Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: An Illustrated Guide » (1st Edition)

Jesse H. Wright, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor and Chief of Adult Psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky.

Monica R. Basco, Ph.D., is Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology, at the University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas in Dallas, Texas.

Michael E. Thase, M.D., is Professor and Chief of Adult Academic Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

With its unique combination of “reading, seeing, and doing” through lavish use of video, tables and charts, learning exercises, troubleshooting examples, and practical tips for getting the most from treatment interventions, Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: An Illustrated Guide is designed to help both students and practitioners master the core methods of this proven form of psychotherapy.

This easy-to-use guidebook offers brief video vignettes (included on DVD) of master cognitive-behavior therapists who show how to implement the most important techniques of CBT, such as

• The collaborative therapeutic relationship
• Full descriptions and instructions on the most effective behavioral strategies; a program designed for achieving competency
• An integrated cognitive-behavioral/biological/interpersonal model for treatment
• Instructions on fully integrating CBT with psychopharmacological intervention and on formulation and treatment planning methods endorsed by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy

Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: An Illustrated Guide covers all of the key features of CBT, beginning with the origins of the CBT model and an overview of core theories and techniques that guide the work of effective cognitive-behavior therapists. Subsequent chapters cover

• In-depth explanations and illustrations of the core methods and desired elements of the therapeutic relationship in CBT, including how to conceptualize a case with the CBT model and how to structure effective sessions
• The critical functions of structure and psychoeducation
• Pragmatic instructions on how to implement the most important CBT methods, including specific methods used to identify and change maladaptive cognitions and behavior in major psychiatric disorders, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder, psychoses, and eating and personality disorders
• A unique troubleshooting guide to assist readers in overcoming common clinical problems in implementing CBT
• Helpful learning exercises to enhance understanding and put CBT interventions to work
• Guidelines and measures to assess progress toward achieving competency in CBT and continuing to build skills in this effective treatment approach

This remarkable volume concludes with two appendices of practical worksheets, checklists, thought records, and other written exercises for clinical practice, and recommended web sites and other CBT learning resources. A DVD is also included.

Written by expert cognitive-behavior therapists, Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: An Illustrated Guide is the essential resource for students of medicine, psychiatry, psychology, social work, pastoral counseling, and nursing and for practitioners who wish to learn the invaluable techniques of CBT.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Steven T. Herron, MD(University of Arizona Health Sciences Center)
Description:Compiled as a multifaceted guide to the method and practice of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), this book provides both written explanations and brief DVD vignettes to illustrate effective techniques in learning CBT.
Purpose:As CBT has become more popular and better researched, it has performed well in scientific, controlled studies for various psychiatric disorders. This book attempts to teach methods of practicing the therapy by helping readers learn the general foundation and techniques honed by clinically seasoned providers.
Audience:While this text is undoubtedly geared toward those learning CBT (i.e., psychiatric residents, psychology interns, social workers, and others), it is also an effective and concise review of successful methods which can be incorporated into a veteran clinician's practice.
Features:The most notable feature separating this book from other well-known and useful CBT books is the addition of filmed vignettes on a DVD coinciding with chapters from the guide. The chapters are packed with clinical cases, useful tables and charts, and "Learning Exercises," which encourage the reader to use important information gleaned from the pages of the book. In addition, there are numerous appendixes with worksheets and checklists to heighten the learning experience without wasting time and effort.
Assessment:Published by the American Psychiatric Association as a means of demystifying the "core competencies" outlined by the accrediting body of psychiatry residency training programs, this book is both complete and pragmatic. Various types of therapy require close supervision, and having the opportunity to view video cases (albeit with simulated patients), increase what is retained and incorporated into a trainee's eventual practice. The language is refreshingly simplistic, but not so general it becomes unhelpful, and the checklists and worksheets provide assistance in solidifying information throughout the book. This book will be quite beneficial for anyone practicing CBT, and is an excellent and worthy addition to the library of books on the topic.