapists with their clients ... (he) has done a great service to emotional education by providing us with this sound and practical manual." From the Foreword by Albert Ellis, President, Albert Ellis Institute for REBT, New York This book appears in the Wiley Series in Brief Therapy and Counselling Series Editor: Windy Dryden Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK

​ Self-acceptance is recognized in diverse schools of Christian and Eastern theology as well as in various schools of counseling and psychotherapy (e.g., Humanistic, Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy) as a major contributor to mental health, life satisfaction and wellness. A review of the professional literature reveals there is no text that spells out how different theologies, theories of personality and approaches to counseling and therapy conceptualize self-acceptance and how this concept is interrelated to other aspects and constructs of spirituality and psychological functioning (e.g., flexibility, mindfulness). Additionally, the field of positive psychology, which studies the character strengths and virtues that help individuals to experience well-being and to flourish, has largely ignored the concept of self-acceptance.

The mantra of self-esteem has by now reached us all: we hear that we should focus on our positive aspects and discover our hidden potential for greatness. Unfortunately, however, we live in the real world, and our imperfections do not go away just because we wish them to. Ending the Struggle Against Yourself takes us to the core of true self-esteem: deep confidence. This confidence can be seen in those fortunate few who have fully accepted the realities of their existence and have learned to integrate both their limitations and their potential into their entire being. With exercises, activities, and personal stories, this powerful workbook will show you how to face self-doubt squarely and, by learning its lessons, make it work for you instead of against you.

In an age where self-esteem is seen as essential to mental health, we are seeing unprecedented rises in mental health difficulties from depression anxiety, eating disorders and many others. Is there not a dichotomy at play here? Is Self - Esteem (ie 'I live for my rating') a reality at all or simply a myth we are all buying into. In this book bestselling author Harry Barry challenges the conventional wisdom and explores why the terms self-acceptance, self-respect and self-actualization are more helpful in developing positive mental health. In his trademark style he also provides practical examples of what we should all be doing instead to build confidence and reach our full potential. Part 1: The myth of self-esteem Part 2: Debunking the myth of 'low self-esteem' Part 3: Debunking the myth of 'high self-esteem' Part 4: Debunking the myth 'others can dictate my self-esteem'

Sometimes we all need a little lift—something to put the bounce back in our step. If you are like many, you may struggle with self-confidence. You may also compare your successes and failures with those of others. If everything is going well in your life, this tactic may temporarily bolster your sense of self-worth. But what happens when things aren’t going so well? Based on the idea that true self-esteem is grounded in internal, rather than external factors, this book offers 50 easy-to-use mindfulness practices that will help you improve inner awareness and live a more fulfilled life without harsh self-judgment. Mindfulness can help you battle feelings of low self-worth by encouraging you to pay attention to your negative thoughts as they occur, accept them, and ultimately control of how you react to them. The exercises in this pocket-sized book are intended to be simple, brief, and powerful. These are practices to settle into each morning, perhaps before your cup of tea or coffee, and which can be sprinkled throughout the day when you are at work, play, or home. To help you keep track of your thoughts, the book also includes journaling exercises that will help you discover what actions may have led to feelings of positivity or negativity. By focusing on your own awareness and thought processes, you will begin to understand what factors cause you to feel bad about yourself, and honestly assess those factors without giving in to feelings of hopelessness. You will discover that true self-esteem has less to do with what the world is telling you, and has everything to do with what you tell yourself.

A comprehensive and groundbreaking workbook addressing the stigma and distorted self-image issues experienced by those suffering with mental illness.

In this collection of practical essays, 19 leading teachers explore the questions around self-acceptance—and investigate how we can overcome the difficulties of embracing who we are. Join them to learn where our self-critical voices come from, how we can find motivation to change and excel while still accepting ourselves as we are, and how we can best offer compassion and forgiveness toward ourselves and others.

“If you’re at the end of your relationship rope, reach for Radical Acceptance.” —Elle A refreshing new approach to romantic partnerships, grounded in the importance of unconditional love that shows how “prioritizing your partner [creates] true happiness in your relationship” (John Gray, PhD, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus). Loving the lovable parts of your partner is easy. He’s funny, charming, smart, successful, and kind. He’s perfect. Except for when he is not. Like when he is late. Or short-tempered. Or lazy. Or he’s incorrectly loaded the dishwasher (again). Maybe he feels like the most frustrating person on the planet. Or maybe you’re simply not feeling heard or seen. Or loved enough. It’s these proverbial unlovable parts that make loving all of him so tough. But imagine if you let go of your itch to fix, judge, improve, or control your partner. Imagine if you replaced judgement with compassion and empathy. Tremendous empowerment and liberation come from loving someone—and being loved—for who we really are. This practice is called Radical Acceptance. Whether you’re looking for Mr. Right or are already with him, this is your powerful five-step guide to attaining life’s ultimate prize: unconditional love. You’ll learn how to increase your emotional resilience, feel more confident, determine whether you’re settling, quiet those doubt-filled voices in your head, get out of that endless cycle of dead-end dates, reduce conflict, and build a deeply fulfilling, affirming relationship—all through highly actionable advice. Best of all, you will discover how amazing it feels to have your heart expanded by an abundance of love and compassion for your partner and yourself. Featuring compelling stories for real-life couples and insights from the foremost thought leaders and researchers in brain science, sexuality, psychotherapy, and neurobiology, Radical Acceptance illustrates that embracing your partner for exactly who they are will lead to a more harmonious relationship—and provide an unexpected path to your own personal transformation.

Nathaniel Branden's book is the culmination of a lifetime of clinical practice and study, already hailed in its hardcover edition as a classic and the most significant work on the topic. Immense in scope and vision and filled with insight into human motivation and behavior, The Six Pillars Of Self-Esteem is essential reading for anyone with a personal or professional interest in self-esteem. The book demonstrates compellingly why self-esteem is basic to psychological health, achievement, personal happiness, and positive relationships. Branden introduces the six pillars-six action-based practices for daily living that provide the foundation for self-esteem-and explores the central importance of self-esteem in five areas: the workplace, parenting, education, psychotherapy, and the culture at large. The work provides concrete guidelines for teachers, parents, managers, and therapists who are responsible for developing the self-esteem of others. And it shows why-in today's chaotic and competitive world-self-esteem is fundamental to our personal and professional power.

A radical day-by-day guide to redefining beauty and creating lasting self-esteem Every day, American women and girls are besieged by images and messages that suggest their beauty is inadequate, inflicting immeasurable harm upon their confidence and sense of wellbeing. In Beautiful You, author Rosie Molinary encourages women to feel wonderful about themselves -- even when today's media-saturated culture tells them not to. Drawing on tools for heightened self-awareness, creativity, and mind-body connections, Beautiful You incorporates practical techniques into a 365-day action plan that empowers women to embrace a healthy self-image, shore up self-confidence, break undermining habits of self-criticism, and champion their own emotional and physical wellbeing. Modern and meaningful, these doable, enjoyable daily actions encourage women and girls to manifest a healthy outlook on life, to live large, and to love themselves and others.