14/08/2025
Book Recommendation: The Immune Mind – A CBT Perspective on the Power of Thought
By Dr Monty Lyman
At The CBT Works, we believe that therapy goes beyond addressing the mind, it embraces the whole person. That’s why The Immune Mind stood out to us as a powerful read that bridges psychological and physical health.
In this compelling 2024 book, Dr Monty Lyman, an Oxford-based physician and researcher, reveals the extraordinary connection between our brain, immune system, and microbiome, challenging the outdated notion that mind and body are separate. Drawing from cutting-edge science, Lyman explains how stress and emotions can directly influence inflammation and immune response, while immune activity, in turn, can impact mood and cognition.
A standout new frontier in medicine, The Immune Mind explores questions such as:
Can inflammatory processes contribute to depression, or even make arthritis medications a potential treatment?
Can gut microbes influence behavior via the vagus nerve?
Can everyday habits like diet, exercise, sleep, and even oral hygiene shape our mental health?
The book isn’t just theory, it offers practical, manageable steps, from mindfulness to microbiome-friendly eating, explained in a way that feels clear and inspiring rather than overwhelming.
Dr Lyman’s fields of expertise, including immunopsychiatry, have earned him wide recognition. The Immune Mind has even won the 2024 British Psychological Society Book Award.
As therapists, particularly in CBT and EMDR, we’re excited to integrate these insights into our trauma-informed, holistic practice, helping clients understand how thought, stress, and self-care may connect with their physical health.
Looking for ways to feel better from the inside out? The Immune Mind could be a clarifying and empowering read.
