Cognitive Behavioural Counselling in Action

Synopsis

This best-selling, practical, evidence-based guide to the cognitive behavioural approach takes you step-by-step through the process of counselling, from initial contact with the client to termination and follow up. The book follows a skills-based format based around the Bordin and Dryden model of bonds, goals, tasks and views, with expanded case material to further illustrate links between theory and practice.

This third edition includes new content on:

· the working alliance - what it is and why it is so important

· challenges and pitfalls in the counselling process

· when to challenge and when not to challenge clients beliefs
· emotional problems such as shame, guilt and jealousy as well as anxiety, depression and anger.

Drawing on their own extensive experience and contemporary research, the authors provide a concise overview of the cognitive behavioural approach, with new material on emotional problems rarely covered in practitioner guides, a strong emphasis on the therapeutic alliance, and updated bibliographic references throughout.

Praise for the Previous Edition:

"An elegant and informative guide to the practice of cognitive behavioural counselling … recommended for all CBT practitioners." - Mick Power, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh

"A deserved best-seller for over 20 years. Peter Trower and colleagues have completely revised and updated the book in light of the enormous scientific achievements of CBT in this time. This brilliant book is essential reading for all cognitive behavioural practitioners." - Max Birchwood, Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Birmingham

?"An absolutely wonderful book on cognitive behavioural counselling. It includes not only the basic information but also recent conceptual advances in the field. Truly, I cannot recommend this book highly enough!" - E. Thomas Dowd, International Editor, Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Counselling

* Definition and principles: Cognitive behavioural counselling (CBC) is a form of therapy that focuses on changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is based on the idea that our thoughts and feelings influence our behaviour, and that by changing our thoughts, we can change our behaviour.
* Real example: A client is struggling with anxiety and depression. They are constantly worrying about the future and feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts. The CBC therapist helps them to identify their negative thoughts and challenge them. They also work together to develop coping mechanisms to manage the client's anxiety and depression.

Chapter 2: The Cognitive Triangle

* The cognitive triangle: The cognitive triangle is a model that explains how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected.
* Real example: A client is feeling angry and frustrated because they have lost their job. The therapist helps them to understand that their thoughts about losing their job are leading to their feelings of anger and frustration. They also work together to develop strategies to cope with the client's job loss.

Chapter 3: Challenging Negative Thoughts

* Challenging negative thoughts: Negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings and behaviours. CBC therapists help clients to identify their negative thoughts and challenge them.
* Real example: A client is feeling anxious because they are worried about their upcoming job interview. The therapist helps them to identify their negative thoughts about the interview and challenge them. They also work together to develop coping mechanisms to manage the client's anxiety.

Chapter 4: Changing Behaviour

* Changing behaviour: CBC therapists help clients to change their behaviour by teaching them new skills and strategies.
* Real example: A client is struggling with anger management. The therapist helps them to identify their triggers for anger and develop strategies to manage their anger. They also work together to develop coping mechanisms to help the client to avoid engaging in destructive behaviours.

Chapter 5: Problem Solving

* Problem solving: CBC therapists help clients to solve problems by teaching them how to identify the problem, generate solutions, and evaluate the solutions.
* Real example: A client is struggling with relationship problems. The therapist helps them to identify the problems in their relationship and develop strategies to solve the problems. They also work together to develop coping mechanisms to help the client to manage the challenges in their relationship.

Chapter 6: Relapse Prevention

* Relapse prevention: CBC therapists help clients to prevent relapse by teaching them how to identify and manage triggers for relapse.
* Real example: A client is recovering from substance abuse. The therapist helps them to identify their triggers for relapse and develop strategies to cope with these triggers. They also work together to develop a relapse prevention plan to help the client to stay sober.