Treating Somatization: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

In this important volume, two leading scientist-practitioners offer a lucid account of the clinical features and etiology of somatization, and also provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to their new, empirically supported treatment. This scholarly yet highly practical book sets a new standard in the treatment of somatization. It is essential reading for all clinicians and clinical trainees who treat patients with somatization problems, whether in the form of somatization disorder or as a feature of other clinical conditions. --Steven Taylor, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada

Somatization, somatoform disorders, medically unexplained and functional somatic symptoms; whatever we call them, they are among the largest and most neglected problems in medicine. Yet there are very few practical guides to assist practitioners. This lucid and scholarly text not only offers a valuable overview of the topic, but also provides detailed guidance on a management approach of proven efficacy. This book will be helpful to students and experienced practitioners alike. --Michael Sharpe, MD, University of Edinburgh, UK

Woolfolk and Allen have written a unique and detailed book that is clearly rooted in theory and empirical findings. Conceptual, assessment, and treatment issues are outlined within a concise and coherent framework that lends itself to practical application. Complete with a 10-session treatment manual, this book is a 'must' for clinicians, interns, residents, and clinical graduate students who are treating people suffering from physical symptoms without identifiable physical cause. --Gordon J. G. Asmundson, PhD, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Woolfolk and Allen bring optimism and rigor to the treatment of a misunderstood group of patients who have mistakenly been regarded as untreatable by many physicians and therapists. Starting with a remarkably clear foundation built on theory and a comprehensive review of the literature, the authors provide a straightforward, step-by-step blueprint for their therapeutic approach. The book is exemplary in its eclectic yet critical integration of diverse perspectives and its jargon-free style. This is a book with equal appeal and value for both experts and beginners. Experienced clinicians will find Woolfolk and Allen's work refreshing, inspiring, and informative. At the same time, the book's clinical utility, accessibility, and clarity also make it an excellent choice for beginning therapists, including graduate students in psychology and social work and psychiatric residents. --James L. Levenson, MD, Virginia Commonwealth University

I like this book enormously. The therapeutic approach is comprehensive, innovative, and clearly derived from vast clinical experience. The treatment itself is presented in a vivid and accessible way that enables the reader to learn and apply it in his or her own clinical practice. This work represents a major advance in our ability to treat patients suffering from this prevalent and difficult problem. --Arthur J. Barsky, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

This is the book healthcare professionals have been waiting for! The authors' integrative conceptual model addresses emotional aspects, such as alexithymia, demoralization, and social role theory, while also incorporating classical cognitive and behavioral ideas. They increase our understanding of patients with medically unexplained symptoms in a manner that is comprehensive, profound, and a pleasure to read. However, the core strength of this book is the treatment manual. The authors' deep knowledge of basic processes, together with an unbelievable amount of clinical experience, underpin their helpful descriptions of how to proceed when treating these patients. The breakthrough approach in this book will help healthcare professionals provide effective support for a major patient population, while reducing treatment costs substantially. --Winfried Rief, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Germany