Metacognitive Therapy (CBT Distinctive Features) 1st Edition

I'm still reading this book on MCT. Altough I've already read another book from Dr. Wells that seems to go even deeper on the subject.The review bellow is about the other book but, since this book covers the same subjects, what I've said there is also valid here.The other book is: Metacognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Depression---------------------------------------------I'm not a doctor, but a layperson who has/had depression, GAD and (as I can guess after reading this book) PTSD for some years. And I've found answers, hope and results here.Since 2005 I've been caught in an endless cycle of intense depression that even affected my ability to work (since I'm a system's analyst and simply could not sustain creative focus required in my work).Then, since 2009, I added an also endless cycle of intense worrying and threat-related thinking as a result of a bad life situation I've faced. This built up on to of the previously existing depression.Even tough, one of the few thing I was able to do in a sustained pace was studying. I earned an SAP certification and had landed some terrific jobs. Unfortunately I wasn't able to sustain the jobs, since I couldn't sustain "my mind" (focused, worry-free, etc).Even not being a therapist, after going to therapies (CBT) and not having enough improvement from the above conditions I've decided to read the books that thought those methods. I've read books on CBT and on REBT. Nothing gave me enough improvement. I think it maybe prevented me getting worse, what is a good thing, since I could keep doing the minimal jobs necessary to earn some money to keep going and keep studying and searching.Today, on April 2013, I've read two books on MCT, both from Adrian Wells. One is this one, and the other is available here on Amazon too.These two books simply explained exactly and accurately what had been going on my mind. I was able to identify my thought patterns with those described on the PTSD chapter of the book (those are the worry thoughts). Using the techniques (DM and ATT) I have, after a long time, found myself able to "control my mind" in a strong and effective way.Before reading these books I can say that 90% of my "mind processing power" was dominated by worries and fear of threats. Now, on-(my)-demand, I can free up to 100% of my mind for me to use in whatever I choose.This is liberating. It's a feeling of liberty and power over myself that I didn't had for years.I wish that anybody with PTSD, GAD or Depression have the opportunity to be in touch with this work.I have the following points to add:1 - Of great value to me was also the work of Joseph LeDoux on the "mechanics" of the fear on the brain. I had one strong fear that I could deal after reading some papers and viewing some videos from Dr. Ledoux.2 - I think Dr. Wells must amplify this approach to Social Anxiety, since it's one matter in which I've improving using the same techniques he explains on the book.3 - I discovered that my CAS was able to lead do both to PTSD, GAD and Depression. This is one path maybe worthwhile to investigate: the same person, since having CAS, could be susceptible to all those conditions.4 - I think this work must take into account that, with the ability to rule over my mind, I've also to accept the responsibility to think and act on the things that are no more "terrible and paralyzing", but still need to be acted upon. E.g: Now I'm able to think about one real world issue that used to frighten me, but I can also see that some action is required from my part to address the issue. Now that I can control my fear, I can't use this ability to run from the issue, but to act on it. On the other hand, I've found issues that were simply "shadows" on my mind that can be left for good with no action required. One must be strong and responsible to think, decide and act about each issue on one's life.5 - I suggest the authors to do everything possible to "market" and spread this concept URGENTLY. I simply can not imagine how much people live lives of fear and helplessness without ever finding a path to change. I'm in Brazil and I didn't found one single book in portuguese on MCT (ok, I can read in english, but how much people can't?). I also didn't found one single therapist who masters MCT in my country. I searched on Youtube and on BigThink and I did't find any video of Dr. Wells about MCT. This one book wasn't available on Kindle format for me to buy. Sorry for pressing on this, but I would like to see every single human being that could be helped by this, having the chance that I'm having.Go ahead and read. Also read the other book on MCT by Dr. Wells.If you wish you can reach me at: douglas.erp (at) gmail (dot) com

I found this book to be an extremely helpful book in looking at your thoughts in a whole new light different from other self help books. It is a little hard to understand in some parts, but with continued effort, once you grasp the concept, it is extremely helpful. It will prove to be very especially helpful if you have OCD issues or issues with ruminating thoughts. Its concept is different than cognitive therapy and I would highly recommend it.

This book includes a very well presented explanation and treatment manual for metacognitive therapy. This is an exciting new form of cognitive therapy that so far has had very promising findings for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. I use the model regularly in my clinical practice.

It's a very basic book about this approach, but is very up to date, so I think it's an excellent start for people who what to know what is metacognitive therapy. If you already read other books about this subject, probably you'll feel a little disappointed.

difficult to read

It's written for therapists but I was able to read it and it helped. Helped me identify my core beliefs. Changed the way I will speak from now on.

Good overview of both theory and practice of metacognitive therapy. The short chapters make it easy to read. It does assume some knowledge of CBT.

This book provides a solid overview of metacognitive therapy’s key concepts and how it differs from traditional CBT. I appreciated the clear structure, dividing theory and practice, and the use of thirty concise points made the material digestible. It’s a helpful resource for students and practitioners new to MCT, offering a good foundation. However, I found some sections a bit too brief, leaving me wanting more detailed examples and deeper discussion of the therapy in action. Overall, it’s a useful introduction but not quite comprehensive enough for those looking for an in-depth guide.