Choosing to Live: How to Defeat Suicide Through Cognitive Therapy (Paperback)

by Thomas E. Ellis (Author) "Soon after deciding to write this book, we discovered that it was going to be easier said than done..." (more)
Key Phrases: suicidal person, suicidal people, therapy contract, Murphy's Law, Albert Ellis, Alcoholics Anonymous (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Anyone who has contemplated suicide and anyone with a suicidal loved one will profit from the straightforward and helpful suggestions in this book".--Danny Wedding, Ph.D., M.P.H., Director, Missouri Institute of Mental Health. ". . . this easy-to-read book can help suicidal people understand their suffering while they take charge of their own healing".--Paul G. Quinnett, Ph.D., author of SUICIDE: THE FOREVER DECISION.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger; 1 edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572240563
• ISBN-13: 978-1572240568
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,302 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #20 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Suicide
  #40 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Death & Grief > Suicide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on the market regarding the issue of suicide., October 23, 1999

By A Customer

As an RN and a person with bipolar disorder, I have walked the tightrope of life/death scenerio many times. Stressors of daily living, family, divorce etc. had cause my cycling and depression to increase and had I have attempted suicide several times.

I have read extensively both selfhelp books and autobiographies of people with depression and bipolar disorder to no avail looking for help.

Although I am on medications and seeing a cognitive-behavorial therapist for some time and while I understood what he was saying. I wasn't able to assimiliate it until I read this book.

This book changed my life. I give this book freely to friends who are in need of answers for this book has both rich insite and the forthrightness that hits home.

Thank you,the authors, for writing it. It has closed the door to suicide forever for me and has truly changed my life.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for both the person struggling and for the clinician, February 8, 2000

By	"psych_prof" (Fredericksburg, VA) - See all my reviews

I do individual therapy and crisis intervention in a large community mental health center. This book has proven itself as an effective tool for helping those in crisis, as well as those who have an ongoing struggle with suicidal thoughts. This is, by far, the most practical, readable, and useful book written for the person struggling to stay alive. I encourage nearly all of the clients with whom I work to purchase and use this book. I even keep a loaner copy on hand for those who cannot afford it!

Perhaps the greatest strength of this book is the authors' ability to teach numerous proven therapy techniques while conveying a genuine concern and respect for the person struggling to stay alive. This helps create a sense of hope. For treatment providers, it models compassionate cognitive therapy for those who arguably need it most. I think this book should be required reading for mental health professionals whose training programs often do not adequately address work with suicidal individuals.

If you struggle with thoughts of suicide, know someone who does, or work in the field of mental health, I highly recommend this book. It will change the way you look at suicide.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book if you or a loved one is struggling, November 6, 1999

By	Patrizia "Patrizia" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

I read this book at a tough time in my life when I was being treated for depression and seeking and collecting reasons to "keep on keeping on." Besides clear information on the nature of depression and suicidal thinking, the book has several ways to personally interact with the material, through charts to complete, lists to make, etc. These help the reader to brainstorm about wiser and healthier responses to problems and sad or overwhelming emotions. It was a significant aid to the work that an experienced therapist was able to offer me. Now a few years later, as a counselor myself, I find I can use this book with my clients who are in therapy as a type of "homework" that they can work through on their own. I recommend this book as well to anyone who has a loved one dealing with suicidality. It will help you get inside his/her thinking so you can be a wiser helper. One cavaet: if you buy this book because you are wrestling with suicidal thinking or plans please also talk to your M.D., call a local crisis hotline (or 1-800-273-TALK) or 911, or go to your hospital's ER. Let a professional add his/her training to your wise and brave choice to live!