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Take Charge of Your Emotions: Seven Steps to Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Anger
Respected Christian Psychologist Helps Readers Find Relief from Emotional Pain
Linda J. Solie, a psychologist who has been in private practice for more than 20 years, says everyone can benefit from taking charge of their emotional health. She gives readers the skills to take control of their thoughts and behaviors by first identifying the problem thinking that creates painful feelings and undesirable conduct. Then using a seven-step process, she helps them change their feelings and behavior. Throughout the book the seven steps are applied to a variety of situations, both short term--such as a distressing mood--and longer term, including significant longstanding emotional pain. Grounded in faith, the reader's relationship with Jesus is always central to the process.
As William Backus pioneered a generation ago with Telling Yourself the Truth (more than 700,000 sold), Solie will reach thousands of readers who don't have easy access to mental health providers or can't afford them. Pastors and lay counselors will also find this an excellent resource to use and recommend.
Linda J. Solie, a psychologist who has been in private practice for more than 20 years, says everyone can benefit from taking charge of their emotional health. She gives readers the skills to take control of their thoughts and behaviors by first identifying the problem thinking that creates painful feelings and undesirable conduct. Then using a seven-step process, she helps them change their feelings and behavior. Throughout the book the seven steps are applied to a variety of situations, both short term--such as a distressing mood--and longer term, including significant longstanding emotional pain. Grounded in faith, the reader's relationship with Jesus is always central to the process.
As William Backus pioneered a generation ago with Telling Yourself the Truth (more than 700,000 sold), Solie will reach thousands of readers who don't have easy access to mental health providers or can't afford them. Pastors and lay counselors will also find this an excellent resource to use and recommend.
- GenresNonfictionPsychology
268 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2013
5 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 31, 2017
A book that is life-changing. It not only explains how our brains work, how flexible they are and how they can be transformed, but it also gives you practical tools to do so.
For the moments when you are overwhelmed, worried or stuck, when emotions make it hard to make good decisions. Linda's 7 steps will help you organize your thoughts and remind yourself of the things that are true and that matter most. You don't have to act impulsively, lead by emotions, but learn to put your thoughts in order and act accordingly.
I was especially honored and blessed to read this book, because it was written by my friend Linda. It marked a changing point in my life and I am very grateful for it!
For the moments when you are overwhelmed, worried or stuck, when emotions make it hard to make good decisions. Linda's 7 steps will help you organize your thoughts and remind yourself of the things that are true and that matter most. You don't have to act impulsively, lead by emotions, but learn to put your thoughts in order and act accordingly.
I was especially honored and blessed to read this book, because it was written by my friend Linda. It marked a changing point in my life and I am very grateful for it!
November 11, 2013
“Take Charge of Your Emotions” is a Stand Out in the Self-Help Section!
There are self-help books and there are great books on helping yourself. “Take Charge of Your Emotions” is a terrific resource for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or anger. Using a practical and pragmatic approach, Dr. Linda Solie gives the reader a workable and simple set of exercises to begin tackling the overwhelming emotions that can beset a person. One of the many things I loved about this book was Dr. Solie’s down-to-earth approach. Often, self-help books from the Christian sector can leave a reader feeling that their problems stem from a “lack of faith” and, instead of helping, leave the reader feeling like a failure. Dr. Solie offers the reader choices, not platitudes, and practical steps to put those choices into action.
If you struggle to control your emotions regularly or just on occasion, this is a truly great book with advice that can move right off the page and into your daily life. Pick up a copy and give it a try. I’m pretty certain you’ll be glad you did!
This book was provided to me by Bethany House for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!
There are self-help books and there are great books on helping yourself. “Take Charge of Your Emotions” is a terrific resource for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or anger. Using a practical and pragmatic approach, Dr. Linda Solie gives the reader a workable and simple set of exercises to begin tackling the overwhelming emotions that can beset a person. One of the many things I loved about this book was Dr. Solie’s down-to-earth approach. Often, self-help books from the Christian sector can leave a reader feeling that their problems stem from a “lack of faith” and, instead of helping, leave the reader feeling like a failure. Dr. Solie offers the reader choices, not platitudes, and practical steps to put those choices into action.
If you struggle to control your emotions regularly or just on occasion, this is a truly great book with advice that can move right off the page and into your daily life. Pick up a copy and give it a try. I’m pretty certain you’ll be glad you did!
This book was provided to me by Bethany House for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!
December 30, 2020
A book that provides real tools that help understand and manage emotions. It is full of examples that help put in practice the taught methods. Love this book!
November 9, 2013
http://www.taunyasplace.com/2013/11/0...
