You've Got This

April 17, 2023
Dunbar, a clinical psychologist and founder of the @myeasytherapy Instagram account, aims in her empowering if uneven debut to help readers become people “who can have any thought, and any feeling, and still do what the f*** need to do.” Each chapter tackles an emotional or mental issue readers can more effectively manage, such as anxiety, for which the author includes a basic overview of the body’s response to threats and outlines such coping strategies as journaling. Also discussed is overthinking, which the author likens to “having an anxious parent in your head trying to keep you safe” and can be managed through techniques including “time-boxing” thoughts (limiting overthinking to a scheduled block of time). She also examines imposter syndrome and fear of failure (“Ask yourself what’s the worst that could happen if you just went for it?”). Despite some smart takeaways, Dunbar’s sometimes overly conversational tone and occasional tendency to skim over sources create less convincing moments (“Truth: The mind/body connection is real. Believe the hype”). Those looking for an extension to Dunbar’s Instagram page will be pleased, but readers seeking general mental health advice may want to start elsewhere.

June 10, 2024

In her first book, clinical psychologist Dunbar addresses self-doubt, anxiety, and other debilitating emotions that often affect women. A clinical psychologist in the UK who has worked for both the NHS and in private practice, Dunbar presents her book as an "ongoing guide." She combines a variety of techniques and exercises to change negative feelings into positives. She examines adverse behaviors such as anxiety, overthinking, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and perfectionism/fear of failure. Each chapter includes a description of a particular emotion (often accompanied by helpful drawings), case studies that describe how a paralyzing behavior can undermine an individual or their confidence, and reflection exercises to confront these feelings. The author includes a chapter related to highly sensitive people, a trait not often discussed outside of psychology. She also introduces the concept of neuroplasticity with an exercise that allows readers to trim away unhealthy thought conduits and create new, beneficial ones. VERDICT Dunbar writes in an informal, nonjudgmental style that many readers will appreciate. A useful book that could serve as a guide for individuals trying to address their self-doubt or mollify negative thoughts or emotions.--Erica Swenson Danowitz

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