Cognitive Therapy for Chronic and Persistent Depression

‘This volume provides the most comprehensive presentation to date of the phenomenology, clinical aspects and cognitive therapy of persistent depression. The text is highly readable, replete with illustrative case material, and highlighted by concise summaries at the end of each chapter. The treatment approach, already validated in the famed Cambridge–Newcastle clinical trial, is an invaluable contribution.’ Aaron T. Beck, M.D. Drawing on extensive clinical experience, Richard G. Moore and Anne Garland present a cognitive model of persistent depression that places particular importance on the role of thinking styles, underlying beliefs, subtle forms of avoidance and environmental factors. For the practitioner, this book offers guidance on how to address particular issues that commonly arise at each stage of therapy, such as: the patient is reluctant to engage in therapy the patient’s negative thinking does not respond to standard therapeutic techniques the patient’s negative beliefs have much basis in their experience the therapist becomes demoralised by the apparent lack of progress in therapy Through extensive clinical material, Cognitive Therapy for Chronic and Persistent Depression demonstrates how entrenched negative thinking patterns and ongoing avoidance can be addressed to achieve significant change in many people’s lives. This book is essential reading for any therapist working with these hard to help patients, such as clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, social workers and counsellors.

About the Authors vii Preface ix Acknowledgements xv Introduction The Challenge of Persistent Depression 1 Chapter 1 The Cognitive Model of Persistent Depression 21 Chapter 2 The Foundations of Therapy: Therapeutic Relationship, Style and Structure 69 Chapter 3 Initial Assessment and Formulation 94 Chapter 4 Initiating Therapy: Socialisation and Setting Goals 137 Chapter 5 Using Standard Behavioural Techniques 171 Chapter 6 Working with Automatic Thoughts 198 Chapter 7 Recognising Underlying Beliefs and Their Effects 231 Chapter 8 Modifying Underlying Beliefs 257 Chapter 9 Working with Some Typical Themes in Persistent Depression 291 Chapter 10 Beyond Therapy: Preventing Relapse and Furthering Progress 319 Chapter 11 Delivering Treatment 341 Chapter 12 Outcomes and Processes of Therapy 354 Appendix 1 Meet the Patients 372 Appendix 2 Handouts for Patients 381 References 397 Index 407