Being the Change A Guide for Advocates and Activists on Staying Healthy, Inspired, and Driven

Being the Change is written for activists who work in organizations with social missions, and those who are involved in social change outside of their jobs. This book is a practical guide that helps readers maintain and enhance their ability to be effective agents of change.

You can't take care of the world without taking care of yourself. Although therapy can often help alleviate anxiety or depression, activists can also apply therapy-based strategies as part of their self-care. This book ​provides empirically supported strategies from cognitive behavior therapies and other psychological interventions for coping with the challenges of difficult, yet meaningful work.

Readers will learn how to clarify their values, identify their strengths, manage their emotions and relationships, and incorporate self-care as part of their personal and professional development. A rich catalog of case examples, exercises, and actionable ideas make this book a comprehensive toolkit for people who want to take their social engagement to the next level in a healthy and productive way.

Dara G. Friedman-Wheeler, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland and research psychologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research. She is also on the speakers' faculty of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She conducts workshops on CBT for Addictions around the country. She has also recently begun conducting workshops on "taking care of yourself while taking care of the world" for those doing work in social justice or advocacy fields.

Jamie S. Bodenlos, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York and professor of psychological science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. She is a fellow at the Society of Behavioral Medicine. She investigates and publishes in the areas of behavioral medicine, mindfulness, and health behaviors. She teaches courses in cognitive behavior therapy, clinical psychology, and behavioral medicine. Her conference presentation topics and webinars include science activism and writing op-eds for the field of behavioral medicine. In addition to scholarship and teaching, Dr. Bodenlos uses CBT techniques in clinical work she does in the community. 

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Starting Now to Change the World
Chapter 1. Tune Into Your Strengths and Values
Chapter 2. Your Life, Your Valued Directions, and Your Community
Chapter 3. Managing Your Emotions and Your Thoughts
Chapter 4. Managing Emotions: Other Approaches
Chapter 5. Intentional Communication
Chapter 6. Going Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Chapter 7. Collaborating for Change: Harnessing the Benefits of the Group
Chapter 8. Self-Care
Chapter 9. Maintaining Motivation and Avoiding Burnout
Chapter 10. The Long Term: How Might Your Engagement Evolve Over Time?
Appendix: Learning More
References
Index
About the Authors