The case formulation approach to cognitive-behavior therapy

Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-266) and index.

What is the case formulation approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy? -- Cognitive theories and their clinical implications -- Learning theories and their clinical implications -- Emotion theories and their clinical implications -- Beginning the therapeutic relationship and obtaining a problem list and diagnosis -- Developing an initial case formulation and setting treatment goals -- Using the formulation to develop a treatment plan and obtain the patient's consent to it -- The therapeutic relationship -- Monitoring progress -- Decision making in the therapy session -- Handling nonadherence and treatment failure -- Decision making and intervention over the course of therapy.

This book addresses a critical challenge in evidence-based psychotherapy: how to use empirically supported therapies (ESTs) in real-world clinical contexts. The author explains the basic theories of cognition, learning, and emotion that underlie available ESTs and shows how the theories also guide systematic case formulation. By crafting a sound formulation and continually refining and monitoring it as treatment progresses, the therapist can smoothly shift theoretical gears and weave together elements of different ESTs to meet the needs of individual patients, who typically present with multiple problems. Hands-on tools, reproducibles, and many concrete examples are included.