After spending 10 years using anti-depressants I’m ready for a change. Whether I transfer to a new medication, find natural alternatives or completely wean off the medication, I need a change. To prepare myself I have been reading various materials. When Bethany House offered Take Charge of Your Emotions: Seven Steps to Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Anger for review I requested to be included. 2 months later and I FINALLY finished the book.
Linda J. Solie is a licensed psychologist. She has been helping clients with emotional challenges for over 30 years. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association. She is well-qualified to speak about the subject matter. The fact that she is a believer was a bonus for me.
The book is divided into four parts. The first three parts examine how to find relief from the issue. The fourth part brings the first three together.
Empowered Through Thoughts and Behaviors
Empowered Through Jesus Christ
Empowered Through People
Taking Charge of Your Emotions
The tools included will bring change to anyone willing to walk down the path to healing!
I gleaned the most from part I. As a person who was told to "think positively" I often find myself failing. When I read Linda’s description of self-talk it made sense. Instead of thinking positively or negatively, I can examine my thoughts. Is this helpful? Unhelpful? What are the facts? Are my feelings productive? Such self-examination has already made a difference. For example, the rainy season has begun and it usually depresses me. For days. Sometimes weeks. I was able to get that down to about 10 hours. This stuff works!
The book has many examples, diagrams and charts. This overwhelmed me (thus the 2 months to read the book!). HOWEVER, I can see the benefit. This book is FULL of information. And the way it is laid out allowed me to "jump" to an area I wanted to work on.
Overall, I think this is one of the best books on depression and anxiety from a faith-based perspective. Ever. It is not afraid to combine faith and psychology. It doesn’t analyze God away and it doesn’t just whitewash real psychological facts. I highly recommend this book!
After spending 10 years using anti-depressants I’m ready for a change. Whether I transfer to a new medication, find natural alternatives or completely wean off the medication, I need a change. To prepare myself I have been reading various materials. When Bethany House offered Take Charge of Your Emotions: Seven Steps to Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Anger for review I requested to be included. 2 months later and I FINALLY finished the book.
Linda J. Solie is a licensed psychologist. She has been helping clients with emotional challenges for over 30 years. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association. She is well-qualified to speak about the subject matter. The fact that she is a believer was a bonus for me.
The book is divided into four parts. The first three parts examine how to find relief from the issue. The fourth part brings the first three together.
Empowered Through Thoughts and Behaviors
Empowered Through Jesus Christ
Empowered Through People
Taking Charge of Your Emotions
The tools included will bring change to anyone willing to walk down the path to healing!
I gleaned the most from part I. As a person who was told to "think positively" I often find myself failing. When I read Linda’s description of self-talk it made sense. Instead of thinking positively or negatively, I can examine my thoughts. Is this helpful? Unhelpful? What are the facts? Are my feelings productive? Such self-examination has already made a difference. For example, the rainy season has begun and it usually depresses me. For days. Sometimes weeks. I was able to get that down to about 10 hours. This stuff works!
The book has many examples, diagrams and charts. This overwhelmed me (thus the 2 months to read the book!). HOWEVER, I can see the benefit. This book is FULL of information. And the way it is laid out allowed me to "jump" to an area I wanted to work on.
Overall, I think this is one of the best books on depression and anxiety from a faith-based perspective. Ever. It is not afraid to combine faith and psychology. It doesn’t analyze God away and it doesn’t just whitewash real psychological facts. I highly recommend this book!
January 29, 2016
I truly recommend this to anyone who's finding a hard time to control emotions or to be vulnerable and sincere about the way they feel.
It gave me a great tool about bringing my inner world to order. The book describes the 7 steps of the self talk we should go through to understand why we do what we do and if this is healthy or not. The author's idea behind the book is that she doesn't want emotions to control people, but rather people to be able to control their emotions.
It gave me a great tool about bringing my inner world to order. The book describes the 7 steps of the self talk we should go through to understand why we do what we do and if this is healthy or not. The author's idea behind the book is that she doesn't want emotions to control people, but rather people to be able to control their emotions.
April 12, 2019
I received this book through a Goodreads.com giveaway. This book is a keeper. It was very well researched and reads very scholarly. It has lots of tables and lists, however, there it seemed to have some repetitive information too. More narratives would have made it more interesting. There are a lot of good ideas to refer back to in the book. It provides steps to get through those difficult times that a lot of us go through. I loved the references to Christianity and heaven. Left off on page 124 as I am just not in a stressful place anymore. Includes a back of the book index and notes.
