Making Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Work: Clinical Process for New Practitioners by Deborah Roth Ledley, Richard G. Heimberg, Brian P. Marx

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Synopsis

A highly practical guide for beginning therapists, this concise primer fills the gap between academic training and what newly-minted clinicians need to know for day-to-day work with clients. Illustrated are the "whats," "whens," and "how-tos" of the entire process of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)--from intake, assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning, through conducting sessions, making the most of supervision, and termination. Interwoven with an extended case example is expert guidance on confidentiality, informed consent, recordkeeping, and report writing, and on managing relationship issues and common problems that arise in CBT. Invaluable appendices point the reader toward additional resources, including empirically supported treatment manuals, journals, and websites.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D. (Cermak Health Services)
Description:This book provides a basic introduction to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) . It is a practical approach for new practitioners, providing information that CBT classes in school may not. It addresses all aspects of treatment, from intake to termination.
Purpose:According to the authors, "the main goal of this book is to help beginning clinicians develop a sense of greater confidence and control as they start to work with clients. Throughout, we offer four main ways in which to gain this greater sense of confidence and control: engaging in preparation, understanding the process of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) , being mindful of possible difficulties, and making good use of supervision."
Audience:The authors target new practitioners. Graduate students of clinical psychology and social work would gain the most benefit from this book. The authors are credible authorities have all published many articles and book chapters in the area of CBT.
Features:This book covers the nuts and bolts of CBT. It begins with a brief review of the theory behind CBT and then discusses assessment, conceptualization, and treatment planning. The middle and concluding chapters describe what actually happens during the sessions and how to manage difficulties. The clinical case material elucidates the concepts presented and the book walks the novice therapist through all the important phases of CBT. The book is very readable.
Assessment:I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It includes everything the beginning therapist needs in order to understandCBT and be successful. It is written by seasoned veterans who are able to effectively communicate the material. The greatest winners are clinical psychology extern/intern students, who will go to their training sites with much practical skill and knowledge. This book should be required reading for any beginning graduate course in CBT.

Biography

Deborah Roth Ledley, PhD, was Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, as well as a faculty member at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, from 2001 to 2005. She is currently in private practice in the Philadelphia area. Dr. Ledley's scholarly publications include articles and book chapters on the nature and treatment of social phobia, obsessive- compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders. She is also coeditor of Improving Outcomes and Preventing Relapse in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Brian P. Marx, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at Temple University. Dr. Marx has written extensively about understanding, predicting, and controlling the sequelae to psychological trauma. He has also written about therapeutic processes that are important for behavior change.

Richard G. Heimberg, PhD, is Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training, and Director of the Adult Anxiety Clinic of Temple University. He is also past president of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy. Dr. Heimberg is well known for his efforts to develop and evaluate cognitive-behavioral treatments for social anxiety, and has published more than 250 articles and chapters on social anxiety, the anxiety disorders, and related topics. He is coeditor or coauthor of several books, including Social Phobia: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment; Managing Social Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach; Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Advances in Research and Practice; and Improving Outcomes and Preventing Relapse in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.