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Mind Over Mood

Article  in  Alcohol and Alcoholism · February 2016

DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agv143

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Book Review
Mind Over Mood, 2nd Edition. D. Greenberger and C. Padesky (2016) New York, The Guilford
Press (also available as e-book), ISBN 9781462520428, Pb, 338 pages; US$22.91
For those familiar with the world of CBT, these authors are particularly
well-known and to have a new edition of what has become a classic of
CBT practice is welcome. In the apt words of Aaron Beck, who supplies
the Foreword, the authors, ‘have distilled the wisdom and science of
psychotherapy and written an easily understandable manual for change’
(p. vii). He further suggests that the manual offers a vehicle and road-
map for those seeking to make significant changes to their lives.
As an eminently practical book, the authors waste no time in get-
ting down to business, with the laying out of considerations, strategies
and skills that address a range of problems, including depression,
anxiety, panic, jealousy, guilt and shame. In addition, relationship
problems and those associated with low self-esteem can also be
addressed. Although the substance misuse is mentioned in the same
breath, it is not covered in a specific way, which, arguably, is a weak-
ness. Helpfully, however, the authors introduce us to a range of hypo-
thetic clients through the book, which help bring life to the exercises
and reminders.
The content of the strategies and skills will come as no surprise to
CBT practitioners, although even to those experienced in this ap-
proach it is useful to have such as trove of good practice. It is eminently
© The Author 2016. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved
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Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2016, 51(4) 503
doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agv143
Advance Access Publication Date: 8 February 2016
Book Review
readable and explains the ways in which CBT addresses thoughts
(‘cognitions’), beliefs, behaviours that connect to our moods, physical
experiences and response to life events, both minor and major. There
are many worksheets which can be used in therapy and/or for home-
work tasks. This second edition adds areas associated with ‘third-
wave of CBT’, including mindfulness, acceptance, forgiveness, grati-
tude and positive psychology.
With respect to addiction, whilst this is not a focus in the book,
there are many links to the co-morbid issues and complexities faced
by those with substance misuse. So, for therapists working with
those who are making changes, are in early abstinence or longer-term
recovery, there is a great deal that can be gained from the book. Addic-
tions are associated with many areas of psychosocial adversity and it is
a considerable challenge for addicted individuals to learn the art and
practice of living without substances. Recovery is unfamiliar territory
and individuals easily fall back upon ‘old behaviours’, which include
particular thinking patterns and way of responding to (or ignoring)
distress, or relating to others in ways that do no help progress. For
real progress to occur, those in recovery require a whole range of alter-
native cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal repertoires. And re-
gardless of how that change is brought about, whether through
mutual-help, professional therapy, and/or other lifestyle changes, ar-
guably the same kinds of psychological changes have to occur. And
that might also include practices of forgiveness and self-reparation
with respect to the problematic behaviour and using of the past.
This is a justly famous book, with a welcome expanded content.
I would have no hesitation in recommending it to practitioners, as
well as clients, in the field of mental health, including substance mis-
use. It ends on an upbeat note, with the hope that the book, ‘has
helped you learn new skills and to transform irritants and problems
in your life into new coping strategies and strengths’ ( p. 296).
Martin Weegmann
Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist, London, UK
E-mail: weegmann.martin@gmail.com
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