Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step - by Hannie Van Genderen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Provides a practical plan to break unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns for lasting change

Many people struggle with thoughts and reactions that feel overwhelming, repetitive, or out of proportion--yet don't always understand why. Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step offers a clear, evidence-based framework to recognise and transform these recurring emotional and behavioural patterns, known as "modes." Drawing on schema therapy and the latest clinical research, Hannie van Genderen guides readers through a five-step process designed to identify unhelpful modes, understand their origins, and develop healthier, more balanced ways of responding to life's challenges.

Through the relatable stories of Sarah, Martin, and Nora, readers learn to see how modes influence their emotions and relationships--and how meaningful change is possible. Each step of the process includes structured guidance, real-world examples, and practical exercises that encourage self-awareness, resilience, and emotional growth. Whether used independently or alongside a therapist, this book empowers readers to create lasting transformation by strengthening their healthy adult mode and nurturing self-compassion.

Showing that change is achievable--not by fighting behavioural patterns, but by understanding and reshaping them, Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step:

• Introduces a clinically grounded plan for identifying and changing negative modes
• Integrates the latest insights from schema therapy and psychological research
• Illustrates each stage of the transformation process
• Includes worksheets to support self-guided or therapist-assisted change
• Explains how to maintain progress and prevent relapse through ongoing self-reflection
• Offers strategies to strengthen healthy emotional patterns and balanced thinking

Combining scientific insight, professional expertise, and deep empathy, Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step is a must-have for individuals seeking to better understand and manage their emotions and behaviour. It is also a valuable resource for therapists using schema therapy or related approaches, professionals in mental health and wellbeing roles, and undergraduate and postgraduate students in clinical psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy courses.

From the Back Cover

A clinically grounded five-step plan to transform unwanted emotional and behavioural patterns

Recurring negative thoughts and emotional reactions can feel overwhelming and impossible to change, yet understanding the patterns behind them is the first step toward lasting transformation. Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step: A systematic plan to change unwanted feelings, thoughts and behaviour presents a clear, evidence-based framework rooted in schema therapy to help readers identify the recurring emotional and behavioural patterns--known as "modes"--that drive unwanted feelings and systematically reshape them through a structured five-step process.

Written by Hannie van Genderen, a clinical psychologist with over three decades of research and practice in schema therapy, the book guides readers through each stage of the change process using relatable case stories, structured exercises, and practical worksheets. It integrates the latest insights from schema therapy and psychological research, offering concrete strategies to strengthen healthy emotional patterns, build balanced thinking, maintain progress, and prevent relapse through ongoing self-reflection.

Designed for anyone seeking to understand and manage persistent negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, this book can be used independently or alongside a therapist. It is also a resource for mental health professionals using schema therapy, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students in clinical psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy.

About the Author

HANNIE VAN GENDEREN is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and supervisor and trainer in individual and group Schema Therapy. Since 1990 she has been involved as a senior consultant and clinical psychologist in the treatment and research of anxiety eating and personality disorders at the University of Maastricht. A pioneer in introducing Schema Therapy for personality disorders in the Netherlands, she co-founded the Dutch Schema Therapy Society and the International Society of Schema Therapy, serving in leadership roles in both organizations. She is the founder of the Dutch Schema Therapy Training Institute "Van Genderen Opleidingen".