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The Tools: Transform Your Problems into Courage, Confidence, and Creativity Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Barry Michels (Author, Narrator), Phil Stutz (Narrator, Author), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.6 out of 5 stars 3,971 ratings

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “I love the life these tools have allowed me to have.”—JONAH HILL, director of Stutz

Change can begin right now. Learn to bring about dynamic personal growth using five uniquely effective tools—from psychotherapist Barry Michels and psychiatrist Phil Stutz, subject of the Netflix documentary Stutz, directed by Jonah Hill.

“These tools are emotional game changers. They do nothing less than deliver you to your best and most powerful self.”—Kathy Freston, author of Quantum Wellness

The Tools offers a solution to the biggest complaint patients have about therapy: the interminable wait for change to begin. The traditional therapeutic model sets its sights on the past, but psychiatrist Phil Stutz and psychotherapist Barry Michels employ an arsenal of techniques—“the tools”—that allow patients to use their problems as levers that access the power of the unconscious and propel them into action. Suddenly, through this transformative approach, obstacles become new chances—to find courage, embrace discipline, develop self-expression, deepen creativity.

A dynamic, results-oriented practice, The Tools aims to deliver relief from persistent problems and restore control and hope right away. Every day presents challenges—big and small—that the tools transform into opportunities to bring about bold and dramatic change in your life. Stutz and Michels teach you how to:

Get Unstuck:Master the things you are avoiding and live in forward motion.
Control Anger:Free yourself from out-of-control rage and never-ending grudges.
Express Yourself: Learn the secret of true confidence and find your authentic voice.
Combat Anxiety: Stop obsessive worrying and negative thinking.
Find Discipline: Activate willpower and make the most of every minute.

With The Tools, Stutz and Michels allow you to realize the full range of your potential. Their goal is nothing less than for your life to become exceptional—exceptional in its resiliency, in its experience of real happiness, and in its understanding of the human spirit.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 13 minutes
  2. Author
    Barry Michels, see all
  3. Narrator
    Phil Stutz, see all
  4. Audible release date
    May 29, 2012
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B00870F6TA
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 13 minutes
Author Barry Michels, Phil Stutz
Narrator Phil Stutz, Barry Michels
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 29, 2012
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00870F6TA
Best Sellers Rank

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
3,971 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and encouraging for positive life changes, appreciating its easy-to-comprehend content and effectiveness as productive tools that get results. Moreover, the book is thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it turns problems into visual metaphors. However, customers disagree on the book's relatability and value for money, with some considering it a complete waste of time and money. Additionally, several customers report missing pages in their copies.

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InsightReadabilityEase of useEffectivenessThought provokingRelatabilityValue for moneyPage missing
254 customers mention "Insight"240 positive14 negative

Customers find the book insightful and life-changing, with one customer highlighting its practical advice on using mindfulness and another noting how it serves as an amazing resource for quickly dealing with life's problems.

"Great tools for self improvement. I wish I'd read it years ago to help myself and my relationships. I'll constantly reference it." Read more

"...These tools form the bridge between insight and real change. But you have to DO them, not just read about them...." Read more

"...These tools help you take very murky and overwhelming feelings and put them in a picture, label them, and then move them outside of yourself...." Read more

"...This is definitely a book I will continue to re read and use on a DAILY BASIS!..." Read more

212 customers mention "Readability"202 positive10 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and engaging from the start, with one customer describing it as a life changer.

"...Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to therapists of all stripes and people who are struggling with any of the five problems above...." Read more

"Amazing book that lays out very practical "tools" to handle life and problems that we all face as individuals and society at large!..." Read more

"...If you're seeking personal growth and empowerment, this book is a must-read. It has earned its five stars without a doubt!" Read more

"...Could never feel it as a Christian, either. It is wonderfully ideal, but I can't get down with the universal flowing liquid light of love...." Read more

117 customers mention "Ease of use"105 positive12 negative

Customers find the book easy to comprehend, with simple techniques and language that makes it a worthwhile read.

"...can be learned quickly, can be improvised once you get the tool down, and they have the..." Read more

"...Their insights are presented in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner, making this book accessible to all readers...." Read more

"...I was blown away by “the tools”. It gave me the actual tools to have “the more in my life”, but more importantly, to be a part of the healing..." Read more

"...the Tools (apart from being easy to do) is that there are not 100 tools to work with - which just leads to decision paralysis...." Read more

97 customers mention "Effectiveness"97 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's tools effective, describing them as productive and tangible aids that get results.

"Amazing book that lays out very practical "tools" to handle life and problems that we all face as individuals and society at large!..." Read more

"...tool is presented with real-life stories, making it relatable and actionable. The authors' approach is refreshing...." Read more

"...a firm conviction that what they are proposing is worthwhile and efficacious...." Read more

"...You’ll find very actionable tools, with developed case studies...." Read more

28 customers mention "Thought provoking"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it turns problems into visual metaphors.

