May Book of the Month
The Habit of a Happy Life: 30 Days to a Positive Addiction
by Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD, and Joan Neehall, PhD
Mental Health Awareness Month invites closer attention to the factors that affect well-being and to the ways people can respond more constructively to stress, discouragement, and unhealthy patterns. In The Habit of a Happy Life: 30 Days to a Positive Addiction, Jeffrey K. Zeig and Joan Neehall explore one such approach: recognizing unhelpful patterns and replacing them with what they call “Positive Addictions.”
Drawing on William Glasser’s earlier use of the term, the authors define a Positive Addiction as a healthy habitual activity that can reduce anxiety, increase a sense of control, and move experience from drudgery toward pleasure. Their emphasis is on starting where you are, taking small steps, and using repetition to build change over time.
🧭 What the book proposes
The Habit of a Happy Life is organized as a guided program. The early chapters define Positive Addiction, distinguish it from negative addiction, and lay out the psychological and behavioral logic behind the method. The book then moves through readiness, motivation, common roadblocks, and finally into a 30-day sequence meant to help readers establish a chosen practice and sustain it over time.
Along the way, Zeig and Neehall bring in several frameworks. They discuss neurobiology, including dopamine and neuroplasticity, and they also use transactional analysis and a Parent-Child-Adult model to think about internal support for change. Another chapter considers six basic needs, including certainty, connection, and growth, and asks readers to reflect on how those needs may be expressed through either negative or positive habits.
🧠 Change is treated as both psychological and behavioral
Throughout the book, change is presented as more than simply a matter of willpower. The authors suggest that habits take hold at both psychological and physiological levels, which helps explain why people often struggle to change through insight alone. Lasting change, as they present it, depends on giving intention a practical form through structure, repeated action, and follow-through.
The authors also give a clear sense of what a Positive Addiction may look like in practice. Examples include walking, running, meditation, gardening, writing, art, music, learning a language, and other activities that are healthy, meaningful, and sustainable. At the same time, the authors stress balance, noting that even a seemingly positive activity can become counterproductive when it becomes excessive or begins to interfere with other parts of life.
🛠️ The 30-day program gives the book its structure
The later section of the book shifts into a day-by-day format. The 30 steps move readers from initial enthusiasm and readiness into practical work that includes engaging support, taking inventory, drawing on prior experience, working with cravings, respecting resistance, avoiding excessive “should-ing,” challenging belief systems, changing identity language, and practicing the new habit until it becomes more established. The sequence is cumulative, with each day building on what came before.
A case example involving a woman called Jane provides a narrative thread through this section. Jane chooses watercolor painting as her Positive Addiction and works through the program with that goal in mind. Her case gives the book a concrete illustration of how the process is meant to unfold, including hesitation, resistance, support, and gradual change over time.
🎨 Exercises and methods
The book is highly interactive. Its chapters include quizzes, reflection prompts, written exercises, visualization tasks, and sensory or image-based activities. Readers are asked to draw, list resources, compare positive and negative patterns, imagine future consequences, brainstorm alternatives, and observe how small changes may extend outward into other areas of life.
In the later stages of the program, the authors also introduce methods such as analogy, pattern disruption, and the use of “silly solutions” to loosen familiar responses to roadblocks. Readers are invited to experiment with what helps them continue a constructive habit.
🎨 Ericksonian resonance
Readers acquainted with Milton H. Erickson’s work may recognize a familiar orientation in The Habit of a Happy Life. The book consistently meets the person where he or she is: current habits, available interests, existing abilities, present resistance, and immediate circumstances. Rather than advancing a single rigid formula, Zeig and Neehall repeatedly ask how those existing elements can be used in the service of change.
That emphasis appears throughout the book’s exercises and structure. Readers are encouraged to work with language, imagery, small behavioral shifts, and personally meaningful activities in order to establish momentum. The approach is practical and experiential. Change is developed by utilizing what is already present and helping a different response become possible through experience.
