The User's Guide to the Human Mind: Why Our Brains Make Us Unhappy, Anxious, and Neurotic and What We Can Do about It

by Shawn T. Smith PsyD

Overview

Your mind is not built to make you happy; it’s built to help you survive. So far, it’s done a great job! But in the process, it may have developed some bad habits, like avoiding new experiences or scrounging around for problems where none exist. Is it any wonder that worry, bad moods, and self-critical thoughts so often get in the way of enjoying life?

Based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), The User’s Guide to the Human Mind is a road map to the puzzling inner workings of the human mind, replete with exercises for overriding the mind’s natural impulses toward worry, self-criticism, and fear, and helpful tips for acting in the service of your values and emotional well-being—even when your mind has other plans.

•Find out how your mind tries to limit your behavior and your potential
•Discover how pessimism functions as your mind’s error management system
•Learn why you shouldn’t believe everything you think
•Overrule your thoughts and feelings and take charge of your mind and your life

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608826049
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	12/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	404 KB

About the Author

Shawn T. Smith, PsyD, is a psychologist in private practice who has enjoyed a lifelong fascination with the mind. He has done clinical work in diverse locations, including a rape crisis clinic, the International Commission on Missing Persons in Bosnia, and the Colorado prison system. Smith lives in Denver, CO, with his wife, daughter, and their dog.

Shawn T. Smith, PsyD, is a psychologist in private practice in Denver, CO. He is author of the book The User's Guide to the Human Mind, and writes a blog at ironshrink.com. Smith enjoys various manly activities, including being a husband and father. He lives with his wife and daughter, and their dog.

Editorial Reviews

You’ve been using the tool between your ears your whole life, but how often have you considered what it is and what it is good for? No user’s manual came with it, but this book helps make up for that shipping mistake. You would not use your dishwasher without cracking the manual. Come on. Time to take a look!”
—Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada and author of Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life

From the Publisher