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This is a self help book written for the general public, which introduces basic concepts of REBT to the reader.
Nottingham presents these concepts in a straight forward, easy to understand manner. He shows how to
apply these principles to depression, relationship problems, anxiety, and low frustration. He gives transcripts
of (fictional) therapy therapy sessions and shows how REBT may be applied in therapy. He encourages the
reader to "be the therapist" and consider what the reader would do in the session. At the end of each chapter
he gives "homework assignments".

I only have a few minor criticisms of the book. I believe that, when explaining Unconditional Acceptance,
Nottingham could have been more elegant in his explanation. In my opinion, he used primarily an inferential
argument. Second, I would have preferred that he stuck with Ellis' traditional ABC model. Nottingham chose to
add two additional letters- F for Feeling and G for New Goal **. Although this may be helpful, I believe that it
may be confusing for the new REBTer who is learning the ABC model for the first time and notices the
discrepancy with other sources. Last, some may criticize this book for being too easy of a read. But, for me, it
is nice to see a book that one can read relaxingly. If Ellis' books are just too overwhelming, then this is the
book for you.

Albert Ellis reviewed this book and stated
"This book presents the main principles and practices of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) in an
unusually clear and understandable manner. It can be quite helpful to a great many psychotherapy clients and
to other readers."

If I could, I would buy 50,000 copies of this book and give them to every single person I met.


** Dr. Nottingham graciously emailed me, and informed me that he did not create the F and G, but rather was
following one of Dr. Ellis' earlier ABC models.
It's Not As Bad As It Seems: A Thinking Straight Approach to
Happiness
by Ed Nottingham, Ph.D.
REBT- CBT NET- The Internet Guide to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy & Cognitive Behavior Therapy- by Micah Perkins