I have written three secular books on mental health. The Recovery Tool Kit, How to Train an Elephant, and Finding Recovery on the Road Less Traveled can be found  on the website    http://mapprecoverytherapy.blogspot.com.

    

      Emotional well-being is the long-term goal of virtually all people. The chosen method for getting there may vary, but we all share this same basic desire. Unfortunately, life is difficult and unpredictable, and disappointment can become a too frequent companion. Of particular concern to me as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the plight of faithful members who struggle with depression or anxiety. They generally retain their faith in the Lord, but often question why their spiritual activity has not set them free from their emotional pain. Have you ever thought that if we have the truth, these things should not be so?

   I have spent over 30 years as a practicing psychotherapist searching the gospel treasure trove to find those principles and practices that have the most power to heal the souls of men and women. This book is a compilation of those ideas. I have used the great majority of these concepts and techniques for many years and their effectiveness has stood the test of time.

      I would suggest that spirituality (the art of creating and maintaining positive emotions) is the road less traveled that leads to a more meaningful and stable life. The only things in life we can truly learn to control are our thoughts, attitude, and behavior. Everything else is uncertain and transient. While it can be difficult at first to believe in something as abstract as spirituality, experimenting with this approach soon bears fruit. Spirituality has magic about it that will accomplish wonders and transform your life in ways unforeseen. Not only that, but you will be doing the will of your Father in Heaven who desires first and foremost that we change our hearts.

        There are twelve principles of change that serve as the foundation for this book. These concepts are listed on the next page. Each chapter in this work contains an explanation of how to use a specific principle to change mood and behavior. The assignments at the end of each chapter provide opportunities to practice effective techniques and gain valuable experiential knowledge. May the Lord bless us all who read this book that they may learn how to use these powerful gospel tools to strengthen them in their spiritual journey.