* Do you feel that no matter how hard you try it is never good enough?
* Do you spend too much time trying to get things exactly right in order to avoid criticism?
* Does it seem that at any minute people will find out that you are not really what you seem to be?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with perfectionistic tendencies. They can serve a positive purpose in your life. But having extremely high standards for yourself and others can leave you feeling let down -- over and over again -- when these expectations aren't met. As psychologist and researcher Monica Ramirez Basco explains, uncontrolled perfectionism can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of failure, and broken marriages and friendships.

In Never Good Enough Dr. Basco helps you understand why you feel driven to get things "just right" and shows you how to make the best of your perfectionism. Filled with practical advice, encouragement, and strategies for self-discovery, this invaluable guide includes Dr. Basco's own thirty-question self-test that will help you recognize and manage the negative side of your perfectionism. You will learn how to stop the struggle with yourself and others, how to evaluate your worth and performance in life, and how to replace the pursuit of perfection with peace of mind.

Building on its successful "read-see-do" approach, this second edition of Learning Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: An Illustrated Guide seamlessly combines 23 all-new videos with informative text and figures, charts, worksheets, checklists, and tables to help readers not only learn the essential skills of CBT but achieve competence in this important evidence-based treatment method. Opening with an overview of core cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) theories and techniques, leading CBT practitioners then describe and demonstrate how to build effective therapeutic relationships with CBT, conceptualize a case with the CBT model, structure sessions, and resolve common problems encountered in CBT. This updated, second edition of the best-selling and highly popular Learning Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy also features: * Ways to employ CBT to reduce suicide risk* Guidance on integrating therapies related to CBT-including dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and well-being therapy-in the context of personality disorders and chronic or recurrent depression* An appendix of curated resources by the expert authors-recommended readings, computer programs, Web sites, videos, and organizations-to give readers access to the best resources in building competence in CBT practice The all-new videos feature clinicians demonstrating methods in real-world settings and include new topics such as safety planning and uncovering and changing maladaptive schemas. Proven as one of the best teaching tools for building competence in CBT, this new edition will enrich readers' understanding and practice of CBT.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge, but it doesn't have to rule your life. Join the many tens of thousands of readers who have used the science-based tools in this book to achieve greater balance and get the most out of treatment. Leading expert Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco helps you understand the nature of bipolar illness and recognize the early warning signs of mood swings. Step-by-step exercises (you can download and print additional copies of the forms as needed) give you greater insight into your own triggers, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Dr. Basco guides you to build the particular skills you need to withstand the seductive pull of manic episodes and escape the paralysis of depression. You'll also learn key strategies for managing stress, making healthy decisions, and solving problems. Vivid stories and examples illustrate how to put the techniques into action. Significantly revised, the second edition features a new structure, more succinct chapters, and streamlined exercises.

Mastering cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for the common, yet difficult-to-treat aspects of severe mental illness has now been made easier with Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Severe Mental Illness. A proven, effective treatment for patients with severe mental illness, CBT is illuminated in an insightful volume that boasts an abundance of learning exercises, worksheets, and checklists -- plus video demonstrations on DVD that offer an inside look at CBT methods in use.

This is the only book to present a comprehensive CBT approach that can be used across the broad range of severe Axis I disorders to prevent relapse, promote treatment adherence, reduce symptoms, and maintain treatment gains. The authors, all internationally recognized experts in using CBT for severe mental illness, provide a host of functional strategies for treating patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-refractory depression. Their easy-to-read guide covers specific symptoms in detail and promotes practitioners' skill building -- including how to design useful interventions, provide effective psychoeducation, and engage patients in effective therapeutic relationships. The eighteen videos show CBT in action, demonstrating such scenarios as tracing origins of paranoia and formulating an antisuicide plan. Readers seeking to learn or improve their use of CBT for severe mental illness will - Master the key processes of engaging, assessing, normalizing, educating, and formulating- Learn methods to help patients reduce delusional thinking, cope with hallucinations, and target hopelessness, suicidality, low energy and interest, and poor self-esteem- Prevent relapse in bipolar disorder through such methods as monitoring symptoms and promoting good sleep- Address interpersonal problems common in patients with severe mental illness, showing how to build support and cope with dysfunctional or terminated relationships- Help patients become better organized in their thinking and reduce problems with maintaining concentration- Apply CBT procedures to improve negative symptoms in schizophrenia, such as attention deficit and anhedonia

The book is an ideal companion to the authors' popular introductory text Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, building on its critically acclaimed methodology to offer guidelines for effective treatment. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Severe Mental Illness shows how CBT enhances pharmacotherapy and helps practitioners develop important skills in treating challenging clinical problems.

