Oxford Guide to Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy

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.

James Bennett-Levy, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK,Gillian Butler, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre and Department of Clinical Psychology, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK,Melanie Fennell, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre and University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK,Ann Hackmann, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre and University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK,Martina Mueller, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre and University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK,David Westbrook, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre and University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK

Foreword, David Clark
1. Behavioural experiments: historical and conceptual underpinnings, James Bennett-Levy, David Westbrook, Melanie Fennell, Myra Cooper, Khadj Rouf & Ann Hackmann
2. Devising effective behavioural experiments, Khadj Rouf, Melanie Fennell, David Westbrook, Myra Cooper & James Bennett-Levy
3. Panic disorder and agoraphobia, Ann Hackmann
4. Health anxiety, Amy Silver, Diana Sanders, Norma Morrison & Carolyn Cowie,
5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Norma Morrison & David Westbrook
6. Generalised anxiety disorder, Gillian Butler & Khadj Rouf
7. Social anxiety, Gillian Butler & Ann Hackmann
8. Specific phobias, Joan Kirk & Khadj Rouf
9. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Martina Mueller, Ann Hackmann & Alison Croft
10. Depression, Melanie Fennell, James Bennett-Levy & David Westbrook
11. Bipolar affective disorders, June Dent, Helen Close & Joanne Ryder
12. Psychotic symptoms, Helen Close & Stefan Schuller
13. Eating disorders, Myra Cooper, Linette Whitehead & Nicky Boughton
14. Insomnia, Melissa Ree & Allison Harvey
15. Physical illness and disability, Amy Silver, Christina Surawy & Diana Sanders
16. Acquired brain injury, Joanna McGrath & Nigel King
17. Avoidance of affect, Gillian Butler & Christina Surawy
18. Self-injurious behaviour, Helen Kennerley
19. Interpersonal difficulties, Paul Flecknoe & Diana Sanders
20. Low self-esteem, Melanie Fennell & Helen Jenkins
21. Behavioural experiments: at the crossroads, Christine Padesky