Negative self-talk can feel like an ever-present roommate who insists on giving you unsolicited opinions about every aspect of yourself- including your worth, appearance, personality, and life choices. Have you ever wondered where this annoying inner critic comes from? And more importantly, can you make it go away? Unfortunately, no matter what you do, negative thoughts will happen. It's simply how our brains are wired. But you can change the way you respond to these thoughts.
This take-anywhere, use-anytime guide offers quick, simple, and evidence-based skills drawn from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help you make peace with your inner frenemy. You'll discover what drives these negative thoughts, why it's important to listen to them-yes, you read that right, listen-and how to put them in perspective so you can go back to the things that really matter in your life.
You never know when negative thoughts will show up, crash your party, cramp your style, and get in the way of living your best life. But once you learn how to respond to this negative inner chatter, you'll be able to turn the volume down and listen to your true inner voice-your inner ally-more clearly, and use it as a compass throughout your day.
Industry Reviews
"A must-read for human beings! Negative Thoughts Happen is a simple, straightforward guide to changing your relationship with negative thoughts. Filled with engaging and powerful exercises, it offers genuinely helpful guidance aimed at helping you build new relationships with your thoughts. Negative thoughts can feel like a burden to bear, but Diana Garcia's relatable, conversational tone offers real hope for lightening that burden."
--Miranda Morris, PhD, clinical psychologist, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, cofounder of True North Therapy and Training, and past president of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science--Miranda Morris, PhD
"An invaluable resource for those seeking to live a more meaningful life by changing the relationship you have with the negative thoughts residing in your head, aka, your 'inner critic!' As a psychology professor and psychotherapist, I highly recommend this empowering book. Through insightful guidance and effective strategies from ACT, it equips readers with practical tools--increasing awareness, flexibility, and values-driven behavior that leads to a rich, meaningful life."
--Lisa Arango, psychology professor at Florida International University, psychotherapist for more than twenty years, and creator of the Happy Marriage Formula--Lisa Arango
"If you have ever experienced negative self-talk (and I bet you have!), then this is the book you've been waiting for. With empathy and wisdom, it reassures you that there's nothing wrong with you, and offers tangible tools to break free from the grip of your inner critic. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey toward a life filled with self-compassion and the fulfillment of your dreams."
--Rikke Kjelgaard, psychologist, author, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer, and chief 'rock'n'roller' at www.rikkekjelgaard.com
--Rikke Kjelgaard
"Negative thoughts are a universal experience for every person on the planet, and it's a natural part of being human. However, our self-criticism can hinder us from living the life we desire. If you're looking for ways to cope with your inner critic, I highly recommend this book. It provides practical and engaging tips, strategies, and exercises to help you strengthen your inner ally."
--Joe Oliver, coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self Esteem, and founder of Contextual Consulting
--Joe Oliver
"There is not a human alive who has failed to be tormented at times by their inner critic. This kind and gentle book walks into the persistent self-doubt many of us grapple with and shows how the inner critic works, while offering transformative insights and tools grounded in ACT for finding an inner ally that will change your relationship to the negative thoughts that hound you. For anyone feeling ensnared by negative self-talk and seeking meaningful, brave living, this book is a must-read. Dive in, reflect, and experiment. These pages contain a path to a life well-lived, beyond the confines of that inner bully."
--Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Nevada Foundation Professor in the department of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno; and co-originator of ACT--Steven C. Hayes, PhD
