General information
The following resources may be helpful when thinking about any challenges that you may be facing and what you can do to address these. The resources listed within this section are not intended to be used as a reading list and are by no means definitive. Some resources may be more helpful than others as different resources suit different individuals. The University is not responsible for the content displayed on external links.
This page includes general resources that can help develop insight and understanding.
Useful links
Useful books
Help!: How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done
Oliver Burkeman: Cannongate Books (2011)
Straight to the point and very insightful about virtually every aspect of life: emotional life, social life, personal productivity, and career.
The Happiness Trap
Russ Harris: Robinson (2008)
Happiness is highly overrated and stressful to achieve. The book highlights our need to be authentic whatever the experience and be able to cope with it rather than try and attain eternal happiness. This book encourages the reader to make room for other feelings and experiences that make life meaningful, rich and painful from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focus. Often a number 1 bestseller on Amazon.
Further links
- Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability (TED Talk)
- Brené Brown: Listening to shame (TED talk)
- The Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) Self Help InfoPax
- MoodGYM
- Twitter feed of The University Mental Health Advisers Network
- Mind
- Sane
- CALM
- Rethink Mental Illness
Ideas for further reading
The Overcoming Series
The overcoming series covers many topics and is written from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) perspective. The books include information and exercises to help. More information.
The Confidence Gap: From Fear to Freedom
Russ Harris: Robinson (2011)
A highly readable book about building confidence and moving in the direction you feel meets your values. This book is written from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective.
The Reality Slap: How to Find Fulfilment When Life Hurts
Russ Harris: Robinson (2012)
This book is a supportive read about when life hurts and how to ride with the pain. It builds on one’s own robustness and resilience, and how to make sense of painful events. The theory comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Steven C. Hayes & Spencer Smith: New Harbinger Publications (2005)
A workbook with examples and exercises to help stop over-thinking and build the robustness to move in the direction you want to go. What’s holding you back?
Manage Your Mind
Gillian Butler and Tony Hope: Oxford University Press (1995)
Introduces a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) way of thinking and applies it to several areas of life: improving relationships, managing anxiety, managing depression, having a healthy mind and body (eat well, sleep well, quit smoking, drink less, learn to relax), and studying more productively.
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel By Changing the Way You Think
Dennis Greenberg and Christine A. Padesky: (1995)
Draws on the authors’ experience as clinicians and teachers of cognitive therapy to help understand and improve moods, alter behaviour, and enhance relationships. The focus used is from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) orientation.
Counselling Young People
Ellen Noonan: Routledge (1983)
A psychodynamic perspective on development. Includes theory of adolescence, transitions and an exploration of the counselling relationship. Of interest to students who are curious about their lives so far and wish to make sense of their experiences.
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