Raising an Optimistic Child: A Proven Plan for Depresion-Proofing Young Children--for Life
(McGraw-Hill, 2006) by Bob Murray and Alicia Fortinberry

Creating Optimism:
A Proven Seven-Step Program for Overcoming Depression
(McGraw-Hill, 2004) by Bob Murray and Alicia Fortinberry

January 2004

Creating Optimism isn’t just a path to happiness--it’s a road map out of depression

In their revolutionary new book, Creating Optimism: A Proven 7-Step Program for Overcoming Depression, Bob Murray, Ph.D. and Alicia Fortinberry, M.S. offer a breakthrough approach to treating depression that has shown itself far more effective than drugs, psychotherapy, or both treatments combined. It’s more effective, because it relies on the truth of what we desperately need as social human beings--particular kinds of supportive, nurturing relationships.

It’s as shocking as it is sad: Our society may have advanced in the past 10,000 years but our mental health has declined. “We have a depression pandemic of unprecedented proportions,” Bob and Alicia write, “Everyone will either feel its pain sometime in his or her own life or someone close will.” This is not conjecture--the authors offer us hard facts gleaned from their thorough research.

In Creating Optimism, we learn that “human beings are not genetically doomed to be depressed or pessimistic.” On the contrary, we’re “programmed to be happy.” Around ten thousand years ago our ancestors took a path that led eventually from our gentic heritage of harmonious connection and social support to our modern “isolation, violence and emotional destruction.”

Drawing upon the latest knowledge in neurobiology, psychiatry, and anthropology, the authors lay bare common myths about depression--what it really is and what causes it.

“The secret is in forming strong, supportive relationships that serve as a buffer against the pressures and emotional isolation of modern life,” Bob and Alicia explain.

Writing from the experience of over 20 years of research and practice, the authors believe “there is a powerful connection between strong relationships and a healthy existence.” If your relationships are supportive and fulfilling you can be healthy and happy.

You can free yourself from depression and become optimistic again about your life.

Creating Optimism offers:

• Proven techniques for identifying and changing dysfunctional behavior
• A unique action plan for establishing and maintaining healthy relationships
• Powerful mind-body healing techniques and exercises that allow for new, healthier ways of thinking
• Valuable charts, written exercises, and self-tests that help identify behavior patterns and remove obstacles to personal growth

Creating Optimism: A Proven, Seven-Step Program for Overcoming Depression, was inspired by the acclaimed Uplift Program developed by the Murray and Fortinberry team. The Uplift Program has helped thousands of people radically improve their self-esteem and confidence and break free from the pain and limitations of depression. The amazing 94% success rate of the author’s 7-Step Program (based on follow-up questionnaires up to 2 years later) is a wonderful validation of their life’s work.

Creating Optimism is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to feel healthier and happier. It’s practical, highly readable, and filled with common sense examples that resonate with honesty and warmth.

Creating Optimism is also an exceptional handbook for professionals who want to offer their clients an alternative--a new road map that can lead them back to a more fulfilling life.

Creating Optimism: A Proven, Seven-Step Program for Overcoming Depression
January 2004
McGraw-Hill
ISBN 0-07-141785-0
224 Pages
$22.95 US
www.creatingoptimism.com

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About the Authors

Dr Bob Murray is a widely published psychologist and expert on emotional health and optimal relationships. Alicia Fortinberry is a psychotherapist, health writer and executive coach. Together they are the founders of the highly successful Uplift Program, and authors of Raising an Optimistic Child (McGraw-Hill, 2006) and Creating Optimism (McGraw-Hill, 2004).

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