Cognitive Therapy for Challenging Problems: What to Do When the Basics Don't Work

Following on the success of the bestselling Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond, this groundbreaking book from Judith S. Beck addresses what to do when a patient is not making progress in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Provided is practical, step-by-step guidance on conceptualizing and solving frequently encountered problems, whether in developing and maintaining the therapeutic alliance or in accomplishing specific therapeutic tasks. While the framework presented is applicable to a range of challenging clinical situations, particular attention is given to modifying the longstanding distorted beliefs and dysfunctional behavioral strategies of people with personality disorders. Helpful appendices include a reproducible assessment tool, and the Personality Belief Questionnaire.

Judith S. Beck, PhD, is President of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (www.beckinstitute.org) and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She has written nearly 100 articles and chapters as well as several books for professionals and consumers; has made hundreds of presentations, nationally and internationally, on topics related to CBT; and is the codeveloper of the Beck Youth Inventories and the Personality Belief Questionnaire. Dr. Beck is a founding fellow and past president of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

1. Identifying Problems in Treatment 2. Conceptualizing Patients Who Present Challenges 3. When a Personality Disorder Challenges Treatment 4. Developing and Using the Therapeutic Alliance 5. Therapeutic Relationship Problems: Case Examples 6. When Therapists Have Dysfunctional Reactions to Patients 7. Challenges in Setting Goals 8. Challenges in Structuring the Session 9. Challenges in Solving Problems and in Homework 10. Challenges in Identifying Cognitions 11. Challenges in Modifying Thoughts and Images 12. Challenges in Modifying Assumptions 13. Challenges in Modifying Core Beliefs Appendix A: Resources, Training, and Supervision in Cognitive Therapy Appendix B: Personality Belief Questionnaire