A master class in CBT - discover the art within the science of
evidence-based practice.
Chris Basten is a highly experienced therapist who has worked in public
health and the private sector for over 25 years. He regularly trains
psychologists and other health professionals in CBT and motivational
interviewing. Now you can benefit from his clinical wisdom, years of
practice, and study of the therapy process, distilled into this unique
practical handbook.
The Art of CBT provides structured strategies and tips for any therapist
who encounters common challenges, such as:
- poor compliance with homework,
- emotional avoidance,
- the client struggling to identify which cognition to target,
- difficulties maintaining boundaries, and
- trouble dealing with the harder parts of CBT.
Chapters include content on building and maintaining motivation, and how
to keep therapy focused and on track. An examination of the therapeutic
relationship offers a concise summary of a wide-ranging topic area that
even experienced clinicians will find illuminating. A chapter on
cognitive therapy includes creative ways to uncover automatic thoughts
and some new ways to engage all levels of cognition into therapy more
easily (metacognitions, hidden assumptions, hot cognitions, rules and
core beliefs). Readers will also discover a checklist to ensure that
your behavioural experiments are effective.
Also included are practical ideas for building case conceptualisations
or individual formulations, encompassing where to start your formulation
sketch, how to use multiple formulations for the one client,
establishing a rationale for treatment and incorporating comorbidity.
The individualised nature of therapy is encouraged consistent with a
transdiagnostic approach to complex psychopathology. The highly readable
text is supplemented by practical examples of therapist statements and
client case examples that unfold as you read. It is ideal for clinicians
who wish to practice an evidence-based therapy but need to adapt CBT
flexibly to negotiate the roadblocks that so commonly occur in the
therapy process.
While CBT textbooks and manuals have their limits, The Art of CBT is the
essential clinical handbook for all CBT practitioners.
