Needing to Know for Sure

A CBT-Based Guide to Overcoming Compulsive Checking and Reassurance Seeking

By: Martin N. Seif PhD, Sally M. Winston PsyD

Narrated by: Holly Adams

"How do I know I made the right decision?" "What if I'm wrong?" "I need to know for sure."

Do you have thoughts like these - thoughts that cause you to second-guess yourself? Do you find yourself repeatedly checking your email for no reason, asking others for their opinions about something again and again, or lying awake at night overanalyzing and planning ahead in an attempt to feel less anxious? If so, you probably have a problem with compulsive reassurance seeking. The good news is that you can break free from this "reassurance trap" - this book will show you how.

In this unique guide, you'll find proven-effective tips and tools using CBT to help you tolerate uncertainty, face specific worrying scenarios, and gradually reduce the compulsion to incessantly seek reassurance. Most importantly, you'll learn to deal with those pesky "doubt attacks" and trust your own judgment.

Asking for reassurance is a self-reinforcing behavior - if you do it, you're less likely to handle stressful situations without needing further reassurance. And so the cycle continues. The CBT skills in this book will help you break this exhausting and painful pattern, so you can build self-confidence and improve your life.

©2019 Martin N. Seif and Sally M. Winston (P)2021 Tantor

Avoidance is explained

External view of avoidance is super helpful. It’s hard too because you’ll get interlocked with others trying to deny the toughness. This book is about trying to engage in it.

Impactful and useful

It offered practical strategies to reduce anxiety, with concrete actions to take and a clear framework for embracing uncertainty and discomfort.

very good. A bit repetitive but good

I found it very reassuring LOL to know that I was not crazy that this was not rooted in insecurity that this was not because I was trying to be a control freak, but that this was an issue of being extremely uncomfortable with uncertainty.

Just what I needed to hear

A timely book for me, as my mind has become more and more sticky lately. I recommend everything they’ve ever done.

Great Listen

This audiobook is well put together and I found it really helpful for dealing with my “sticky mind.” I absolutely recommend for anyone constantly going around in circles with obsession themes but wanting to break free. Contains lots of examples applicable to lots of themes, so you’ll find something to relate to.