The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook - 7th Edition by Martha Davis & Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman & Matthew McKay (Paperback)

About the Book

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published forty years ago, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its seventh edition and with more than one million copies sold, this fully revised and updated workbook--highly regarded by therapists and their clients--remains the go-to resource for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the busiest lives.

Book Synopsis

Now in its seventh edition--with more than one million copies sold worldwide--The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook remains the go-to resource for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the busiest lives.

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its seventh edition, this fully revised and updated workbook--highly regarded by therapists and their clients--offers the latest stress reduction techniques to combat the effects of stress and integrate healthy relaxation habits into every aspect of daily life.

This new edition also includes powerful self-compassion practices, fully updated chapters on the most effective tools for coping with anxiety, fear, and panic--such as worry delay and defusion, two techniques grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)--as well as a new section focused on body scan.

In the workbook, you'll explore your own stress triggers and symptoms, and learn how to create a personal action plan for stress reduction. Each chapter features a different method for relaxation, explains why the method works, and provides on-the-spot exercises you can do when you feel stressed out. The result is a comprehensive yet accessible workbook that will help you to curb stress and cultivate a more peaceful life.

Review Quotes

"The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook is a classic that has helped millions of people to manage their stress and live happier, more relaxed lives. This latest edition contains updates that incorporate the latest research-based approaches and provide new tools and exercises to help you learn skills such as self-compassion, overcoming avoidance, and defusing negative thoughts to take away their power. Whether you are dealing with a difficult life transition; chronic work, health, or relationship stress; or daily hassles like traffic and paperwork that wear you down; this book will help you cope in healthy, positive ways."
--Melanie Greenberg, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of The Stress-Proof Brain--Melanie Greenberg, PhD

"After seven editions, this workbook continues to be one of my favorite stress management resources. I still refer to my copy of the original version published in 1980. I love everything about this new edition, from the extensive references and strong theoretical framework to the practical, easy-to-use (and teach) self-help techniques. A must for anyone interested in stress management."
--Richard Blonna, EdD, retired professor emeritus from William Paterson University of New Jersey, and author of Stress Less, Live More and Coping with Stress in a Changing World--Richard Blonna, EdD

"I am so impressed with the thoroughness of the seventh edition of The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. It is a great resource for individuals and practitioners alike."
--Michele Haney, PhD, Red Rocks Community College, Denver, Colorado; coauthor of Stress Owners' Manual--Michele Haney, PhD

"This wonderful workbook will help individuals reduce their stress, as well as serve as a powerful tool for therapists. The exercises are beautifully laid out. The information is easy to follow, while having depth to the material that will make a difference in someone's life. Davis, Eshelman, and McKay provide an invaluable resource. I feel incredibly confident recommending this book to anyone wanting to decrease stress and improve psychological well-being."
--Jonathan Barkin, PsyD, partner, San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy; assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Berkeley; and coauthor of The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens--Jonathan Barkin, PsyD

About the Author

Martha Davis, PhD, was a psychologist in the department of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, CA, where she practiced individual, couples, and group psychotherapy for more than thirty years prior to her retirement. She is coauthor of Thoughts and Feelings.

Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, MSW, worked for the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Program for thirty-seven years. During her tenure, she was a clinical social worker, hospice director, researcher, health educator, and management development instructor and coach. She is retired and lives in Northern California.

Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including Self-Esteem, Thoughts and Feelings, When Anger Hurts, and ACT on Life Not on Anger. McKay received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and specializes in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety and depression. He lives and works in the greater San Francisco Bay Area