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`Size-wise, these books span an open palm and have a very handy flap on the back and front as an integral feature of the cover which can be used as a bookmark. They are concise, yet thorough, providing introductions to the key elements of the theory and practice underpinning major therapeutic approaches... [An] ideal ′intro′... I would recommend these books because, ′in a nutshell′, they work′ - Therapy Today

Cognitive therapy is one of the most widely used approaches within counselling and psychotherapy today. As such, there is a wealth of literature on offer to the newcomer, which can sometimes be overwhelming for those seeking an initial understanding of the approach. Cognitive Therapy in a Nutshell solves this problem by providing the key elements of cognitive therapy theory and practice in a very concise and accessible way.

Cognitive therapy teaches clients that there is always more than one way of seeing events, and therefore that their viewpoint is largely a matter of choice. Helping clients to develop and maintain more helpful viewpoints in tackling their problems is the focus of the therapy. Cognitive Therapy in a Nutshell offers clear explanations of the fundamental models used to treat clients including the information-processing model, and the three cognitive levels examined during therapy - automatic thoughts, underlying assumptions/rules, and core beliefs (schemas). The authors also provide a valuable case study of a client with a social phobia to demonstrate how cognitive therapy works in action.

Cognitive Therapy in a Nutshell also explores the techniques involved in:

o eliciting and examining negative automatic thoughts;

o uncovering and examining underlying assumptions, rules and core beliefs;

o maintaining gains from therapy.

This book will be invaluable to those coming to cognitive therapy for the first time, and who want to gain a full understanding of the basics of the approach.

Windy Dryden currently works at Goldsmiths College where he is Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies as well as being the Programme Co-ordinator of the MSc in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and the Diploma in Cognitive Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy. Michael Neenan works for the Centre for Stress Management, Blackheath.