Making Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Work: Clinical Process for New Practitioners

I have used this text in my graduate course on CBT and have found it to be a great resource for students on the journey to becoming competent clinicians. The third edition is overflowing with useful advice, enjoyable to read, and well suited for the novice clinician. The advice and narrative guidance is closely aligned with material I have been teaching for 30 years. Ledley, Marx and Heimberg include many realistic case examples that help the reader understand common clinical dilemmas. --James C. Overholser, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University

This is a great text for entry-level clinicians; I have used previous editions with doctoral students just beginning their clinical work. The book builds a bridge between academic training and actual clinical practice. Thankfully, it is not organized around CBT for particular diagnoses (as most texts are), because most clients do not fit neatly into diagnostic categories. Ethics, theory, case conceptualization, treatment planning, decision making, and collaborative empiricism are all included, to enable clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans for the clients sitting across from them. This text is validating and comforting for novice clinicians, and will likely reduce much of their anxiety. The new chapter that addresses CBT with children and families is a great addition. --Eva L. Feindler, PhD, Director, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, Long Island University Post

This nicely written and well-orchestrated third edition fills an important gap in the training process for new as well as seasoned CBT clinicians. With an expansion of case illustrations and special population needs, the third edition is a welcome resource. I highly recommend it. --Frank M. Dattilio, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

The authors do an outstanding job of identifying the challenges faced by new CBT clinicians--both realistic difficulties and potentially overblown worries usually kept to ourselves. They take a compassionate approach to trainees, effectively modeling how we all aspire to approach our clients. Understanding is followed with action, as the authors provide practical, thorough advice for managing each situation. The running case example is new to the third edition and well illustrates a number of complex issues, such as the effect of comorbidity on case conceptualization and treatment planning. --David A. F. Haaga, PhD, Department of Psychology, American University

This is not your usual clinical handbook. Drawing on the authors' widely recognized expertise as clinicians, supervisors, and trainers, the volume offers sound advice on everything from the most basic aspects of professional practice and ethics to complex problems unique to CBT. Throughout the chapters, the sensitive, empathic presentation affirms the skills and integrity of the therapist. Step-by-step instructions and case illustrations deal with essential practice issues that cut across diagnostic boundaries. This is one of those rare CBT manuals that can transform your clinical practice, whether you are a novice or expert. At the very least, this book should be required reading for students and supervisors of any graduate or professional CBT training program. --David A. Clark, PhD, Department of Psychology (Emeritus), University of New Brunswick, Canada

Prepares the beginning therapist for all phases of CBT, from the first phone call to providing booster sessions. This text is easy and enjoyable to read. The authors do a nice job of explaining hard-to-understand therapeutic concepts in a manner that is easy to understand....We have used the book with beginning therapists in our doctoral training program, and it has received rave reviews. --Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (on the first edition)

The authors' many years of combined supervisory experience clearly comes through with their insights and pragmatic solutions to the many problems encountered by initiate therapists....A text that should be required reading in any graduate training program in psychology, regardless of orientation....Will benefit all starting therapists and may even help some supervisors do a better job! --Child and Family Behavior Therapy (on the first edition)

This is a great read on how to apply CBT to different clients....It is very helpful in explaining the basics of CBT. -- Doody's Review Service (on the second edition)