Depression & Mood
Feeling Good
by David D. Burns · 1980
The classic CBT self-help text for depression.
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by David D. Burns · 1980
The classic CBT self-help text for depression.
View on Amazon AU ($20–$35 range)Ad / Affiliate link: We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our full reading list.
*Feeling Good* is the book that introduced cognitive therapy for depression to a general audience in 1980, and it's still the most-prescribed self-help book for depression by mental-health clinicians worldwide. The cognitive distortions framework (all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophising, mental filtering, etc.) is now standard vocabulary in CBT-informed work.
It's not the most modern book on the list — some of the cultural references date it — but the underlying framework is exactly what we use clinically with depression. For someone who can't yet get into therapy, or who's in CBT and wants a structured between-session resource, it remains a credible recommendation.
Burns is also clear about what self-help can and can't do, and when professional help is warranted. We appreciate that.
A note. This is reading material, not clinical treatment. If you’re working through something difficult, books complement therapy — they don’t replace it. Book a session with our team for personalised support.
More books in depression & mood.
David D. Burns
Burns' 2020 update introducing TEAM-CBT; covers both depression and anxiety with updated outcome data and case studies.
Williams, Teasdale, Segal & Kabat-Zinn
Definitive guide to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) — developed by the original MBCT researchers for relapse prevention.
Martin Seligman
Introduces the cognitive model of explanatory style from positive psychology's founding researcher; well-evidenced and accessible.
Johann Hari
Provocative but research-grounded exploration of the social and environmental drivers of depression.
Lee Coleman
Clear, stigma-reducing psychoeducation guide recommended for clients following a first diagnosis.
Alex Korb
Neuroscientist's accessible guide to small habits that lift mood through neurobiological mechanisms.
Our team sees adults, adolescents, and children in person at Bella Vista and via telehealth across NSW. Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Care Plan; NDIS self- and plan-managed; private health depending on fund.