Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is very widely recognised as an important means of treating those affected by a whole range of different conditions such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders and depression. As therapy may often unfortunately involve long waiting lists CBT has the added bonus of being very simple and easy to understand through the use of practical self-help work books.
- About the Author
- Who is 'Roadblocks in CBT' aimed at?
- Part one: Case conceptualization
- Part two: Metacognition and emotion
- Part three: Specific populations
- Part four: Couples and families
- Part five: Psychotherapy processes
Author Robert Leahy
The author of 'Roadblocks in CBT' Robert Leahy, PhD, is President of the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy as well as both Founder and Director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy. Leahy is also Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Medical College which is part of Cornell University. In addition, as former editor of the Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy it is clear that Leahy is certainly very experienced in the field of CBT.
Who is 'Roadblocks in CBT' aimed at?
This book is a really valuable tool for those either working in the CBT field, undertaking related research or training to be a therapist. It may also help those suffering from conditions such as depression who already know a fair amount about psychology and psychotherapy to understand the implications of different circumstances or events in regard to effective treatment.
Part one: Case Conceptualization
Leahy's book is well laid out and divided into five key parts, the first of which is case conceptualization. This part is further separated into three chapters including the following: how case conceptualization may be used to both prevent and respond to difficulties within therapy, impediments to effective psychotherapy and the significance of effective homework, Chapter two is very helpful as it covers several aspects from the perspective of both the client and therapist.
Part two: Metacognition and Emotion
Again this part is further divided into three chapters including anxiety disorders, emotional schemas and emotional avoidance. The latter chapter is very useful and informative as it provides case studies, skills and key interventions to help both therapist and client understand and challenge factors underlying or maintaining emotional avoidance.
Part three: Specific Populations
Part three provides valuable in-depth coverage of four key mental health conditions which CBT is used to treat including the following: psychosis, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder as well as eating disorders such as binge-eating. The in-depth coverage of eating disorders offers significant insight into the issues which often result in obstacles to effective therapy and covers key skills such as motivation and tools used to help the sufferer both achieve and maintain healthy recovery.
Part four: Couples and Families
As relationships with both one's spouse or partner and parents may be a significant factor in terms of mental health and emotional well-being this section is extremely helpful. Both couple therapy and family therapy are described in detail in addition to case studies which provide the reader with essential insight into how problems in relationships and underlying factors may best be overcome.
Part five: Psychotherapy Processes
The final section of the book covers key approaches including the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to treat difficult patients, relational approach, dealing with angry patients and how to increase medication compliance. As medication may be essential for treating severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia this final chapter will enable the therapist to provide a whole variety of suggestions to overcome noncompliance.
To conclude, 'Roadblocks in CBT' is a very practical, informative read which will be of great benefit to therapists, students and anyone involved in therapy or mental health treatment.
Leahy, Robert (2006) Roadblocks in CBT New York: Guilford Press
ISBN-10-1-59385-373-4
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
Join the Conversation