Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from CBT Techniques for Stress Management in Optical Practice.

This course presents CBT as practical self-management rather than therapy training. The resources below cover optical practice standards, workplace stress, CBT background and official self-help tools.

1. Optical Practice and Workplace Guidance

• General Optical Council - Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
  Professional standards covering patient care, communication, safety, honesty, boundaries and working within competence.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-of-practice-for-optometrists-and-dispens.html

• General Optical Council - Standards for Optical Businesses
  Standards for businesses providing optical care, including governance, safety, complaints, staff support and systems that protect patients.
  https://optical.org/en/standards-and-guidance/standards-for-optical-businesses/

• HSE - Stress and mental health at work
  Health and Safety Executive guidance on work-related stress, risk assessment, management standards and employer responsibilities.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/

• NICE - Mental wellbeing at work (NG212)
  UK guidance on creating conditions that support mental wellbeing at work, including organisational and managerial action.
  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212

2. CBT and Practical Self-Help

• NHS - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  An NHS overview of CBT, what it is used for and how people access it. Useful background for CBT-informed self-management techniques.
  https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/

• NHS Every Mind Matters - Self-help CBT techniques
  Practical CBT-informed techniques for worry, unhelpful thinking and problem solving.
  https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/

• NHS Every Mind Matters - Thought record
  A structured way to note thoughts, feelings, evidence and more balanced alternatives after stressful situations.
  https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/thought-record/

3. Wider UK Support and Self-Help

• NHS - Stress
  Plain-language information on stress, common signs and practical steps for getting support.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

• NHS - Self-help guides, tools and activities
  NHS self-help materials that can support reflection, coping skills and signposting when stress is persistent.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/

• nidirect - Workplace stress
  Northern Ireland government guidance on workplace stress, warning signs, responsibilities and practical next steps.
  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/workplace-stress

Use these resources to apply CBT self-help techniques, support wellbeing in your workplace and find official guidance if professional support is needed.