Drop: Making Great Decisions, Dr. Helen McKibben
Listen to an Excerpt:

Drop

Making Great Decisions

Use Neuroscience to Retrain Your Brain and Make Better Life Choices

Amazon Best Seller

Your brain is already equipped with everything you need to identify and make excellent decisions for yourself. If only you’ll learn how to let it.

In Drop: Making Great Decisions, Dr. Helen McKibben teaches us how to use science to do just that. With over 35 years of experience as a seasoned clinical therapist specializing in techniques using neuroscience, Dr. McKibben’s approach combines the study of the body, the brain, and the interaction between emotion and memory. Drop: Making Great Decisions draws on her research to help us tap into the biomechanics of emotions, resolve triggered feelings, and make better life choices.

Drop by Helen McKibben is an Amazon Best Seller

REVIEWS

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“Dr. McKibben’s writing is crisp, clear, direct, utterly free of jargon and easy to follow. The real-life situations encountered by her clients are explained in a straightforward manner. They are easy to relate to. The role playing examples with dialogue bring the technique of “dropping” to life. Mechanics/ Organization: 10. The text is free of errors. The text flows beautifully. Each chapter clearly, simply and concisely examines a scenario where it becomes necessary to manage triggered emotions and understand the root causes of feelings. Reading through each situation can provide valuable insights, even for those who don’t date or have children, making the inclusion of these chapters highly enlightening.The gray square, which summarizes the main idea of each chapter—such as “Don’t try to analyze what the dream means. Instead, notice what feelings it pushes you to feel”—is very helpful. It allows readers to grasp the main idea first and then revisit the details. Content: 10. Dr. McKibben’s ideas are so straightforward. Calling the technique of managing triggered emotions and understanding your brain “dropping to the blank screen” is a brilliant idea. In today’s technology driven world the description of the “blank screen” immediately resonates. This book could have so much impact if enough people read it. I hope that it is purchased by as many public libraries as possible. Voice: 10 With her 35 years of clinical work, Dr. McKibben has all the necessary credentials to speak on the subject of stress and emotions in everyday life. Her voice is authoritative: firm, knowledgeable and clear yet compassionate and full of understanding. Overall Reaction: 10. I devoured this book in one sitting. I hope that I can “drop to the blank screen.” in the heat of the moment and when I am most stressed. I look forward to using this technique more often to improve my life.Dr. McKibben’s book could revolutionize the self-help market if enough people read it. It should be a New York Times bestseller as it speaks to our times.”

IBPA Book Award Judge

“A comprehensive, essential, and effective guide for all who are striving to improve the quality of their lives in every dimension. I highly recommend Dr. McKibben’s new book!”

Dr. Anita Gadhia-Smith, bestselling author and 2013-2023 Best in Psychotherapy, Washington, DC, practicaltherapy.net

“During my three decades of collaborating with Dr. McKibben at my outpatient addiction rehabilitation program, my patients would often identify their sessions with her as having been a highlight of their entire treatment experience. I am very pleased that this book now makes her valuable clinical contributions available to a wider audience.”

George Kolodner, M.D.; Founder and Medical Director, Triple Track Treatment

“McKibben…imparts to her clients and readers an interdisciplinary methodology that combines emotion, intellect, and personal desire and determination. Her deft staging of multiple roles in her consultation is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this work, revealing her as someone who understands and can convey the problematic situations that her clients must face. This in turn opens the way for them to assume roles that provide greater insight into their challenges. This ability on McKibben’s part…gives her written words broad scope, opening opportunities for discussion, contemplation, and a fresh following.”

Barbara Bamberger Scott on Goodreads

“The first self-help book I’ve found based on neuroscience that describes these processes in simple terms that anyone can understand.”

Carol Putnam, PhD on Goodreads

“Dropping to the blank screen is more than a simple relaxation or meditation technique. Dr. McKibben teaches us how to respond to people thoughtfully instead of just reacting…I have already started using this technique in communication with family members and friends. IT WORKS!!! There are many parts of the book that I will reread and study to use the method most effectively.”

Janette Fuller on Goodreads

“Dr. McKibben recognizes that utilizing her technique encourages readers to work through challenging situations by dropping frequently enough to learn to trust themselves and build genuine self-esteem. Through her clear and well-organized guide, readers can retrain their brains to make choices that bring greater satisfaction.”

Janice Airhart, SCBR

“Life-changing, powerful simplicity of how Dropping to a Blank Screen allows you to respond from your empowered self…it brings a powerful light to show lifelong patterns for what they truly are and gives the reader the tools to empower themselves. Dr. Helen’s description of self-esteem is groundbreaking…I’ve read countless books on dealing with difficult people, but none have shown the subtlety so clearly that I feel empowered to act in the moment from now on. Several of my life’s biggest struggles were clarified and unraveled. What a beautifully empowering book.”

AnnaMariah Nau on Goodreads

“I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a simple and effective way to improve their relationships, unlock their inner wisdom, and get back behind the wheel of their life.”

Ali Gmail on Goodreads

“McKibben, a counselor and doctor of psychology, is a proponent of neuroscience, which allows her to impart to her clients and readers an interdisciplinary methodology that combines emotion, intellect, and personal desire and determination. Her deft staging of multiple roles in her consultation is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this work, revealing her as someone who understands and can convey the problematic situations that her clients must face. This, in turn, opens the way for them to assume roles that provide greater insight into their challenges. This ability on McKibben’s part underpins the stance she hopes to inculcate in those who need her help and will give her written words broad scope, opening opportunities for discussion, contemplation and a fresh following.”

