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Feeling Good

David Burns

Challenge negative thoughts with practical cognitive behavioural techniques that improve mood and build healthier mental habits.

19 min5 Chapters
Feeling Good

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1:26

Outline

What's it about?

Feeling Good (1980) introduced millions of readers to cognitive behavioural therapy, a practical method for overcoming depression and anxiety. David Burns explains how distorted thoughts, such as all-or-nothing thinking and jumping to conclusions, create painful emotions, and shows readers how to identify and challenge them. With clear exercises, the book helps people improve their mood and self-esteem without waiting for outside help.

Key ideas

  • Feeling Good (1980) introduced millions of readers to cognitive behavioural therapy, a practical method for working through depression and anxiety.
  • Distorted thoughts, such as all-or-nothing thinking and jumping to conclusions, create painful emotions.
  • Burns shows readers how to spot their own distorted thoughts and challenge them.
  • Clear exercises help readers improve their mood and self-esteem without waiting for outside help.

About the author

David Burns is an American psychiatrist and adjunct clinical professor emeritus at Stanford University School of Medicine. He helped popularise cognitive behavioural therapy and later developed a newer approach called TEAM therapy. His books include Feeling Good, The Feeling Good Handbook, and Feeling Great.

Questions people ask

What is the main idea of Feeling Good by David Burns?

Painful emotions come from distorted thoughts, such as all-or-nothing thinking and jumping to conclusions. Burns teaches readers to identify those thoughts and challenge them using cognitive behavioural techniques.

Who is Feeling Good for?

It is for readers who want a practical method for dealing with depression and anxiety and for building self-esteem. Its exercises are written so people can apply them on their own.

How long is the Durar summary of Feeling Good?

The Durar summary takes about 15 minutes to read or listen to. It covers how distorted thoughts shape mood and how the book's exercises help readers challenge them.

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