Choosing to Live: How to Defeat Suicide Through Cognitive Therapy

The remaining chapters deal with various cognitive distortions and strategies. These thought distortions such as all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and shoulds and musts, can be the precursors of aggravation. They are also the fuel that maintain and worsen the suicidal fire.

The book's cognitive behavioral interventions to manage and control suicidal thoughts are remarkable. I like the "Socratic Method"-asking the right questions to create clarity in ones thinking. "Logical/Empirical Approach" is also an effective way of dispelling inappropriate thoughts about oneself. For instance, if you believe that you're performing poorly at work, then you have to start "testing" the validity of such belief.

Choosing to live has offered a lot of strategies-ventilation, mobilizing support networks, and distraction-that sound reasonable and easy to do. I therefore recommend this book to anyone who desperately needs to cope.


Cognitive therapy   February 22, 2001
 23 out of 28 found this review helpful

I read this book for obvious reasons. I believe that this is a valuable book for many people out there who are suffering so much that living has become unbearable. However, in my case, it didn't give me the help that I needed. I don't have answers of why, since other reviews show positive accomplishment. I am severely depressed and found myself struggling very hard to do the book's homework. Regardless, I worked on the procedures and even felt positive for a very brief moment but unfortunately I am back to square one.


Perfect for both the person struggling and for the clinician   February 8, 2000
 27 out of 27 found this review helpful

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.