Choosing Help

Why do so many people resist getting help—even when their lives depend on it?

In Choosing Help, psychologist Tracy Stecker, PhD, offers a compassionate and evidence-based guide to understanding the deep-rooted reasons why individuals avoid treatment for mental health and substance use issues—and how to help them move toward change.

Drawing on decades of clinical research and real-world experience, Dr. Stecker explores the psychological barriers that keep people from seeking support, from fear and shame to mistrust and denial. Rather than placing the burden solely on families or communities, Choosing Help introduces a groundbreaking intervention model designed to shift the individual's own mindset—making the decision to seek help not just possible, but empowering.

Each chapter of Choosing Help dives into a specific mindset that keeps people from seeking support. You’ll meet individuals who believe treatment won’t work, who insist they’re not ready, or who feel they don’t need help at all. Others are convinced they can handle it on their own, fear being forced into the wrong kind of treatment, or struggle with the vulnerability of opening up.

Through these stories and insights, Dr. Stecker reveals how these beliefs form—and how they can be gently challenged and transformed.

With clear analysis, relatable case studies, and actionable strategies, Choosing Help equips readers with the tools to recognize resistance, respond with empathy, and guide themselves or others toward healing.

Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, loved one, or someone wrestling with your own reluctance, this book is a vital resource for making help feel like a choice—not a confrontation.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs