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Have you ever wondered why your brain self-sabotages? Or why your actions seem self-defeating or destructive? This book explores how our brains have evolved to favour survival over mental well-being – creating ‘controlled explosions’ – and provides practical ways to understand, acknowledge and diffuse them.

‘Controlled Explosions in Mental Health’ identifies everyday scenarios in which one may experience self-destructive behaviour such as procrastination or self-criticism. Each chapter guides the reader through key examples of controlled explosions, identifying and exploring their possible functions. Readers will learn how to identify when one or more of these ‘explosions’ are operating in their lives, recognise the potential harm or difficulties this may cause, and learn practical ways to navigate and overcome. The friendly, accessible narrative, teamed with illustrations, guided examples and worksheets to aid self-practice, makes this book the ultimate companion for navigating your mental health.

This book supports the path to self-awareness, helping the reader take control of their own struggles with insight, care and compassion. It’s a must-read for any reader looking to better understand their mental health and wellbeing.

Endorsements

As a leading expert in Compassion Focused Therapy approaches, Dr Heriot-Maitland offers an impactful model for understanding and addressing common behaviours such as self-sabotage, self-criticism, and self-harm.
—Kate Hardy, Clinical Professor, Stanford University, USA.

Dr Heriot-Maitland provides a highly accessible tour of the challenges of the mind and what we can do to help. Full of wisdoms, stories, empathic reflections and guides for compassionate working with a very tricky brain.
—Paul Gilbert, Professor, University of Derby, UK.

Empowering, wise, and deeply human, Controlled Explosions in Mental Health is a lifeline for anyone trying to break free from cycles of pain and self-blame.
—Eleanor Longden, Postdoctoral Service User Research Manager, GMMH NHS, UK.

I have no doubt that those who read this book will come away with more self-awareness and more self-compassion and pretty much nothing is more important than that.
—Russell Razzaque, Consultant Psychiatrist, NELFT NHS, UK.

This book skilfully blends Charlie’s extensive clinical wisdom and knowledge of the science of compassion to create a practical, accessible guide to deepening self-awareness.
—Kate Lucre, Consultant Psychotherapist, BSMHFT NHS, UK.

Dr Heriot-Maitland has done it again, bringing warmth, clarity and deep clinical wisdom to one of the trickiest topics in mental health.
—Stan Steindl, Adjunct Professor, University of Queensland, Australia.