Authors:

Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif

Year Published:

2017

Category:

Anxiety, OCD

Review:

We all deal with unwanted intrusive thoughts; for some people, they are just fleeing thoughts that come and go. However, some people get stuck in the thoughts and they become distressing for the individual. The authors help to shed light on what unwanted intrusive thoughts are, how people can get stuck in them, and how they contribute to beliefs people hold about themselves. The authors explore the different types of intrusive thoughts, they dispel the myths of what these thoughts mean (i.e. ‘I’m a terrible person,’ ‘I must be a pervert,’ ‘There is something wrong with me,’ etc.). The authors discuss how the brain works in conjuring up the unwanted intrusive thoughts, along with explaining unhelpful patterns people attempt to engage in that just makes them even more stuck in the patterns and distress. Finally, the authors offer practical ways to cope with the unwanted intrusive thoughts, and they explore what recovery looks like.

This book helps people to gain a better understanding of what specifically unwanted intrusive thoughts are and how they work, which can lead to a sense of freedom, healing, and relief for people that become stuck in these thought patterns. It also can help people who do not struggle with getting stuck in these thoughts to better understand what their loved ones may be going through.

This book is recommended for individuals struggling with unwanted intrusive thoughts, and therapists who work with individuals who deal with this issue and are seeking to gain a better understanding of how best to help their clients.