1st Edition
Creating a Meaningful Life A Practical Guide for Counselors, Therapists, and Other Helping Professionals
Creating a Meaningful Life builds on the tenets of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to answer some of life’s basic questions, such as "How do I create a meaningful, purposeful life?" and "Is the life I am living one that brings me fulfillment, purpose, and a sense of inner peace?"
Using a variety of techniques, including journaling, grounding exercises, cognitive self-talk restructuring, and more, chapters invite counseling professionals and students to explore their inner landscape, better understand themselves and find communion with others.
1. What Is Meant by "Meaning in Life" and Why Is It Important? 2. Neuroscience and Its Relationship to Meaning in Life 3. Who Am I? The Meandering, Washboard Road to Self-Hood 4. Wandering in the Wilderness: Facing Existential Challenges 5. Wisdom vs. Mammon: Healing the Divided Life 6. The Transforming Power of Failure and Its Lessons 7. Finding Meaning through Essentialism and Sustainability 8. Life Happens: Changing our Attitude and Transforming Our Life 9. Contemplation in an Action-Oriented World: Addressing Our Inner World Phobia 10. Rewriting our Stories: Learned Happiness through Daily Practice 11. Love: Transformation and Challenges of Relationships 12. Joy and Grief
Biography
Shannon Hodges, PhD, is a professor of clinical mental health counseling at Niagara University in New York.
"Dr. Hodges seamlessly intertwines pragmatic, spiritual, existential, and counseling concepts in a way that is applicable to all in the helping professions. This book will help counselors challenge themselves, make meaning in life, and be better clinicians."
Fred Dombrowski, PhD, LMHC, department chair and assistant professor of clinical mental health counseling, University of Bridgeport
"More people are questioning the quality of their lives and the meaning of their existence. This book is a much-needed guide to personal growth and a more fulfilling life."
Tim Osberg, PhD, professor of psychology at Niagara University