Restructured to be even more useful to real-world clinicians, the revised and expanded second edition of this practical guide offers proven strategies for improving the long-term outcomes and quality of life of individuals with bipolar disorder. Extensive case illustrations bring to life the complexities of helping clients adhere to medication treatments, recognize the early warning signs of manic and depressive episodes, build coping skills, and manage specific symptoms. Replacing the original volume's 20-session protocol (now included in the Appendix) is a new, more flexible assessment and treatment framework that shows how to tailor interventions to each client's needs and level of experience with the illness. The second edition also features current treatment data, information on new medications, and new strategies for preventing relapse and addressing common comorbid conditions.

In this powerful new self-help program, Wright and Basco show you how to blend the best methods of scientifically tested treatments to win the battle against depression. By following their step-by-step instructions, you will be able to develop a Personal Plan for Recovery that you can use to get well and stay well.

The flexible plan lets you learn about and master the Five Keys to Recovery in the sequence that's best for you. Some people may want to work through all five keys; others may find they are able to achieve the level of health they want with just a few. Whether you learn the self-help strategies of cognitive-behavior therapy, rely on prescription antidepressants, try herbal remedies, work on mending relationships, focus on spiritual growth, or use a combination of methods, the Personal Plan for Recovery is a breakthrough tool that allows you to take control of your own treatment.

Conversational and filled with guided exercises and strategies that work, Getting Your Life Back is an empowering book that maximizes each person's strengths and potential.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge, but it doesn't have to rule your life. Join the many tens of thousands of readers who have used the science-based tools in this book to achieve greater balance and get the most out of treatment. Leading expert Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco helps you understand the nature of bipolar illness and recognize the early warning signs of mood swings. Step-by-step exercises (you can download and print additional copies of the forms as needed) give you greater insight into your own triggers, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Dr. Basco guides you to build the particular skills you need to withstand the seductive pull of manic episodes and escape the paralysis of depression. You'll also learn key strategies for managing stress, making healthy decisions, and solving problems. Vivid stories and examples illustrate how to put the techniques into action. Significantly revised, the second edition features a new structure, more succinct chapters, and streamlined exercises.

This highly practical and accessible manual presents in step-by-step detail useful cognitive-behavioral techniques for managing bipolar disorder. Designed to enhance - not replace - pharmacotherapy, the treatment modality described emphasizes the importance of educating patients and engaging them as active participants in the therapeutic process. The book provides a conceptual framework for the approach along with explicit instructions for tailoring treatment to each patient's specific needs. It clearly illustrates how to equip clients with a range of practical skills for anticipating, preventing, and ameliorating the symptoms of depression, mania, and hypomania. Organized in sequential order, each chapter of the book builds on the principles discussed in earlier chapters and offers session-by-session instructions for implementing the treatment. Drawing on their vast clinical experience and the latest research, the authors discuss general therapeutic issues and symptom management throughout. Suggested homework assignments and forms for executing interventions are included for optimal clinical utility. The manual first describes the benefits of using an integrated approach to treating bipolar disorder. A succinct overview then discusses the disorder's diagnosis, course, and characteristics. Common psychopharmacological approaches are reviewed, as are methods for enhancing medication compliance and specific interventions for dealing with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. To address psychosocial stressors, the authors devote two chapters to methods for facilitating communication and solving problems encountered in daily life. The book concludes with clinical vignettes that clearlydemonstrate the principles and techniques described.

Everyone waits till the last minute sometimes. But many procrastinators pay a significant price, from poor job performance to stress, financial problems, and relationship conflicts. Fortunately, just as anyone can endlessly delay, anyone can learn how to stop! Cognitive-behavioral therapy expert Monica Ramirez Basco shows exactly how in this motivating guide. Dr. Basco peppers the book with easy-to-relate-to examples from recovering procrastinators--including herself. Inviting quizzes, exercises, and practical suggestions help you: *Understand why you procrastinate. *Start with small changes that lead to big improvements. *Outsmart your own delaying tactics. *Counteract self-doubt and perfectionism. *Build crucial skills for getting things done today.