Bibliotherapy Restart

O My Soul:

I can actually read books again.

I so much enjoyed getting into some pleasurable books and filling my mind some fluff and some classical literature the last few months. It's been a long time since I could read for pleasure. Summer is passing but I will remember the summer of 2010 as the summer I could read even if the gift is once again taken from me.

I am certain my resiliency toolbox is unequipped to handle a setback, so I'm back to getting help. What am I working on?

First, I'm meeting my Father Confessor this Friday.
Second, I'm on a short waiting list for a Phd. Psychologist.
Third, I'm restarting the home bibliotherapy I never really began.
(Fourth, please don't ask how much I run or even walk.)

Bibliotherapy is simply working through a workbook. The one I'm using is The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-By-Step Program by William J. Knaus, Ed.D

What do I hope to achieve (put in my toolbox):

1. Lists of ideas to curb depression.

2. Practice exercises to counter and debunk depressive thinking and strengthen coping skills.

3. Reinforcement of key ideas in different contexts.

4. Optional way to counteract depressive thinking (and the depressive feelings).

5. Guiding principles.

6. Metaphors, similes, analogies, fables, and parables to make important ideas memorable.

7. Encouragement.

8. New technologies and innovations for defeating depression.

Anyway this is what the book says it will help me accomplish. This approach isn't for everyone and I'm not at all dismissing God's Word. Some of the toughest parts in all this will be one on one with a trained psychologist, and even tougher will be one on one with my pastor. God bless them all.

-oms