"...all the tools are basically some form of self-guided imagery and even though the authors don't really talk about this, they are in line with what..." Read more

"...the difficulties we face but provide a path to harnessing courage, creativity, and willpower in the face of adversity...." Read more

"...Their examples are keen, their illustrations/diagrams wacky, and their actual Tools, are first blush, a bit bizarre...." Read more

"...It does not contradict any philosophy of ethics. It’s simple and provocative and now I have to read it again." Read more

22 customers mention "Relatability"13 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the relatability of the book, with some finding it extraordinarily relatable, while others describe it as cliché-ridden and slightly cheesy at times.

"...into your own life, and more than anything else, it's extraordinarily relatable for anyone who has ever seen a therapist...." Read more

"...to motivate yourself; the rest is fraught with the absolute worst, corniest, and most vomit-inducing drivel about how we tap into mystical divine..." Read more

"...everyone - esp if you are into self-improvement, happiness, figuring out the mind, getting motivated, are depressed but want to feel better, feel..." Read more

"...The authors don't give credit to the subconscious and act as if the "tools" are conscious mind techniques...." Read more

19 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive12 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's value for money, with some finding it worth the price while others consider it a complete waste of time and money.

"...I felt this was entirely unnecessary and completely detracted from the very useful tools mentioned...." Read more

"...Best place you can spend your money today. Can't believe this high value info is only $12.99 - practically free." Read more

"...Very disappointing. I will skip to the second chapter. Hopefully the rest of the book isn't like this. Very odd." Read more

"...I was super excited to read it, however I found it to be quite uninteresting at times. I feel like there is a lot of fluff in the book...." Read more

53 customers mention "Page missing"0 positive53 negative

Customers report issues with missing pages in the book, particularly noting that pages 16 and 17 are missing, and some customers mention that pages are out of order.

"...It’s a great book so far, but it’s missing pages 16 & 17. It’s now way to late to return to get a complete copy...." Read more

"...Thankfully, the missing pages occur in chapter 1 where the authors are just giving background into their approach...." Read more

"...I'm missing about a page and a half of the 1st chapter. I had to fill in the missing chapter from the Google Books 22page sample...." Read more

"...However, I have noticed there are some missing pages. Like it wasn’t published correctly...." Read more

Great tools you can use for the rest of your life.
5 out of 5 stars
Great tools you can use for the rest of your life.
I watched the Netflix documentary "Stutz" and became aware that there was a book with more tools. I appreciate the simplicity of the tools. I took my time to read this book, as I wanted to truly take in what I was reading. I am glad to have the book to reference back to, as needed. I found this book very helpful, however, will also say, as is emphasized in the book, it is one thing to read the book it is another to actually put the tools into action.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • SteveMorbitzer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great tools for self improvement.
    I wish I'd read it years ago to help myself and my relationships. I'll constantly reference it.
    Helpful
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  • Numinous Dreamer
    5.0 out of 5 stars From Insight Into Action
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2012
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I read the New Yorker article last year from Dana Goodyear about Stutz and Michels and remember thinking, "of course those guys are getting all the clients!". I, too, am a therapist in Los Angeles but not as wildly successful as these two. So naturally I was filled with resentment over their good fortune as compared to my lack thereof.

    Hmmm.

    I think there's a tool for that, eh? In my case, probably one that focuses on what I DO have and who I really am in the scheme of things - ah, yes, the Grateful Flow might work here.

    And as to creating a more successful psychotherapy practice? Oh you know, not avoiding the hard stuff that it takes - maybe a little (or a lot) of Reversal of Desire to help me tolerate the discomfort of what I need to do besides just wait for the clients to book appointments.

    See - I have plenty of insight into my own mishigoss in life (perhaps I've mis-spelled that - but it's basically a Yiddish word for the junk that gets in the way) and I know it stems from my childhood and then was recreated by ME because there's a weird comfort in sitting in your junky soul - at least it's YOUR junk.

    But to get past the insight into change - well, that's more difficult for all of us. Here's where the Tools comes in.

    I think that anyone who's ever attended a 12-step meeting and really worked the steps will recognize a lot of the steps in the tools, as well as people who have been in therapy with a Jungian-oriented therapist or one who is more cognitive behavioral. There's a fair amount of blending of ideas from different sources, but fairly neatly packaged into five main tools that you can use on a daily basis for the rest of your life, if you so choose.

    Just like doing a short-hand version of the steps to maintain your spiritual and psychological balance and end your "self will run riot", the tools as conceptualized and worked up by Stutz and Michels (I guess they all were put together by Stutz but Michels mostly wrote the book and is an adherent and colleague), can be learned quickly, can be improvised once you get the tool down, and they have the benefit of working as long as you work with them - they'll take you as far as you want to go in life.

    Their client base would certainly agree with that last statement - as many a-listers in Hollywood have spent time on either or both of their couches (or chairs - I don't see these guys as having the couches, you know?).

