Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia A Practical Treatment Guide

This unique manual presents cognitive-behavioral social skills training (CBSST), a step-by-step, empirically supported intervention that helps clients with schizophrenia achieve recovery goals related to living, learning, working, and socializing. CBSST interweaves three evidence-based practices--cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and problem-solving training--and can be delivered in individual or group contexts. Highly user friendly, the manual includes provider scripts, teaching tools, and engaging exercises and activities. Reproducible consumer workbooks for each module include skills summaries and worksheets. The large-size format facilitates photocopying; purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

Listed in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices

Eric L. Granholm, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego  and Director of the Center of Recovery Education (CORE) psychosocial rehabilitation center at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. Dr. Granholm is an active basic and clinical researcher in the areas of social skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis, mobile assessments and interventions, and cognitive neuropsychology in consumers with schizophrenia. He has conducted five federally-funded clinical trials of CBSST for schizophrenia, has over 100 publications, and has been an investigator on over 20 grants to study psychosocial interventions, neurocognition, and functional outcome in schizophrenia.

John R. McQuaid, PhD is Associate Chief of Mental Health at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. McQuaid’s clinical and research expertise is in the development and use of cognitive-behavioral interventions for psychiatric disorders and health management issues. He has over 60 publications and has served as an investigator or consultant on more than 15 grants in the areas of stress, psychopathology, and psychosocial treatment for psychiatric disorders and behavioral health.

Jason L. Holden, PhD, is a Research Health Scientist and Project Manager at the Veterans Medical Research Foundation and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. He has been providing clinical services to individuals with psychosis for over 10 years, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and other evidence-based practices. Dr. Holden was a co-investigator on two CBSST clinical trials, a CBSST therapist in these trials, and a supervisor and trainer of other CBSST providers. His research also focuses on ecological momentary assessments and interventions using mobile technology in serious mental illness.

I. Background, Research Evidence, and Implementation
1. Improving Functioning in Schizophrenia
2. CBSST as an Evidence-Based Practice
3. Getting Started 
4. Assessment: Measuring Effects of CBSST
II. Practical Guide
5. Introduction and Goal-Setting Session
6. Cognitive Skills Module
7. Social Skills Module
8. Problem-Solving Skills Module
9. Special Populations
III. CBSST Consumer Workbooks
Cognitive Skills Module
Session 1: Introduction and Goal Setting
Session 2: The Thoughts–Feelings–Behaviors Link
Session 3: The Three C’s—Catch It, Check It, Change It
Session 4: The Three C’s—Check It
Session 5: The Three C’s—Change It
Session 6: Three C’s Practice
Social Skills Module
Session 1: Introduction and Goal Setting
Session 2: Communicate Effectively to Achieve Our Goals
Session 3: Expressing Pleasant Feelings
Session 4: Making Positive Requests
Session 5: Asking for Help with Your Goals
Session 6: Expressing Unpleasant Feelings
Problem-Solving Skills Module  
Session 1: Introduction and Goal Setting
Session 2: Introduction to SCALE    
Session 3: Specify the Problem
Session 4: Consider All Solutions
Session 5: Lay Out a Plan
Session 6: Solving Problems Related to Goals
Appendix A. Assessment Measures
Appendix B. Games to Engage and Teach
Appendix C. Additional Handouts and Materials
References
Index