Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Severe Mental Illness An Illustrated Guide

"In this second edition of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Severe Mental Illness, the videos have been augmented for comprehensive use, and troubleshooting guides for common clinical problems are a new feature. The book covers key advances include growth in the use of CBT-focused methods for reducing suicide risk, successful treatment of trauma-influenced psychosis, implementation of compassion-focused CBT for paranoia and critical hallucinations, and development of meta-cognitive methods such as worry interventions for resistant symptoms of psychosis. From a technological perspective, computer-assisted CBT and mobile apps for depression and anxiety and the beginnings of development of apps and other technologies for psychosis and bipolar disorder are likely to gain more importance and utility. The book's focus is on individual CBT for schizophrenia and related psychoses, bipolar disorder, and severe or treatment-resistant depression. We provide a rationale for using CBT along with medication in a comprehensive treatment plan, explain the cognitive-behavioral-biological-sociocultural model, and give an overview of some of the most important treatment methods. After describing and illustrating ways to develop effective therapeutic relationships, we present critically important CBT methods for assessing and mitigating the potential for self-harm. The remainder of the book is devoted to specific problems that are frequently encountered in therapeutic work with severe mental disorders. The last chapters are devoted to two of the most important targets of CBT for severe mental disorders: promoting adherence and maintaining treatment gains. Worksheets, checklists, and rating scales are supplied in Appendix 1 and additional CBT resources in Appendix 2. By the end of treatment, we hope that our patients are armed with knowledge and skills to follow medication regimens, continue to use CBT strategies in daily life, grow further in their ability to manage symptoms, and experience well-being"--