To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop

Description

According to a recent study, it is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are unable to stop themselves from frequent shopping binges that lead to debt, damaged relationships, and depression. In this book, April Lane Benson draws on decades of clinical experience and on recent research to offer information, insights, and practical strategies for overcoming compulsive buying. The cardinal signs of compulsive buying are: frequent purchases of unneeded or unaffordable items; intrusive or uncontrollable impulses to buy; and, emotional let-down or feelings of guilt after shopping. In plain and encouraging language, Dr. Benson helps readers to identify their 'overshopping sequence' - the pattern of triggers, actions, and aftershocks (or negative consequences) that plague compulsive buyers.With this awareness of the dynamics of their shopping problem, readers gain the ability to address the root causes. Dr. Benson demonstrates how unaddressed emotional pain can drive us to over shop, as can limited and unrealistic concepts about what will make us truly happy in life. To promote recovery, she offers readers an integrated approach that enlists the mind, the heart, and even the body to develop a mindful awareness around shopping and take back control over buying and spending. It includes patient stories, practical strategies, exercises, and information on financial planning.

April Lane Benson, PhD, is a nationally known psychologist who specializes in the treatment of compulsive buying disorder. She has appeared on several national television programmes in the US including the Today Show, Good Morning America, and the CBS Evening News. This is her first book written for a general audience.

"This warm, wonderful book provides a road map for making the journey from overshopping to full recovery and life balance. I particularly enjoyed the use of mindfulness techniques. Every overshopper needs this book!"-Olivia Mellan, Overcoming Overspending "An extremely helpful book. Dr. Benson provides a practical, step-by-step method for recognizing, controlling, and finally stopping a shopping problem. I recommend it without hesitation."-Lorrin Koran, MD, Stanford University Medical Center "If you are a compulsive or chronic shopper-as millions are-this book may well save your sanity, your relationships, your marriage, or even your life."-Jerold Mundis, author of How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously "This book instructs wisely about the problem of compulsive buying and how it might be reasonably overcome."-New England Psychologist