Almost Happy: Pushing Your Buttons With Reverse Psychology

by Brian Kaplan MD, Hephzibah Kaplan

Almost Happy introduces the reader to a practical and accessible way to use humour to galvanise meaningful change. It's a proven fact; we are healthier and happier when we are laughing. Not only is laughter good for our body, mind, and spirit, but it can also help us face the uncomfortable challenge of dealing with our personal difficulties. Warm-hearted Reverse Psychology is used to provoke us to discover, own, and enact authentic solutions to many of our issues. The 114 original badge designs (also available as wearable buttons) were designed as stirring visual communications to enhance the provocative process. The process is based on three core 1. People don't like being told what to do. 2. Reverse Psychology, a technique known to most parents, also works brilliantly on adults. 3. Irony, satire and parody ­– when used warmly and responsibly – can provoke the emergence of conscience and common sense. Are you ready to read a book that will gently tease you about your issues? The buttons and provocative suJESTions are offered with a twinkle in the eye and affection in the heart.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help

280 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Provin Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! What a great coffee table book/ conversation starter 🥰 through the use of ‘buttons’ the authors convert humor and use reverse psychology to approach any topic you can imagine. I love to just pick up this book, turn to any page, and look at the picture of the button they have created for it. It’s a hoot!

[BookTrib.com]

stop wasting time with unhealthy behaviors and come closer to fulfillment and happiness.

The London spouses, who have extensive psychology CVs, have put decades of wisdom into their book. They are also brave. They are not afraid that someone might get offended and tweet their contrived outrage. ALMOST HAPPY is a breath of fresh air in the dominant cancel culture which has people walking on eggshells.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2022/03/01/almos...

[Louis Whittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Happy is one hell of a journey. What initially appears a simple premise quickly grows in scope, depth and laughter. Exploring the buttons will provide you with valuable insight into yourself and those surrounding you... To the point where you will undoubtedly find yourself labelling people - including you - with buttons. Walk past a couple of "Screen tapper"s and "Probably Drunk"s on the street thinking about your "If Only" problems. Welcome to your "Almost Happy" life!

[Simeon Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished thumbing my way through Almost Happy and quite frankly it left me feeling almost joyous! It's a kind of therapeutic masterpiece wrapped in a beautiful user-friendly format. It both provokes and soothes in equal measure. It's a work of art."
Simeon Niel-Asher Bphil, BSc(Ost), Osteopath

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this. The buttons really are provocative and make you squirm when you recognise yourself in some of them. A good book to revisit and have a chuckle.

[Gill Temkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cleverly created and a useful tool

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the layout for this book and it was very straightforward to read. I might take another look this year as it's been a few months since I read it.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I am not familiar with Provocative Therapy so this was a good introduction. The Appendix explained the idea behind this type of therapy very well.

[Terry B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met these two authors on Clubhouse. Their mastery of Provocative Therapy had me in stitches with every conundrum presented by the audience. Flipping the pages in Almost Happy brought uneasy joy to me. Finding my buttons and the buttons of my favorite people has me itching to try out some provocative suggestions.

[Matthew Wallach · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, thought provoking and provocative read that had me in stitches!
It's so refreshing to see a lighter approach in reverse psychology and using humour to change ones behaviour.
Laugh at yourself! it's healthy.

[Vikki Bullock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I take great interest in psychology and helping yourself with your mental health. I also love a good laugh.
I struggled to ‘get’ this book, I didn’t really connect to the concept and didn’t consider it helpful or useful!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.