"Given the tremendous amount of new research and expansion of ideas that continue to move the field in exciting new directions, I applaud the efforts to expand this volume to incorporate some of the different ways of conceptualizing and treating our clients….Even CBT therapists who are skilled at delivering traditional CBT should find this book quite helpful in adopting a strengths-based approach, sharpening their conceptualization skills, expanding their repertoire of therapeutic techniques, planning more effective treatment, and troubleshooting difficulties in therapy….The purpose of Dr. Judith Beck’s book is to educate, to teach, and to train both the novice and the experienced therapist in CBT, and she has succeeded admirably in this mission."from the Foreword by Aaron T. Beck, MD, University Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania "This thoroughly revised third edition provides a systematic bird's-eye view of the method and thinking of an experienced, gifted CBT practitioner. Beck's conversational tone is welcoming and reassuring. The text includes transcripts, reflection questions, practice exercises, and clinical tips for the learner. It seamlessly incorporates contemporary elements of CBT, including mindfulness and the consideration of patient strengths, aspirations, and values. Beginning practitioners will find the rubrics for considering stuck points in therapy and performing good evaluations to be invaluable. This book is a 'must' for anyone interested in learning more about both the micro-skills of CBT and the big picture of thoughtful and reflective therapeutic practice."Donna M. Sudak, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Vice Chair for Education, Drexel University–Tower Health Medical Group "CBT is exploding in all directions. Before exploring far-off territories, I recommend learners start here! 'Basic' is defined as 'forming an essential foundation or starting point; fundamental,' which describes this book perfectly. It is an ideal text for graduate students learning CBT and for practitioners at all levels of experience who are new to CBT and want to learn the foundational principles and practices of this important psychotherapy model."Jacqueline B. Persons, PhD, Director, Oakland Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center; Clinical Professor, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley "My students regularly comment that Beck’s book is their favorite of all the texts in our course. She creates a relationship with readers that increases their ability to understand and apply information from the text, just like a therapeutic alliance facilitates the patient’s incorporation of new data in therapy. Any student of psychology can pick up the third edition and get a full understanding of the nature, scope, structure, and strengths of CBT."Laird Bridgman, PsyD, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Irvine, California; private practice, Lake Forest, California "I am delighted to see the third edition of this classic work, which includes a positive, strengths-based perspective for clinicians working with people who struggle with significant mental health problems. Focusing on individual values, goals, strengths, and resources, and on newer evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies, will surely benefit patients and their families. This essential resource with clear examples will enhance the practice skills of psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, licensed mental health practitioners, and their students."Gail Steketee, PhD, Professor and Dean Emerita, Boston University School of Social Work “The third edition of Judith Beck’s classic text builds on the legacy of prior editions by including positive, recovery-based methods; mindfulness; and other newer developments that make it even more valuable to students and clinicians. Beck’s inspiring therapy with her clients shines through and gives readers a feast of practical examples of how to put CBT into action. A leading force in the practice and evolution of CBT, Beck has given us a book to treasure.”Jesse H. Wright, MD, PhD, Kolb Endowed Chair of Outpatient Psychiatry and Director, Depression Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, PsyD (Cermak Health Services)
Description: This book describes the basic principles and techniques of cognitive behavior therapy. It is practical, providing a step-by-step approach along with helpful clinical vignettes. A companion website has videos and downloadable worksheets. This is the third edition, last published in 2011.
Purpose: According to the book, "providing crucial skills, Beck shows step by step how to engage clients; develop a sound case conceptualization; and plan and implement cognitive, behavioral, and experiential interventions. She demonstrates how the strengths-based tools of CT-R can help clients take steps every week in the service of their values and aspirations that provide connection, empowerment, meaning, and purpose." Those are very worthy objectives, which the book meets.
Audience: According to the book, "written for a broad audience of clinicians, this state-of-the-art guide is an essential text for both graduate students and professionals in clinical psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatry, and psychiatric nursing." The book meets the needs of its intended audience. The author is a credible authority in the subject matter of the book. Judith S. Beck is president of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has published extensively in the field with over 100 articles and chapters along with several books.
Features: The book begins with an introduction to the topic. It provides a brief history and explains the basics of CBT. Treatment is a dynamic process based on cognitive conceptualization. This involves analyzing the antecedent event, automatic thoughts, and reaction (consequence). It is important to establish a positive working relationship with the client. This is done by using good counseling skills and eliciting feedback. After the first few sessions, a treatment plan is developed, which guides the work. Each session is structured in order to make the best use of time. Activity scheduling is an important first step, especially for depressed clients. CBT is sensitive to cultural issues. It is a collaborative effort so clients must be actively involved. Homework (action plans) are a foundational part of the therapeutic process. It emphasizes the positive and is time limited. Mindfulness can be integrated into the therapy, both formal and informal practices. The book ends with a discussion of termination and relapse prevention. There are four appendixes: CBT resources, a sample case write-up, summary of the AWARE technique, and restructuring early memories. The book is very readable and contains numerous figures and clinical tips boxes, which help clarify the text. The clinical vignettes are excellent in seeing the how theory applies to practice. Each chapter has reflection questions and practice exercises.
Assessment: This book is excellent because it is a step-by-step approach to understanding cognitive behavior therapy, written by an expert in the field. The clinical examples really help the readers understand how theory is applied. The book should be in the libraries of students first learning the CBT process. However, seasoned professionals will also gain much from this volume as well. The third edition is needed because the book has been updated with new material and a companion website.