Cognitive Therapy

This edition in the Theories of Psychotherapy series provides a brief and accessible survey of this popular, time-limited form of psychotherapy for specific functional problems. The author provides a historical overview of the approach; an outline of the cognitive therapeutic model and its central tenets, such as maladaptive schemas, automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions (e.g., maximization/minimization, fortune-telling, catastrophization); and an overview of evidence-based strategies, as well as "collaborative empiricism" in the therapeutic alliance. Cognitive Therapy examines the therapy's process, evaluates its evidence base and effectiveness, and suggests future directions in the development of the therapy.

Keith S. Dobson, PhD, is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Calgary. He has served in various roles there, including past director of clinical psychology and co-leader of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Depression Research program and head of psychology. His research focuses on cognitive models and mechanisms in depression and the treatment of depression, particularly with respect to cognitive–behavioral therapies.
 
He has published more than 150 articles and chapters and nine books and has given numerous conference and workshop presentations in many countries. Recent books include The Prevention of Anxiety and Depression (Dozois & Dobson, 2004), Risk Factors for Depression (Dobson & Dozois, 2008), Evidence-Based Practice of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (Dobson & Dobson, 2009), and the Handbook of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (3rd ed., Dobson, 2010).
 
In addition, he has written about developments in professional psychology and ethics and has been actively involved in organized psychology in Canada, including a term as president of the Canadian Psychological Association. He was a member of the University of Calgary Research Ethics Board for many years and is past-president of both the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy.
 
Among other awards, he received the Canadian Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Profession of Psychology.