Cognitive Behavioural Counselling in Action (Counselling in Action series) [Paperback]

This book did meet the aims I set it, as I have a much better understanding of the Cognitive-Behavioural approach now. I feel I have grasped the workings behind this previously unknown theory, as I come solely from a Person Centred background. This book is clearly set out with good structure and takes you through the different stages of the CBC process. This includes an opening phase with induction and exploration, a middle phase with initial cognitive assessment and initial cognitive intervention and closing phase with homework and boundary conditions.

The methods used are interesting and well described. I found the ABC form quite confusing. I appreciate it is often good for the client to see what behaviour they are displaying, but thought the titles used were a little harsh e.g.. dysfunctional thoughts/images, functional alternative thoughts/images.

I felt uneasy when the counsellor would talk about the clients dysfunctional behaviour. This I found to be judgemental. CBC is advertised as primarily Person Centred based using many of the skills i.e.. reflecting, challenging, listening, focusing but at times it didn't sit well with me.

The case study with Andrew was extremely helpful at cementing in my mind what the counsellor is trying to achieve. As just firing out what should and shouldn't be done at different phases of the counselling is futile, but reading what Andrew said and how the
counsellor interacted made it much more real.

I feel the authors of this book worked well together at explaining and putting into practice his theories.

Overall, I very much enjoyed reading the book. I would recommend other Counselling Diploma students to read this book. It could open their eyes to a whole new world.

This book begins with an overview of Cognitive-Behavioural Counselling (Therapy) and then leads the reader through the various stages of the CBC process using Andrew - a fictitious client as a case study to enable the reader to see how the CBC model of counselling works in practice. The framework of the model centres areound educating the client in the theory and method of CBC so that he can firstly gain understanding of his difficulties and then "take the initiative in assessing and resolving them" (page 38).

PartII considers ways of challenging and changing maladaptive thinking. The setting and completing of homework tasks between counselling sessions is a fundermental part of CBC and homework is also included here.

Part III considers the application of the CBC Model to specific emotional problems and includes seperate chapters on anxiety and depression.

The format of the book is clearly defined and enables the reader to locate specific areas of CBC quickly and easily. The use of a fictitious client case study shifts CBC theory to a working model of counselling and gives the reader insight into how it is used within the counselling session. CBC is a very structured model of counselling and this quickly becomes evident to the reader.

The book is well written and easy to read. The theory of CBC is clearly explained and easy to follow. The book gives a very good introducion to CBC and is suitable for both trainee CBC counsellorsand qualified counsellors who are not trained in CBC but who wish to learn the basic skills of the model

The first and only book you'll need to read when thinking about starting out learning about Cognitive Behavioural Counselling at a novice level. It is suggested by the co-authors that you have a basic knowledge of the subject to start off with, but this book will get you there and beyond easily if you have no previous knowledge of the subject. Small and handbag size too; easily for reference at a moments notice.

EJ