COGNITIVE THERAPY AND THE EMOTIONAL DISORDERS
337 Pages
Aaron T. Beck, M.D.
Meridian Books, 1979

Presents the concept that a person's psychological difficulties stem from erroneous assumptions, faulty concepts of himself/herself, and of the world. The author puts forth the idea that such a person can be helped to recognize and correct distortions in thinking that cause emotional disturbance.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Learn the meaning of hidden messages.
• Identify automatic thoughts
• Identify the roles of sadness, anger and anxiety
• Explain how to understand and overcome phobias and depression
• Explain how the cognitive system of therapy can be applied to specific problems

HOW TO RAISE YOUR SELF-ESTEEM
166 Pages
Nathaniel Branden-Bantam Books  1991

This offering builds on the concepts presented in The Psychology of Self-Esteem, by the same author.  The difference between low self-esteem and high self-esteem is the difference between passivity and action, between failure and success.  Effective techniques are presented:

• Breaking free from negative self-concept/self-defeating behavior.
• Dissolving internal barriers to success in work and love
• Overcoming anxiety, depression, guilt, and anger

LIFE STRATEGIES
304 Pages
Doing What Works - Doing What Matters
Philip C. McGraw, Ph.D., Hyperion, 1999

The author presents a variety of strategies for coping with the drama and traumas of life.  He presents an organized methodology for dealing with the realities of life, with emphasis on the concept that it is not too late to change one's approach to living.  He identifies a myriad of problems and a realistic way to deal with them.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to identify:

• The Ten Laws of Life
• Seven Steps to acquiring one's goals
• A results based assessment of managing one's life 

SELF MATTERS
309 Pages
Dr. Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.
Simon & Schuster Source, 2001

The author explores how one's self-concept came to be, and presents an approach to creating a plan for living.  He challenges the reader to find one's "authentic self" - the person each of us has always wanted to be.  This, in contrast to the "fictional self" a person one believes he "should" be and the "person" others reinforce.  A plan is given on how to demystify one's self-concept, and how to reclaim one's authentic self.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to identify:

• What are defining moments in a persons life?
• Seven critical choices
• Who are pivotal people and how they shape a person

THE SIX PILLARS OF SELF-ESTEEM
341 Pages
Nathaniel Branden, 1995

• Six action-based practices for daily living
• Simple exercises for increasing personal awareness and effectiveness
• The importance of self-esteem in the workforce, parenting, education, psychotherapy, and society