Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond

[ By the way, I think that Burns's discussion of
communication techniques in his "Feeling Good Handbook"
is the single most useful treatment of that subject I
have found for the single person (he doesn't consider
how committed couples can work on their communication
issues together, but there are lots of couples books
for that).]


Excellent book for clinicians learning Cognitive Therapy   December 21, 1996
39 out of 40 found this review helpful

A concise and comprehensive book that provides a basic understanding of cognitive therapy written by one of the leading cognitive therapists. Written with the beginner in mind, it is the only book I have found that provides specific instructions in actually DOING cognitive therapy with clients. Beck takes the reader from the initial session, through case conceptualization, specific interventions, to terminitation. There is even a section on trouble-shooting that is especially useful for students who may have little experience. One of the greatest benefits of the book is that it is written like a manual that beginners can use as a foundation for developing their own style of therapy. If you are a graduate student in a clinical training program, you should have this book whether you conduct cognitive therapy or not.


Excellent reference   June 13, 2002
Joe (Dallas, Texas United States)
27 out of 27 found this review helpful

This is an excellent introductory source for anyone who is interested in learning Cognitive Therapy. I am a Master's level Professional Counselor in training, and therefore, needed to learn the basics of Cognitive Therapy. The book progresses from the basics of Cognitive Therapy to using advanced techniques. One of the greatest challenges for a Cognitive Therapist is to "teach" the client how to practice Cogntive techniques on their own. Dr. beck does a great job of explaining the rationale, as well as ways to empower the client to be their own therapist.


Basic Training Manual   July 16, 2000
James Claiborn (South Portland ME, USA)
33 out of 35 found this review helpful

When I first heard Judith Beck had written this book I expected she was simply riding her fathers coat tails. Her father Aaron Beck is often considered the father of cognitive therapy. Judy has established herself however as an important contributer to this field in her own right. This book is now required reading for begining cognitive therapists going to the Beck Institute for training. It covers all the important points in doing cognitive therapy with a range of disorders and is the logical place to start for the neophyte therapist and a good place to return for the experienced therapist to clarify what needs to be done if you are going to call it cognitive therapy.


A Great Starting Point.   December 26, 2004
Rocco B. Rubino (Ohio)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

As a therapist-in-training, I was looking for a resource that could take me beyond the basics of microskills interviewing. This book has proven to be a good starting point for those who wish to develop their therapy style toward the direction of the cognitive behavior therapy model.

Judith Beck's work is dense without being to jargon-ridden; cogent and insightful it walks the reader step-by-step toward a deeper understanding of the cogitive thearpy model of psychotherapy and case conceptualization. Interspersed throughout are case vignettes to highlight the intended point. The book is a tad pricey to be sure, but needful before embarking on other works by the likes of Robert Leahy, Ph.D., who has a tremendous operational grasp of CBT and has written many fine books on the subject.

But first grasp the basics...then you can go "beyond."