Can’t Afford a Therapist? Start here.

If you’re like me and it’s hard to find money for therapy in the budget (the “fudgey budgey” as my friend calls it), then this book is for you. I Shouldn’t Feel This Way is an optimal starting point for processing difficult emotions on your own (or with a trusted friend). It lays the groundwork you need by defining a 3-step process of Naming (speaking out loud what’s hard), Reframing (identifying what’s actually going on inside you that caused this hard emotion in the first place), and then Braving (identifying a healthy action step that keeps you moving in the direction of emotional health). And then in Part Two and Part Three of the book, it dives into specific hard emotions, feelings of “I shouldn’t feel this way about . . .” and gently guides you in unpacking those guilt messages. Dr. Cook gives specific examples in each scenario that are a great help in recognizing if this is an unhealthy message that you have been ignoring but need to process, and then she gives specific questions to guide you through processing each harmful belief.

I wish I could tell you that this makes processing “easy,” but it’s still hard HARD work. But this book does make processing ACCESSIBLE—giving you a guide to follow as you finally begin the hard work of healing (and might I recommend, it gives you time to save money so that one day you can also get a licensed professional involved).

Stop saying, “I need to get a therapist,” and then using that as your excuse to put off doing the hard work of healing. Start with buying this book, and then put some action steps towards your healing. Take the time to write out your own answers to each question and get the healing journey started. You deserve it (I know personally how hard it is to receive and believe that message, but it’s true.)

You DESERVE to heal.

Thank you NetGalley and Epic Agency for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions expressed here are my own.