| Abstract: | Reviews the book The mindful way through depression: Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness by J. Mark G. Williams, John D. Teasdale, Zindel V. Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn (see record 2007-10791-000). This book is written as a lay companion piece to the therapist manual Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale (2002). Part 1 begins with a discussion of mind, body, and emotion. In chapter 1, the authors present their theory on the recurrence of depression, illustrating patterns of thought and behaviour that will be very familiar to readers with a history of depression. Part 2 of the book explores specific techniques to begin cultivating the mindful "being mode" and incorporating it into everyday life and formal practice. Traditional practices such as mindfulness of taste, breathing, and bodily sensations, are introduced with detailed instructions that parallel the instructions on the accompanying CD. Part 3 explores the more difficult areas of mindfulness of feelings and thoughts. Finally, the "3-min breathing space" is introduced as a technique to help bring the formal practice into the everyday realm. This involves three steps and can be used at any time; most helpful may be during a crisis situation or shortly thereafter. The book ends with a detailed week-by-week schedule of chapter readings, practices to engage in and CD tracks for daily guided meditations. Overall, the reader is left feeling hopeful and excited about the possibility of being truly free from chronic unhappiness and fully alive. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