December 11, 2013
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety in your life? Are there situations in your life that you have a hard time overcoming? Take Charge of Your Emotions: Seven Steps to Overcoming Depression, Anxiety and Anger by Dr. Linda J. Solie would be a great book for you to pick up and read. Life throws so much at us and often we make choices that aren't healthy for us. These choices hold us captive and seem to control our lives. Dr. Linda J. Solie's seven steps can really help you to pinpoint "unhelpful self-talk" and turn it into "helpful self-talk." This book is a great tool for helping to transform your thinking and putting your focus back on Christ instead of yourself.
I really liked reading through this book. As a person who struggles with depression, I found it quite helpful in pinpointing my negative thinking. But this book doesn't just point out what's wrong, it helps lead you to correct the problem. I also appreciated that the author pointed to Christ as the answer! We do not have the power in our flesh to overcome sin. Only Christ can give us the power to be more than conquerors. If you're struggling or know of someone who is, this would be a great book to pick up and start reading. You can read the introduction and first chapter below.
**I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really liked reading through this book. As a person who struggles with depression, I found it quite helpful in pinpointing my negative thinking. But this book doesn't just point out what's wrong, it helps lead you to correct the problem. I also appreciated that the author pointed to Christ as the answer! We do not have the power in our flesh to overcome sin. Only Christ can give us the power to be more than conquerors. If you're struggling or know of someone who is, this would be a great book to pick up and start reading. You can read the introduction and first chapter below.
**I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2020
Borrowed this book from my bestfriend in hope's of understanding how to deal with depression, anger and insecurities. It's somehow a battle in me to experience depression while you are a Christian and this book helped me understand the root cause of these things and some of the ways on how can you deal with it.
One thing I've learned from this book is your self-talk affect how you view yourself and your behavior. A passage from the Bible says, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
The ways mentioned here like writing down unhelpful and helpful self-talk is surely going to take some work but if you are intentional about healing, it can be done and you'll realize how your reasoning can go from acceptable to unreasonable... hurts, but truth. I had this moments when I write about my feelings and in the end I'll notice that these feelings came out from my selfishness in the first place, I was just trying to defend and justify it with other reasons.
Very helpful book and it's more helpful because the author is a Christian psychologist.
One thing I've learned from this book is your self-talk affect how you view yourself and your behavior. A passage from the Bible says, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
The ways mentioned here like writing down unhelpful and helpful self-talk is surely going to take some work but if you are intentional about healing, it can be done and you'll realize how your reasoning can go from acceptable to unreasonable... hurts, but truth. I had this moments when I write about my feelings and in the end I'll notice that these feelings came out from my selfishness in the first place, I was just trying to defend and justify it with other reasons.
Very helpful book and it's more helpful because the author is a Christian psychologist.
November 17, 2013
I heard the author speak and immediately purchased her book. Her premise is that we all struggle with disturbing emotions. The way past them is through a relationship with God, with other people, and positive self talk.
Contrary to "the power of positive thinking," the book acknowledges that we need much more than positive thought to turn our depression and anxiety aroung.
This is not a book you read. If you want to work on positive self talk, you must do the workbook section, which is an excellent guide to help you turn your negative thoughts into positive, productive ones. It is worth spending an intensive month on this section. The author lays out step-by-step how we can help ourselves overcome negative self talk.
Excellent resource that I will return to in the years to come.
Contrary to "the power of positive thinking," the book acknowledges that we need much more than positive thought to turn our depression and anxiety aroung.
This is not a book you read. If you want to work on positive self talk, you must do the workbook section, which is an excellent guide to help you turn your negative thoughts into positive, productive ones. It is worth spending an intensive month on this section. The author lays out step-by-step how we can help ourselves overcome negative self talk.
Excellent resource that I will return to in the years to come.
May 22, 2014
Only read this book if you are really interested in working on how you handle your emotions. If you are not into it this book will read like a text book and not be interesting at all. I gave this book 4/5 stars. I thought the idea of the book was great and really feel like the author did a great job of laying out a plan of action for the reader. I did find parts of it to be too technical and not as practical as others. I think the book could have been shorter and more to the point but overall it will be helpful to those needing guidance.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
August 13, 2017
I thought that this book was very helpful in changing a MAJOR habit that was in my life without me even knowing...and that is unhelpful self talk. It helped me to discover when I was doing this and how to replace it with helpful (not positive) self talk. It gets me to the root of my problem and fosters real change.
June 22, 2016
Practical & helpful for counseling.
"Paul wrote a very practical prescription for mental health: 'Brothers & sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.' ... Take charge of your emotions by thinking and doing what is true."
"Paul wrote a very practical prescription for mental health: 'Brothers & sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.' ... Take charge of your emotions by thinking and doing what is true."
January 12, 2015
This book offers realistic ways to manage uncomfortable emotions, however, you need to be interested in addressing the issue and working through the 7-steps. Otherwise, the book will be technical and read like a text book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews