The ABC of CBT

Helen Kennerley, D.Phil, is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist (NHS) and a Senior Associate Tutor (University of Oxford). She has practiced CBT for over 40 years, having trained in Oxford and the US. Most of her time is dedicated to the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC), where she leads the University’s postgraduate courses in Psychological Trauma & Personality Development, and Supervision & Training. Her clinical work has been predominantly with survivors of childhood trauma. She is a founding fellow of OCTC and has written several popular cognitive therapy books. Her book, “Overcoming Anxiety” was highly commended in the BMA medical book awards, as was the 3rd Edition of this text. At the BABCP 25th Anniversary, she was shortlisted for the award of most influential female cognitive therapist in Britain.

This is an invaluable book for all trainee CBT therapists and integrative trainee counsellors wanting to understand the basics of CBT. It is structured well and addresses the main points for the ethical application of CBT.Key aspects and techniques are clearly explained, including guidance on how to use socratic methods.The book also includes a number of useful worksheets as well as guidance on how to assess and formulate problems.

• Preface1. What is CBT?2. Developing a working alliance3. Structuring your CBT session4. Structuring a course of CBT5. Formulating problems6. Assessing problems7. Socratic Methods: Enquiry, reflection and logs8. Socratic Methods: Behavioural interventions9. Your basic CBT ‘toolkit’10. Building on the basics: Taking things forward