5 stars (CBT STATE-OF-THE-ART) - Hundreds of books about CBT exists, this one is unique. A top reference in the field. Probably one of the best book available on the subject, and most than probably a major one. Aaron Beck daughter have write a superb comprehensive, clear,and practical CBT manual. In my opinion, this is one of "THE" book everybody can recommand without a slightest hesitation. 5 stars (A Great Starting Point.) - As a therapist-in-training, I was looking for a resource that could take me beyond the basics of microskills interviewing. This book has proven to be a good starting point for those who wish to develop their therapy style toward the direction of the cognitive behavior therapy model. Judith Beck's work is dense without being to jargon-ridden; cogent and insightful it walks the reader step-by-step toward a deeper understanding of the cogitive thearpy model of psychotherapy and case conceptualization. Interspersed throughout are case vignettes to highlight the intended point. The book is a tad pricey to be sure, but needful before embarking on other works by the likes of Robert Leahy, Ph.D., who has a tremendous operational grasp of CBT and has written many fine books on the subject. But first grasp the basics...then you can go "beyond." 5 stars (Superb Introductory Book to Cognitive Therapy) - This is truly a superb introductory book to cognitive therapy. I would highly recommend novice counselors, as well as those experienced counselors looking to expand their clinical skills. Judith Beck does an excellent job of walking the reader through the cognitive therapy process. Overall, the book is easy to follow and offers readers practical strategies, as well as the philosophical background to cognitive therapy. I believe this book is already on the shelves of many therapists and educators. ... The Guilford Press :: Psychology & Psychiatry & Cognitive Psychology :: methods :: Psychotherapy - General :: Psychology :: Cognitive Therapy :: Cognitive Psychology :: Behavior Therap :: Cognitive Therapy- Basics and Beyond
3 stars (Easy to use, but terribly REDUNDANT!) - As a psychology student, I encounted this book in a behavioral modification course. I was not overly impressed by it, but it does have it's usefulness. For anyone interested in behavior modification, or behavior therapy - whether as an educator, clinician, or even a parent (who might be wondering why their child doesn't seem to be responding to certain "punishment" perhaps?) - this text is written and laid out in a very simple, easily accessible format. Case studies or examples are provided to illustrate the application of new concepts, and most of them are very well chosen. Regardless of prior education on the subject, most individuals will be able to understand it and gain new knowlege that they can apply in the real world. HOWEVER. The chapters, while short, are at times very repetitive - it becomes very hard to follow (motivationally) when you find yourself reading the same concept five times. The book can also seem very dry, and it makes it very tempting to skip over entire sections just to find something more engaging or interesting. Although this book is very easily read and understood - potential readers need to be warned (and actually are in the beginning) that finishing this text will not dramatically increase their ability to change other people, and that any behavioral modification procedures should be used with extreme caution - many behavioral problems result from behavioral modification that was improperly designed or administered! My last word of caution would be that although the majority of these techniques will work in nearly all cases, there will be some cases in which, due to context or individual factors, they will not. Be sure to read it while keeping an open mind to considering practicality and ethical applicability. 5 stars (Textbook, But Not) - I used this book as a special education undergraduate. I found it contained all of the essential information in a format that was not bogged ... Prentice Hall :: Psychology & Psychiatry & General :: Psychology :: Physiological Psychology :: Behavior modification :: Behavior Therapy :: Behavior :: Applied Psychology :: Joseph :: Behavior Modification- What It Is and How to Do It (7th Edition)