🌱 May takeaway
For Mental Health Awareness Month, The Habit of a Happy Life is relevant because it focuses on recognizing patterns that affect emotional well-being and taking steps to change them. Zeig and Neehall’s concept of Positive Addiction provides a practical framework for replacing discouraging habits with healthier, more sustaining ones. Presented as a self-help resource rather than a substitute for treatment, the book offers a structured way to think about supporting well-being in daily life.
✍️ About the authors
Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD, is Founder and Director of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation, a psychologist and marriage and family therapist in private practice, and the editor, co-editor, author, or coauthor of more than 20 books on psychotherapy. He also created The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.
Joan Neehall, PhD, is a certified clinical psychologist specializing in forensic psychology. She is a fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners, has worked in the field since 1984, and is the author of Perfecting Your Private Practice and Women Who Roar: Female Pioneers in Alberta, as well as a co-author of Doc Talk.
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30 Days to a Positive Addiction
by Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD, and Joan Neehall, PhD
Drs Zeig and Neehall are renowned psychologists and prolific authors. Sharing a passion for helping people to initiate real change in their lives in order to forge more joyful, healthy lifestyles, these truly unique voices come together to create an essential roadmap. Early endorsements…
“30 Days to a Positive Addiction is a wise, practical, effective program that can literally change your life in a month.”- Daniel G. Amen, Author of Memory Rescue and Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
“Reading this book is like having the authors as trusted and informed friends leading you step-by-step on the path to greater happiness. Of course, you have to do the work, but the quizzes and exercises are fun. Along with achieving new, positive, life-affirming habits, you’re going to learn more about yourself than you can possibly imagine. – Harriet Lerner, Author of The Dance of Anger and Why Won’t you Apologize?
“If you’ve ever felt as if you’ve been spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast, this book will give you the traction you need to transform your life! In this refreshingly down-to-earth and enlightening book, Zeig and Neehall challenge us to break free from destructive habits that prevent us from getting the most out of life, and harness this energy to create new, more productive ways of thinking and behaving. Their step-by-step, 30-day program for learning how to replace enervating behaviors with life-sustaining ones both instructs and inspires. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting more joy in life.” – Michele Weiner-Davis; www.DivorceBusting.com
“I love the idea of ‘positive addictions’ taking the place of the negative addictions we treat every day.”-John Gottman, Author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
“Jeff Zeig’s knowledge, empathy, intelligence, and innovative approach to supporting human beings in their challenges are unrivaled. This book with Joan Neehall – its insights and wise guidance – has the power to both support and evolve the recovery movement itself. Each page is drenched with healing opportunities.”-Alanis Morrisette
About the Authors
Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D., is the Founder and Director of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation. He has edited, co-edited, authored, or coauthored more than 20 books on psychotherapy that appear in 14 languages. Dr. Zeig is the architect of The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conferences, which are considered the most important conferences in the history of psychotherapy. He organizes the Brief Therapy Conferences, the Couples Conferences, and the International Congresses on Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. A psychologist and marriage and family therapist in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Zeig conducts workshops internationally (40 countries). He is president of Zeig, Tucker & Theisen, Inc., publishers in the behavioral sciences.
Joan Neehall, Ph.D., is a certified clinical psychologist with a specialization in forensic psychology. She is a fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners, and has worked in the field since 1984. She is the author of Perfecting Your Private Practice (2004), and Women Who Roar: Female Pioneers in Alberta (2011). She conducts workshops and seminars across Western Canada, and maintains practices in Alberta and British Columbia, where she also provides clinical supervision to psychologists. Dr. Neehall is the creator of a television series that focused on stress management, depression, and body image issues (Access, 1998).
30 Days to a Positive Addiction
by Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD, and Joan Neehall, PhD
Type: eBook
Format: .epub
Drs Zeig and Neehall are renowned psychologists and prolific authors. Sharing a passion for helping people to initiate real change in their lives in order to forge more joyful, healthy lifestyles, these truly unique voices come together to create an essential roadmap. Early endorsements…
“30 Days to a Positive Addiction is a wise, practical, effective program that can literally change your life in a month.”- Daniel G. Amen, Author of Memory Rescue and Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
“Reading this book is like having the authors as trusted and informed friends leading you step-by-step on the path to greater happiness. Of course, you have to do the work, but the quizzes and exercises are fun. Along with achieving new, positive, life-affirming habits, you’re going to learn more about yourself than you can possibly imagine. – Harriet Lerner, Author of The Dance of Anger and Why Won’t you Apologize?