    If you find the 12 steps or some other philosophy that emphasizes concrete action and connecting with a power greater than yourself more helpful - use that. This book and its diligent application, will fill a gap that may exist for those who don't relate to the model in AA or other 12-step programs, may not even have a therapist available to work with them, or have tried a more traditional talk therapy and feel there's something missing.

    The point is - there is something missing from talk therapy. And I say that as a therapist. These tools form the bridge between insight and real change. But you have to DO them, not just read about them. You have to be WILLING to experience change. If you just want to complain about your mishigoss, I'm sure you can find a therapist who'll take your check and book you another appointment.
    45 people found this helpful
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  • Zachary & Elizabeth Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read on psychotherapy and change in a long time.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I give this book five stars for 5 reasons:
    1) because it is so unique - there is not another book on therapy and self-help with quite this perspective. Even if it doesn't speak to you, it's a fresh take on 5 age-old issues of living life.

    2) because it is practical - many self-help books give advice like "be grateful" or "love people" but are slim on how to do those things. Here's 5 really practical ways to change your inner state regarding 5 of the most common problems we all face: avoidance, anger, insecurity, negative thinking, and building persistence/motivation.

    3) because it has depth -- Difficult life problems are not moralized or simplified here. The authors recognize the inevitable complexities of life and its difficulties and that the tools are "portals" -- ways to enter into our problems and begin to change our state and approach to them.

    4) all the tools are basically some form of self-guided imagery and even though the authors don't really talk about this, they are in line with what neuroscience is discovering about how the brain changes -- in real-time and in context. In other words, it's hard to re-wire your brain just by talking about it. But these tools help you right in the moment of conflict, help re-orient your view of the problem and build strength and courage to tackle whatever you are dealing with.

    5) There is a playful and story-like quality to the tools. Some may not like this, but I love the way the tools help you turn problems into visual metaphors and inner stories. For example, we know from neuroscience research that when you label a negative emotion, your brain instantly calms and you feel less fearful. These tools help you take very murky and overwhelming feelings and put them in a picture, label them, and then move them outside of yourself. From this perspective it's easier to see the bigger picture and have the courage to take on your problems.

    Many other reviewers who didn't like the book call it "new age" and criticize its references to "higher forces." I disagree that this is a book new age at all. The idea that just talking about higher forces is somehow new age doesn't understand that this is just a way of languaging the fact that when we are stuck in a problem it requires a higher way of thinking, a higher energy, and a higher level of wisdom greater than our current state.

    The example I would give is using a hammer to drive a nail -- using a hammer gives you a power that you would not have with your hand alone - this is not new age thinking. While some people will take it that way and call this force/energy "god" or make it into a religious or even spiritual thing, you don't have to see these "higher forces" as anything more than how a hammer helps you tap into the energy needed to drive a nail.

    Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to therapists of all stripes and people who are struggling with any of the five problems above. And I'm waiting impatiently for the sequel!
    58 people found this helpful
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  • Mark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing and UBER PRACTICAL BOOK!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Amazing book that lays out very practical "tools" to handle life and problems that we all face as individuals and society at large! This is definitely a book I will continue to re read and use on a DAILY BASIS! Thank you both for writing and passing on your knowledge and experience! ❤️
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars efficace
    Reviewed in France on April 23, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Le style d'écriture de ce livre est vraiment axé sur la pratique des "outils", pas de grande poésie, de blabla inutile ou incompréhensible. Les outils sont assez abordables, mais le côté un peu mystique peu rebuter. Mais l'auteur en est bien conscient et par des FAQ (questions fréquemment posées)en fin de chapitre, il clarifie toutes les interrogations que l'on s'est posées pendant la lecture. Peut vraiment aider face à un problème!
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  • Canadian Consumer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Tools: Transform Your Problems into Courage, Confidence, and Creativity
    Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book if you want something concrete, action based to re route the habits which keep you stuck. The key is to not think nor analyze the tools too much. Just practice them, use them, over and over at the given cued circumstances. It helps to send you onto a positive trajectory, and getting on with your day/life.

    Of course once you feel this works for you, then re read and see if the deeper meaning speaks to you. If not that's okay too, the tools work on their own to help you MOVE FORWARD, instead of going around in circles with analysis.
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  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book to heal from our society
    Reviewed in Italy on February 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book confined my believes. Sport teaches the tools that are described in this book, but especially for people that was lucky until now and didn’t know the shadow and the maze this book is a good tool to protect his soul and improve his life. The same for people in trouble this book can help to manage critical moments of the life. Grande Phil!
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  • M. Schmidt
    3.0 out of 5 stars Nothing new
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on August 3, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Finding a good self help book is 1:1000… that being said: this is not the 1.
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  • eli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful tools used in coaching more than psychology
    Reviewed in Japan on September 13, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Phil Stutz share some powerful tools to use at home.
    I am a coach and I found that a few of the tools can be easily integrated in my training.
    Report