Learning to Tell Myself the Truth [Paperback]

William Backus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1994

A six-week guide to freedom from anger, anxiety, perfectionism and more that utilizes the principles of truth therapy. Workbook format.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. William Backus is founder of the Center for Christian Psychological Services, and an ordained clergyman in the Lutheran church. He is also a licensed Consulting Psychologist. He has a master's degree in theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minnesota.



Dr. Backus has conducted follow-up studies of his clients, which show a 95 percent improvement rate, compared to a 67 percent success rate for other methods of therapy. The difference, Dr. Backus says, is "the truth of God as revealed in the Word."



In addition, he serves as an assistant pastor on the staff of North Heights Lutheran Church, Roseville, Minnesota, where he has founded and directed a lay-staffed free counseling clinic. He and his wife live in Minnesota.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556612907
• ISBN-13: 978-1556612909
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William D. Backus was founder of the Center for Christian Psychological Services, a licensed consulting psychologist, and an ordained minister. Dr. Backus passed away in June 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Devotional Style Book (30 - One months Worth), June 9, 1998

By A Customer

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This review is from: Learning to Tell Myself the Truth (Paperback)

OUTSTANDING! This book should be required reading for anyone who can read and is even of modest maturity. Written with simplicity, yet wisdom, even a 14 year old would get tremendous value out of reading this book, and a 50 year old, even more. Backus, by taking the reader through simply exercises, helps the reader to better understand the cause and affect of their emotions. (Yes, the mind can mistake the cause of unpleasantries, as Backus so vividy explains; and why this is so.) By gaining a better understanding of his/her emotions, and their causes, the reader is equipped with tools to respond, not react, in a healthier, more positive way to outside/past circumstances. PLUS, with the new "emotional handling tools", the reader quickly find herself/himself becoming much less frustrated and emotionally exasperated with the realities of life, past, and relationships. William Backus does it again, producing a full scale, level 10, class 1, five star devotional tool. I would recommend it to EVERY ONE.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, May 18, 2007

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Mom of 4 (Illinois) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Learning to Tell Myself the Truth (Paperback)

I would highly recommend this book if you suffer from mild or severe depression, anxiety, anger, or perfectionism, and are looking for help from a Christian perspective. I have never been diagnosed with any of these, but know I have some tendencies in a couple areas, as probably do most people. I admit I did not take 6 weeks to work through the book, but read pretty much straight through, taking more time in certain chapters. It's been a great help to me!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Eye Opener !, November 9, 2006

By 

D. Miller "Window Shopper" (Southeast USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learning to Tell Myself the Truth (Paperback)

I consider myself a perceptive, intelligent Christian with a balanced perspective of my life...but I was somewhat humbled (understatement!) by the author's techniques that truly put the spotlight on MY life. I began to acknowledge the mistruths, defined as core ideas I acted on and made decisions on that were actually false ideas, even lies...formed by my own foolishness and misinterpretations of life's experiences. I then saw how those lies led me to act in ways that were not in alignment with God's will or with general basic moral standards. But this book gave me the tools to rebuild these inner beliefs and change my thoughts and actions for the better. All of this was done without any complicated or far-fetched philosophical exercises; just some basic reflection and "diagramming" on paper my beliefs and their characteristics. "Learning to Tell Myself the Truth" is a must read (or a "must do") for anyone struggling with self-esteem, addiction, a sense of having no real purpose, or just trying to understand your role in this world...I think that covers us all! Five stars in my opinion.