“If you’ve ever felt as if you’ve been spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast, this book will give you the traction you need to transform your life! In this refreshingly down-to-earth and enlightening book, Zeig and Neehall challenge us to break free from destructive habits that prevent us from getting the most out of life, and harness this energy to create new, more productive ways of thinking and behaving. Their step-by-step, 30-day program for learning how to replace enervating behaviors with life-sustaining ones both instructs and inspires. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting more joy in life.” – Michele Weiner-Davis; www.DivorceBusting.com
“I love the idea of ‘positive addictions’ taking the place of the negative addictions we treat every day.”-John Gottman, Author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
“Jeff Zeig’s knowledge, empathy, intelligence, and innovative approach to supporting human beings in their challenges are unrivaled. This book with Joan Neehall – its insights and wise guidance – has the power to both support and evolve the recovery movement itself. Each page is drenched with healing opportunities.”-Alanis Morrisette
About the Authors
Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D., is the Founder and Director of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation. He has edited, co-edited, authored, or coauthored more than 20 books on psychotherapy that appear in 14 languages. Dr. Zeig is the architect of The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conferences, which are considered the most important conferences in the history of psychotherapy. He organizes the Brief Therapy Conferences, the Couples Conferences, and the International Congresses on Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. A psychologist and marriage and family therapist in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Zeig conducts workshops internationally (40 countries). He is president of Zeig, Tucker & Theisen, Inc., publishers in the behavioral sciences.
Joan Neehall, Ph.D., is a certified clinical psychologist with a specialization in forensic psychology. She is a fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners, and has worked in the field since 1984. She is the author of Perfecting Your Private Practice (2004), and Women Who Roar: Female Pioneers in Alberta (2011). She conducts workshops and seminars across Western Canada, and maintains practices in Alberta and British Columbia, where she also provides clinical supervision to psychologists. Dr. Neehall is the creator of a television series that focused on stress management, depression, and body image issues (Access, 1998).
The Art & Practice of Relationship
by Magali Peysha
Type: Softcover
With the right map, it only takes one person to change a relationship for the better. Your love life can be transformed in as little as ten minutes a day by adding new powerful patterns. This simple, direct approach will activate the lover inside you. Discover how much happier you can be.
An innovative new voice in the field of relationship coached. Learn and grow with these creative relationship strategies.
— Tony Robbins
Seriously, Magali is a genius coach! My heart just melts and heals everytime I hear her teach coaching strategies.
— Susana
I saw the beauty and the love that Magali is shining from the heart. She sees through the soul. Years of therapy couldn’t do that. And I felt my inner child
be happy finally.
— Tara
Magali is one of the calmest, kindest and most powerful expressions of female energy I have ever felt. She approaches issues with a sense of patient purpose to bring out the best in people. By using the language of the heart, she surpasses all imposed beliefs and brings out the true gentle power lying dormant in each of us.
— Ivan
These really simple techniques move so much forward! They have helped me, my relationship with my husband, my children, and my coaching.
MAGALI PEYSHA
— Anne Marie
Magali has helped thousands of people find and build the romantic relationship they want. She is the bestselling author of the Strategic Intervention Handbook, founder of The Relationship Coaching Academy, and has trained over 10,000 Life Coaches. Dedicated to empowering others, she specializes in a creative, heart-centered method. She has been married to her college sweetheart Mark Peysha for twenty-five years, and they have five wonderful children together.
