Written in a clear, step-by-step style, this ideal teaching text makes cognitive therapy immediately accessible to students, beginning therapists, and seasoned practitioners who are not familiar with the cognitive approach. The author presents many clinical examples drawn from one patient's treatment to provide a realistic and coherent demonstration of cognitive therapy in action. These examples illustrate how to conceptualize patients according to the cognitive model; plan treatment; conduct an initial session; structure therapy within and across sessions; incorporate homework; and use cognitive and behavioral techniques. Instructors will appreciate the text's emphasis on formulating cases, making decisions within therapy sessions, diagnosing problems in therapy, and using advanced techniques to modify core beliefs and underlying assumptions. Transcripts in every chapter richly illustrate the narrative, and the book includes a variety of patient worksheets. This book will be of value to students and therapists learning how to use cognitive therapy. It will also serve as a text in advanced graduate and graduate clinical psychology and psychotherapy courses.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Aaron T. Beck. Preface. Introduction. Cognitive Conceptualization. Structure of the First Therapy Session. Session Two and Beyond: Structure and Format. Problems With Structuring the Therapy Session. Identifying Automatic Thoughts. Identifying Emotions. Evaluating Automatic Thoughts. Responding to Automatic Thoughts. Identifying and Modifying Intermediate Beliefs. Core Beliefs. Additional Cognitive and Behavioral Techniques. Imagery. Homework. Termination and Relapse Prevention. Treatment Planning. Problems in Therapy. Progressing as a Cognitive Therapist. Appendix A: Case Summary Worksheet. Appendix B: A Basic Cognitive Therapy Reading List for Therapists. Appendix C: Cognitive Therapy Reading List for Patients (and Therapists). Appendix D: Cognitive Therapy Resources.

Reviews

"An invaluable text for mental health professionals who want a theoretical and pragmatic reference in their attempts to deal effectively with managed care...This product is complemented by contemporary clinical examples, giving the reader a sense of empowerment about his or her own clinical potential as a cognitive therapist... Whether readers are graduate students getting their first exposure to cognitive therapy or seasoned professionals wanting a refresher on cognitive theory, Dr. Beck's book will satisfy all professional training needs." - Psychiatric Services