Alternative-treatments Quote by Irving Kirsch
““Many of the benefits of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be obtained without going into therapy. There are a number of self-help books, CDs and computer programs that have been used to treat depression and some of these have been tested in clinical trials with positive results. I can particularly recommend these two books. One is 'Control Your Depression', the lead author of which is Peter Lewinsohn, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon. ... The other book that I can recommend with confidence is 'Feeling Good' by the psychiatrist David Burns. 'Control Your Depression' emphasizes behavioral techniques like increasing pleasant activities, improving social skills and learning to relax. 'Feeling Good' puts greater emphasis on changing the way people think about themselves. But both books include both cognitive and behavioral techniques.””
About This Quote
Self‑help CBT resources can effectively alleviate depression by teaching behavioral activation and cognitive restructuring, even outside formal therapy.
In simple terms: Books can teach CBT techniques that work without a therapist.
Key Takeaway
Self‑guided CBT can be clinically effective.
Themes
mental health
self‑help
cognitive therapy
behavioral activation
Mood
hopeful
practical
Type
advice
informational
When to use this quote
- someone with mild depression seeking low‑cost help
- a college student managing stress
- a remote patient without therapist access
Key Concepts
empowerment
skill acquisition
Practical Applications
- use structured CBT workbooks
- practice daily activity scheduling
Questions to Reflect On
- When might a therapist still be necessary?
- How can one assess progress without professional monitoring?
A Different Perspective
Self‑help lacks personalized feedback; may be insufficient for severe cases.
![“Historically in the literature CBT [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy] was inappropriately touted as a cure for patients with ME/CFS if they changed their “belief system”. ME/CFS is a physical illness and not a psychological illness, therefore CBT cannot cure ME/ CFS. What CBT can do is to help…” quote by Alison C. Bested](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3ea/alison-c-bested-63335_books_historically-in-the-literature-cbt-cogni_2076792.jpg)