Bookreporter

“A drop of emotional intelligence and self awareness. Drop is a new book by Helen Mckibben that will help us understand ourselves better and how to manage our emotions. The author creates a road map to help us understand how to be more self conscious about our own emotions, thoughts and feelings. I have 28 years experience teaching middle school and highschool students, Drop is a great resource to learn how to use the opportunities in life to make decisions that are more meaningful for our lives and develop our own emotional intelligence to be more successful in life. Highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in learning a simple way to handle life’s challenges. Great gift for developing teenagers and young people who want to become successful adults. Thank you, Helen, for this wonderful book.”

Burdock on Amazon

“I have read many personal growth and self-help books, but Drop: Making Great Decisions is unique. It deeply impressed me, and I do believe Dr. Helen McKibben’s technique is innovative and mind-blowing. She has the expertise and knowledge to walk the reader through every step and thoroughly explain how to get the most out of this technique. Her words on self-esteem were enlightening and completely changed my opinion on this fundamental concept.”

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite

“Using studies in neuroscience and her thirty-five years as a clinical therapist, Dr.
McKibben does more than provide a quick fix to a response to an event. Her work helps readers understand their feelings and
address the root cause. I have a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, so Dr. McKibben’s section on parenting was particularly
helpful for me. I was able to put her suggestions in place the same day I read them, and it resulted in a more harmonious environment.”

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers’ Favorite

Drop: Making Great Decisions by Dr. Helen McKibben is a self-help guide that introduces readers to the Drop to the Blank Screen method. This method assists individuals in dealing with triggering emotions, silencing the inner critic, eliminating distractions, and enhancing self-esteem in all aspects of their lives. The approach highlights the significance of self-clarity and the role of authenticity in decision-making. The author emphasizes that choices and responses should be a reflection of one’s thoughts and feelings, rather than being influenced by external factors. The book covers topics such as addictions, eating disorders stemming from childhood trauma, parenthood, dating, and marriage. Its applications extend to athletes and performers who can use visualization to improve focus and performance. Finally, the author explains the science behind the method and suggests rewiring the brain to adopt healthier techniques for managing emotions.

How often do you bottle up your emotions or respond without thinking? Making Great Decisions can help you break this cycle by providing tools to manage your feelings in crucial situations. Whether dealing with a difficult person, haunting dreams, your child, or your partner, dropping, reassessing, and understanding the feelings involved can help you navigate the situation and make appropriate decisions. Dr. Helen McKibben has provided relatable conversations and case studies. She also offers practical exercises to help readers practice the Drop to the Blank Screen method effectively. Her use of text boxes, questions and answers, and mention of homework assignments makes the book engaging and adds an educational element to the narration. Overall, this book is a valuable resource that presents recommendations and insights that can be used by anyone with a desire to work on their emotional control and decision-making in any area of their life.”

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

“This book helped me understand myself better than years of trying to “think positive.” It teaches you how to work with your brain, not against it.”

Kehinde on Goodreads

“An eye-opening read. The connection between emotions and the brain is explained so simply. I’ve already recommended this book to friends and family.”

Taiwo Paul on Goodreads

“A powerful and refreshing approach to self-improvement. It feels scientific without being overwhelming, and inspiring without being unrealistic.”

Flora Dickson on Goodreads

“There’s a gentleness to this book that made me feel understood rather than judged. I felt seen while reading it, and I learned how to speak to myself with more compassion. The method Dr. McKibben teaches feels like something anyone can learn, and it’s deeply empowering.”

Sophia on Goodreads

“I’m not usually into self-help books, but this one felt very real and practical. It doesn’t feel preachy or unrealistic. The exercises are simple and don’t take hours. I’ve already noticed I’m more aware of my emotional triggers and less reactive. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants real, usable change.”

Williams on Goodreads

“This book sparked incredible conversations in our group. The questions it raises about emotional habits, relationships, and personal responsibility are powerful. What stood out is how actionable the advice is, it’s not theoretical, it’s practical. We all walked away with something valuable.”

Fiona on Goodreads

Learn More

Drop: Making Great Decisions is filled with interviews that illustrate how real people have applied this method to their lives. This book can help if you’ve ever asked yourself:

  • Why do I have so much self-doubt and anxiety?
  • Can I silence my critical inner voice?
  • How can I cultivate positive self-esteem?
  • How do I manage my addiction and stop abusing substances?
  • How do I overcome my eating disorder?
  • What are the secrets to falling asleep faster and getting better sleep?
  • How can I deal with difficult, disruptive, and toxic people?
  • How do I model high self-esteem and healthy emotional regulation for my child?
  • Why do I keep attracting toxic or manipulative partners?
  • What is the best way to achieve optimal, mental athletic performance?

Dr. McKibben guides us through her revolutionary and innovative self-help technique of dropping to the blank screen to learn how to manage triggered feelings and to understand why we feel the way we do. By monitoring neuromuscular signals that indicate unconscious triggered emotions, we can work with the brain rather than against it. Dr. McKibben teaches us a practical, self-reliant method to retrain our brains and change our responses to life’s stressors.

Learn to use neuroscience to activate the brain in the way it is designed to work emotionally, and to change your brain’s response to yourself and other people.

You can use your emotional instincts to make great decisions. Trust your brain and set yourself up for self-reliance with Drop: Making Great Decisions.

Drop: Making Great Decisions
Dropping to the Blank Screen with Helen McKibben

About the Drop Technique

Dropping to the Blank Screen

Dropping to the Blank Screen is a method in Drop: Making Great Decisions designed for people to build self-esteem by learning to successfully process triggered feelings and to listen to those important words that surface after they have experienced the physiology of the feelings. The book teaches individuals to stay with those words long enough to retrieve and implement their own point of view.

If individuals do not complete the process of following through with making decisions from the words that come after going through triggered feelings, autonomic nervous system and neuromuscular relief will not be permanent and tensions and stress will remain, overwhelming the individual’s brain and emotions.