Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy For Dummies Paperback – 12 July 2013

Dummy books are usually good, this has insightful information and techniques on mindfulness, however it may just be me, i didnt find the information was in a way that i could digest it all clearly at times.

I was steered towards Patrizia's excellent book by a friend, soon after my family was thrown one moment into a monumental crisis. Eminently readable, but just as easy to pick up just for a few minutes too, I eventually bought three copies (truly) for people affected by our seemingly devastating situation. A year on the crisis has been contained and relationships stabilised, and Patrizia Collard can take deserved credit for her part in gently drawing our attention to a way of thinking that can break destructive cycles .I have even had the pleasure of meeting her now on a couple of occasions since, and enjoyed her company as much as I rated her book.

The book I read to research this post was Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy For Dummies by Patrizia Collard which is a very good book which I bought from kindle. This therapy is a mixture of mindfulness and cognitive behaviour therapy often called CBT and the people who developed it incorporated principles from mindfulness based stress reduction. The national institute for clinical excellence which monitors treatment in Britain and offers guidelines is encouraging all patients to be taught mindfulness techniques. It's roots are in buddhism and meditation and as a child we live in the now where we enjoy things for what they are worth and don't worry about what is happening in the near future. Mindfulness encourages this and simple things like eating and cooking are savoured and things like tastes and smells are enjoyed. Patients are encouraged to keep a diary to monitor their progress and also so they can discuss any issues that arise with their therapist. This therapy even helps with pain management which is surprising because they focus on sensations. They also have to meditate every day and if they are distracted accept the thoughts and then continue meditating. There are many establishments around the world that teach this therapy and I think the book gives you the nuts and bolts to get you started. It's probably a good idea to maybe do things like tai chi in addition although try and get the hang of this first and then expand on it. In India vipissana which is similar is taught in Indian prisons among other places and they have had a lot of success with it. Prisoners as part of this are taught to meditate and focus on self reliance which in turn helps them when they are set free. I think there is definitely something profound about Mindfulness based cognitive therapy and would recommend. I did really enjoy reading this book.

I have been following the mindfulness course through this book for 6 weeks now and have 2 weeks before completing it. I am fortunate to have Dr Collard as my postgrad director and I bought the book because I know her, as I'm not that familiar with the Dummies books. I have found it very useful and clear. Through practicing mindfulness this way I feel more confident and self aware and I would highly recommend it.

I have read many books on Mindfullness (MBCT) and I found this specially good because plus all the good and numerous explanations, it empowers you for a daily practice. Highly recomended to those who want to introduce themselves in a day to day practice in Mindfullness

Very informative and reader friendly, provides a good baseline and introduction to the eight week programme of MBCT. Excellent value for money and this is a good reference book, providing further resources/evidence research based practice

This book is excellent!!!! I have Cognitive problems and this book gives you support and all the help you need to get yourself back on track.

This is a very well informed book that takes you a few step further from the basic MBCT sessions making it a very good guide to dealing with anxiety and depression but also to self-development. I love the fact that Patrizia Collard gives guidance on how to apply the Mindfulness principle to different life situations.