Review of The Habit Change Workbook

This clear, comprehensive, and well-organized workbook is the best I have seen yet at applying the proven methods of cognitive-behavioral therapy for habit change in a self-help format.

The methods outlined in the Habit Change Workbook are applicable to a wide range of habits, including nervous habits, habits related to sleeping problems, health-related lifestyle behaviors, interpersonal behavior, excessive leisure activities, excessive shopping and spending, and problem gambling. Readers who wish to change substance use (including nicotine) are advised to seek substance-specific professional help before using the methods in the workbook to make related lifestyle changes. Readers with obsessive-compulsive disorder are also advised to seek professional help in addition to making use of the methods in the workbook.

Brief introductory chapters help readers determine whether their habits are good, bad, or neutral, and to decide whether and how they should be changed. They also include a clear explanation of the cognitive-behavioral understanding of how habits developed and how they can be changed.

Most of the book is devoted to a step-by-step habit change plan, beginning with assessing the habit including its triggers and consequences, and associated thoughts and feelings. There is a nod to motivational issues in a chapter on getting ready to change, followed by detailed instructions for identifying a competing response, relaxation techniques, changing automatic thoughts, developing beneficial habits, and maintaining gains. Extensive examples and interactive exercises guide the reader through each step. The writing style is clear and authoritative throughout, without talking down to the reader. The next section includes detailed guidance for applying the general habit change approach to several specific habits. Finally, a brief chapter is devoted to group or family habit change planning. An extensive bibliography includes additional self-help resources.

Deborah H. A. Van Horn, Ph. D. - January 30, 2005