This book presents a novel concept of the interplay between thoughts and feelings, arguing that emotions are an integral part of the therapeutic process, which can affect the cognitive thought processes of a patient. Feelings create thoughts and feelings change feelings. McMillan draws from classic writings on emotion, current research and theory in the fields of neurochemistry and neuropsychology, and his own experience as a practitioner to explore an understanding of emotion in the context of CBT. This book proposes that real change can come about outside of the therapy hour, in a patient's daily life, through the use of rituals developed and practiced with the therapist. The use of emotion rituals allows the patient to take what she learns from therapy and apply it to her own life, furthering the change process and increasing the effectiveness of the next session. Through his unique writing style, which blends hard facts, sound theoretical discussion, and an easy conversational style, the author is able to present a new and complicated treatise in an eminently readable text. McMillan presents complex ideas through dialogue with patients, group therapy members, and colleagues, orienting the reader in a question-and-answer format that makes the material come alive.
