Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

If you have ever felt caught in a spiral of negative thinking and wished you had a practical way out, this book offers exactly that. I recommend it to clients who are struggling with anxiety, low mood, or harsh self-criticism and who appreciate a structured, skill-based approach.

Who This Book Is For

This book is for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or a general sense of being weighed down by negative thinking. It is especially useful if you are the kind of person who likes clear, practical tools — worksheets, exercises, step-by-step methods. It works well alongside therapy, giving you concrete skills to practice between sessions.

What It's About

David Burns was one of the pioneers of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and this book is the result of decades of clinical experience. It provides a clear, practical framework for understanding how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence each other — and, more importantly, how to change them. The book is filled with real-life examples and simple techniques you can apply immediately. What I appreciate most is how it demystifies the process of change. It breaks big, overwhelming problems into small, manageable steps.

Key Topics

• Cognitive Distortions — Learning to recognise the common thinking traps that fuel anxiety and depression, such as all-or-nothing thinking, mind-reading, and catastrophising
• Thought Records — A simple but powerful tool for examining and reframing unhelpful thoughts
• Behavioural Activation — Using small, intentional actions to lift mood and build momentum
• Verbal Judo — Practical techniques for communicating with your inner critic
• Building Self-Esteem — Moving beyond affirmation-based approaches to genuine self-acceptance

Why I Recommend It

CBT is one of the approaches I use at Little Big Journeys, and this book is the most practical introduction I know. It works beautifully alongside the work we do in sessions — giving you tools to practise in between and helping you become your own therapist over time. Many clients have told me that having these skills to turn to made a significant difference in their day-to-day lives.

Visit Dr David Burns's website to purchase or learn more ↗