Doing CBT

"A masterwork of CBT for the next generation. Tolin bases his approach on the (often-neglected) fundamentals of behavior therapy, and deftly merges them with the new science of emotion regulation, acceptance, and mindfulness. I was delighted to see that Tolin provides a wealth of information about dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This book picks up on what so many other CBT texts miss, such as how to manage the therapeutic relationship, how to make clinical decisions based on case conceptualization, how to deal with treatment-interfering behaviors, and how to approach truly challenging cases. All that, and it’s an entertaining read to boot--how many textbooks can make that claim? This book is a 'must read' for every clinician, student, and professional who wants to deliver excellent CBT."--Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP, Professor and Director, Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics, University of Washington; developer of DBT

"A thoughtful and pragmatic guide to the practice of CBT. Tolin not only describes what to do, but also lays out a theoretical basis for his recommendations. His approach is clinically informed and eminently practical. This book does a marvelous job of cutting through the academic clutter and speaking directly to what needs to be done in the clinical context. It will prove to be an invaluable training tool for students in psychology and the allied professions."--Steven D. Hollon, PhD, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology, Vanderbilt University 

"As CBT becomes the dominant scientifically informed approach to treatment, having access to easily digestible explanations of core concepts is increasingly important. Tolin presents sophisticated concepts in a lively manner, with case examples that run through each chapter. I plan to adopt this book in my graduate course on CBT, and expect it to be a go-to resource in treatment planning. I recommend this book to every clinician at every level, given the universality and broad appeal of the approach."--Dean McKay, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychology, Fordham University; past president, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

"Truly a definitive volume on how to implement CBT principles with skill, sensitivity, and flexibility. This is a 'must-read' book for anyone who is learning, practicing, or teaching CBT; I will certainly use it in my graduate course. Tolin weaves complex scientific knowledge into his clear, clinically relevant, step-by-step guide. The prose is engaging, accessible, and sometimes even wry. Don’t be daunted by the book's comprehensiveness--you will thoroughly enjoy every chapter!"--Lizabeth Roemer, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston

"This is a very useful book written by one of the field’s leading clinician-researchers. Tolin moves the reader through the process of formulating a patient’s difficulties and then directly tying treatment interventions to this formulation. He embeds clear explanations of the science behind CBT principles throughout the book; evocative case material helps the reader put the ideas into practice. This is a terrific book for the trainee who wants a thorough grounding in CBT. For the experienced clinician, it is like having a virtual colleague at your side to consult with on occasion as you take care of your patients."--Mark H. Pollack, MD, The Grainger Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center

"This book reflects the user-friendly style that Tolin is known for; it renders complex concepts easy to grasp and apply in everyday therapy. Practitioners will gain valuable tools and find many examples for practicing CBT with a diverse group of clients and problems. It’s a fun read and a fine guide to understanding why people are suffering and how to help them make critical changes in their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Essential reading for clinicians-in-training and for practicing therapists who want to strengthen their skills and improve their patient outcomes."--Gail Steketee, PhD, MSW, Dean and Professor, School of Social Work, Boston University

"Doing CBT is a wonderful overview of CBT principles, rationales, and techniques. Clear, humorous, and free of pretension, Tolin’s book is a game changer. It is an invaluable resource both for the graduate student developing foundational skills and the highly experienced practitioner looking for a toolbox full of ideas. The book begins with excellent coverage of the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional explanations for psychological distress. What follows is a detailed description of intervention delivery that addresses how to build the therapeutic alliance and use a variety of evidence-based interventions. The book concludes with three helpful case examples that show the process of case conceptualization, treatment, and assessment in real-world contexts. The volume and quality of information, combined with Tolin’s highly engaging writing style, make this book an indispensable tool for any clinician."--Joel Minden, PhD, private practice, Chico, California

"I have taught a course on Principles of Behavior Therapy in our clinical psychology doctoral program for 16 years, but, until now, I have never found a text that works. This is the book I have always wanted. It is practical, yet rich with evidence and science; full of humor, yet rigorous and detailed. Tolin's approach to describing CBT and the flexible way in which it is applied across disorders fits beautifully with the way I have always understood CBT and organized my class. Thank you and bravo to the author for this masterwork!"--Thad Leffingwell, PhD, Professor and Head, Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University

David F. Tolin, PhD, ABPP, is founder and director of the Anxiety Disorders Center/Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at The Institute of Living-Hartford Hospital and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine. The author of over 150 scientific journal articles, Dr. Tolin has served as a principal investigator and scientific reviewer for the National Institutes of Health since 2003. He is a past president of the Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) of the American Psychological Association and a recipient of awards for Distinguished Contribution to the Science of Psychology, Distinguished Contribution to the Practice of Psychology, and Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Psychology from the Connecticut Psychological Association.