In physics, they state that the simplist concepts are simply too simple to understand at first. This book, based on Rational-Emotive-Therapy won't work in the first week. But the process will begin to change your brain cells immediately. And it is simply too simple to understand. This is the best book on RET. It has been re-titled TMT (Three Minute Therapy) because there are some major differences. It is simpler than other forms of RET. Much less complicated. And much more "user friendly". It's easier to use because it is simply easier to remember. Edelstein's contention is that human neurosis is based on one's demands on oneself, on others, and on the universe. When these "demands" are found and removed, the pain is removed. Edelstein won't postulate on rather a subconcious exists (I think it does), but he does imply this case because he says this training may take years. And this book is hard work. If I were to say to you, "It only takes 6 to 9 minutes a day" that would seem marvelous. No! I used Wordpad for 1 week. And you will have to really go at it! So prepare yourself. I'm sorry to state that I quit! The book wasn't doing it's job. Actually, I wasn't doing my job. Edelstein gives credit to both Stoicism and Theravada Buddhism. He crashes Alcoholics Anonymous. So he is an iconoclast. I wrote a review on "Rational Recovery". I used Lois Trimpey's name and described her as "Shirley Trimpey". I saw this mistake last night. I
felt riddled with humiliation. About 90 in the SUDS scale. I looked for the demand. It was a highly unreasonable demand on myself. I told myself that lots of people make mistakes. It's impossible not to. And I did not make a fool of myself. SUDS went down immediately to 70. Which is quite a lot for me. Last night, I had a sore throat out of nowhere. I started to panic. I looked for the three types of "demands". This was a "demand on the universe". I told myself that whatever will be will be. There is nothing I can do about it. Yes, one thing. Make myself miserable. SUDS went from 90 to 50! And I went right asleep. TMT does not interfere with Theravada Buddhism which I am currently practicing for mental health. In fact, Edelstein suggests two books on Theravada Buddhism for further reading! And quotes the Dalai Lama in the beginning of one of his chapters! Albert Ellis wrote the "intro" to the book and highly recommends it. I might go back. But if you do follow TMT, expect it to be a real philosophy of life. I'm preparing myself for it. And it is really more like 18-hour therapy. You just can't put in your six to nine minutes a day (2x3 mins. or 3x3 mins.) and be done with it. The concepts are very simple, but the work is very very hard. Oh! I gave this book one star before. I wanted something that would make me into Mary Poppins after 6 months. Good luck.