Oxford Guide to Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy

Behavioral experiments are one of the central and most powerful methods of intervention in cognitive therapy. Yet until now, there has been no volume to guide clinicians wishing to design and implement behavioral experiments. Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy fills this gap. It is
written by clinicans for clinicians. It is a practical, easy to read handbook, which is relevant for practicing clinicians at every level, from trainees to cognitive therapy supervisors.
Following an introduction by David Clark, the first two chapters provide a theoretical and practical background for the understanding and development of behavioral experiments. Therafter, the remaining chapters of the book focus on particular problem areas. These include problems which have been the
traditional focus of cognitive therapy, such as depression and anxiety disorders, as well as those which have only once more recently become a subject of study, such as bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms. Additionally, it includes some which are still int their relative infancy--physical health
problems, and brain injury.
The book includes several chapters on transdiagnostic problems, such as avoidance of affect, low self-esteem, interpersonal issues, and self-injurious behavior. A final chapter by Christine Padesky provides some signposts for future development. Containing examples of over 200 behavioral
experiments, this book will be of enormous practical value for all those involved in cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as stimulting exploration in both its readers and their patients.

Behavioural experiments are one of the central and most powerful methods of intervention in cognitive therapy. Yet until now, there has been no volume specifically dedicated to guiding physicians who wish to design and implement behavioural experiments across a wide range of clinical problems. The Oxford Guide to Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy fills this gap. It is written by clinicians for clinicians. It is a practical, easy to read handbook, which is relevant for practising clinicians at every level, from trainees to cognitive therapy supervisors. Following a foreword by David Clark, the first two chapters provide a theoretical and practical background for the understanding and development of behavioural experiments. Thereafter, the remaining chapters of the book focus on particular problem areas. These include problems which have been the traditional focus of cognitive therapy (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders), as well as those which have only more recently become a subject of study (bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms), and some which are still in their relative infancy (physical health problems, brain injury). The book also includes several chapters on transdiagnostic problems, such as avoidance of affect, low self-esteem, interpersonal issues, and self-injurious behaviour. A final chapter by Christine Padesky provides some signposts for future development. Containing examples of over 200 behavioural experiments, this book will be of enormous practical value for all those involved in cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as stimulating exploration and creativity in both its readers and their patients.

1 - Behavioural experiments: historical and conceptual underpinnings
2 - Devising effective behavioural experiments
3 - Panic disorder and agoraphobia
4 - Health anxiety
5 - Obsessive-compulsive disorder
6 - Generalised anxiety disorder
7 - Social anxiety
8 - Specific phobias
9 - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
10 - Depression
11 - Bipolar affective disorders
12 - Psychotic symptoms
13 - Eating disorders
14 - Insomnia
15 - Physical illness and disability
16 - Acquired brain injury
17 - Avoidance of affect
18 - Self-injurious behaviour
19 - Interpersonal difficulties
20 - Low self-esteem
21 - Behavioural experiments: at the crossroads