You can find below a selection of helpful resources.
Please note that whilst we hope that these resources are useful, the Counselling Service does not endorse the opinions expressed by other parties.
The Counselling Service suggests that people check the data collecting practices of online tools and apps that track mental health.
You will also find Brene Brown's TED Talk on Vulnerability at the end of this page.
UCS LEAFLET
WEBSITES
The Compassionate Mind Foundation - Understanding and Applying Compassion
The School of Life - Developing Emotional Intelligence
OTHER RESOURCES
The Compassionate Mind Foundation - Audio Resources for Compassion
Mind - A-Z Mental Health Leaflets
Psychology Tools - Self-Esteem
BOOKS
Disclaimer
The descriptions given are intended to provide a summary of the contents but should not be taken to imply that the Counselling Service endorses the opinions expressed.
The Compassionate Mind Workbook: A step-by-step guide to developing your compassionate self
Chris Irons & Elaine Beaumont, Robinson, 2017
This workbook is a step-by-step guide to Compassion Focussed Therapy in which the chapters build your understanding of yourself, the skills that give rise to a compassionate mind, and ways to work with difficulties you are struggling with. The exercises, prompts and case stories aim to provide understandable and practice ways to develop compassion.
The Chimp Paradox:The Mind Management Program to Help you achieve
success, Confidnece and Happiness
Dr Steve Peters, 2013
Dr. Peters explains the struggle that takes place within your mind and then shows you how to apply this understanding. Once you're armed with this new knowledge, you will be able to utilize your chimp for good, rather than letting your chimp run rampant with its own agenda.
Daring Greatly
Brene Brown, 2013
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it neans to be vulnerable, or to dare greatly. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Base on twelve years of research, Dr Brown argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection.
Assertiveness at Work: a practical guide to handling awkward situations
Ken & Kate Back, McGraw-Hill, 2005
A self-training book designed to meet manager's needs for work situation applications. It provides practical suggestions for developing assertiveness in a range of familiar situations, in a way that minimises conflict and stress.
Overcoming Social Anxiety & Shyness
Gillian Butler, Robinson, 2009
A CBT self-help book describing techniques to help you to overcome your social anxiety and shyness.
Overcoming Social Anxiety & Shyness: Self-Help Course
Gillian Butler, Robinson, 2007
A three-part CBT self-help programme to help you overcome your social anxiety and shyness.
A Woman In Your Own Right: Assertiveness and You
Anne Dickson, Quartet, Revised Edition 2013
Dickson defines assertiveness as the art of clear, honest and direct communication. An assertive approach builds self-esteem and strengthens our ability to make our own choices in life, by helping us to manage the anxiety and stress of communicating in difficult situations.
Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: Self-Help Course
Melanie Fennel, Robinson, 2006
A three-part CBT self-help programme to help you overcome your low self-esteem.
Self-Esteem
Gael Lindenfield, Harper Collins, 2014
This book seeks to provide a practical program aimed at making the reader feel more energised and self-reliant.
Managing Anger
Gael Lindenfield, Harper Collins, 2011
Anger can be a dangerous force. It can lead to destructiveness, violence, bitterness, misery and guilt. Lindenfield seeks to explain the effects of anger on our minds and bodies, and suggests ways of dealing both with our own anger and that of other people.
Assert Yourself
Gael Lindenfield, Harper Collins, 2012
Aims to show readers how to improve their self-esteem and motivation, cope with unfair criticism and exploitation, and set goals for themselves.
A Guide to Compassionate Assertiveness: How to Express Your
Needs and Deal with Conflict While Keeping a Kind Heart
Sherrie Mansfield Vavrichek, 2012
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based assertiveness training and Buddhist psychology helps the reader practice assertiveness skills while caring about the welfare of others. The book helps readers develop a form of assertiveness that emphasizes collaboration, negotiation, and compromise.
How to be Assertive in any Situation
Sue Hadfield & Gill Hasson, 2010
The book includes real-life examples and motivating scenarios that will show you how to make your voice heard. It includes techniques to make sure your opinions are always respected and to deal confidently and effectively with other people.
Overcoming Anger and Irritability
Dr William Davies, 2009
A self-help manual for those struggling with almost constant irritabillity and flashes of bad temper. The book helps the reader understand why such behaviour occurs and what can be done to prevent it.
The Compassionate Mind Approach to Building Self-Confidence
Series Editor, Paul Gilbert, 2012
Helps the reader to recognize self-critical behavior and to understand the impact it may be having on their life. Based on Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), the reader will learn techniques to help them to improve their self-confidence and fulfill their goals and aspirations.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed
to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brene Brown PH.D, 2010
A leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living- a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.
Change For The Better
Elizabeth Wilde McCormick, Sage Publications Ltd, 4th Edition 2012
Presents an easy-to-follow programme that helps to develop insights into the old patterns that govern our choices. It shows how to identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour and how to go about changing them in a realistic way.