This is a really useful book, not just for those studying counselling and looking to explore self defeating behaviours, but also for anyone wanting to make changes to their ways of thinking and their own self-defeating behaviours. Similarly to looking at dealing with NATs (negative automatic thoughts) in CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy), instant analysis challenges the thinking behind a list of the 100 most common self defeating behaviours and suggests ways to turn the thinking around. I can bet most people will relate to most, and in some cases even all of the behaviours listed!

The book is laid out in a really easy to read way, after an introduction and explanation of self-defeating behaviours, and how being stuck in a negative thinking cycle will continue to perpetuate the behaviours which (although originally helpful, in a defence mechanism type way) have now become detrimental to your well being and relationships. Each behaviour is listed, with information on the thinking behind it, and tasks and suggestions to turn the behaviour around. Not intended to be read all at once, but for each beehaviour section to be 'dipped in to' when it is identified.