Helping Our Young Clients Develop a Strong Inner Selfie
by Tobi Goldfus
Type: Softcover
“Tobi Goldfus tackles a challenging topic — how to reach young people who have embraced the digital age and help them develop a strong inner “selfie.” She begins with an excellent assessment tool (the Social Media Assessment Form) to evaluate the impact of the digital world on an individual client. The major pathway of this book involves using this information to help her young clients develop a strong, resourceful, core self. She offers highly effective tools to achieve this goal, including practice of the relaxation response, identifying resources available in real life as well as in cyberspace, and introducing brief trances called “trancettes” to help access down-regulated states. Of particular interest are Goldfus’ “7 stages of smartphone attachment” and her strategies to improve self-regulation and sharpen an observer self. There is a well-crafted chapter on using hypnosis as the lens for work with “parts” or ego states to achieve “cyberpresence,” and throughout her book, she is masterful at utilizing and including agendas and practices of young digitized clients, while deftly dealing with ethical issues. I strongly recommend From Real Life to Cyberspace (and Back Again): Helping Our Young Clients Develop a Strong Inner Selfie to practitioners who are mystified and even resentful of youthful preoccupation with the digital world. This is a valuable resource to bring the increasingly important connection of young people and cyberspace into therapy as a catalyst for change.”
— Maggie Phillips, Ph.D., Healing the Divided Self (with Claire Frederick) and
Finding the Energy to Heal, Reversing Chronic Pain, and Freedom from Pain (with Peter Levine)
“Tobi Goldfus, LCSW-C, has bravely taken on one of the toughest challenges therapists treating young people can face: restoring common sense and a sense of humanism to those who are spending (too) much of their lives living in an untamed cyberspace. Goldfus rises to the challenge by providing insight and supportive practical advice that every therapist trying to re-direct their young clients’ attention away from a screen temporarily will appreciate. Put down your smartphone for a while and read this book!”
— Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and author of The Discriminating Therapist and Depression is Contagious.
“With the same empathy and encouragement that she offers adolescents and young adults in her practice, Tobi Goldfus helps therapists to value and utilize the ever-influential cyberworld of our younger clients. This book is rich with concrete ideas that help us combine all we know about connection, boundaries, intimacy, and development with the complexities and benefits of the digital world. If you want to better understand how to use experiential and hypnotic approaches to teach young adults the need for balance and authenticity, then this is the book to read.”
— Lynn Lyons, LICSW, author of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and Using Hypnosis with Children: Creating and Delivering Effective Interventions.
“I saw Tobi Goldfus teaching about the world of kids and adolescents a few years ago and immediately invited her to present at two major congresses in Germany. Now her excellent book upgrades the knowledge of therapists toward a better understanding of the (cyber)world that adolescents are living in. Tobi Goldfus’ idea of developing the “inner selfie” of her young clients is a stroke of genius. Therapists from all backgrounds will enjoy and benefit from this perspective.”
— Bernhard Trenkle, Dipl.Psych., President-Elect International Society of Hypnosis ISH.
“The book and accompanying Social Media Assessment tool teaches the clinicians how to join young clients in assessing where they are on a continuum from healthy use of social media to more compulsive, addictive online behaviors. The therapeutic approach outlined in the book is both multidimensional and flexible in order to help bring clients into the space of being present IRL, building internal awareness, and guiding them in self-regulation skills and relationship building with others and themselves. The goal: integrating their digital and real-world selves by finding and making friends with their Inner Selfie.”
— Linda Thomson, Ph.D., APRN, Past President of ASCH, NESCH, NMSCH, author of Harry Hypnopotamus Tales and creator of Stress Free Surgery.
About the Author: In addition to her active private practice, Tobi B. Goldfus presents nationally and internationally on the impact of cyberspace on young people and finding a healthy balance between online life and real life. She has served on numerous faculties, including: the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis the American Association of Clinical Hypnosis, the European Hypnosis Society, the International Hypnosis Society, the Milton H. Erickson Foundation of South Africa, the Brief Therapy Conference(s), the Ericksonian International Congress(es), and the Center for the Advancement and Training of Clinical Hypnosis. She has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Johannesburg Department of Psychology, Johannesburg, South Africa.
