The Treatment of Obsessions (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Science and Practice Series)

Author: S. J. Publisher: Oxford University PressPaperback:ISBN 10: 0198515375ISBN 13: 978-0198515371In the past decade, important advances have been made in understanding the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorders; however, most advances in treatment have been directed at the comulsive element of the behaviour. It is estimated that for as many as one in three patients presenting with obseessive-compulsive disorder, the primary problem is the obsessions. Obsessions are repetitive, unwanted thoughts, images or impulses. This book describes how to conduct the first, specific cognitive treatment for obsessions, and provides a comprehensive account of the underlying cognitive theory and supporting experimental evidence. The book discusses patient assessment procedures, provides a detailed explanation of the specific technique, anticipates possible patient reactions and suggests tactics for dealing with them, and explores methods for assessing progress. Throughout, there are helpful case studies to illustrate aspects of the technique and the book closes with a 'tool kit' of forms and charts to allow the therapist to plan and record treatment sessions. This will be essential reading for all members of the mental health team involved in applying cognitive therapies, as well as those in patient support organizations and academics interested in abnormal psychologies. Review "...a thoroughly enjoyable read, and very useful from both a science and practice perspective." --Canadian Psychology "This is a solidly written and essential tool for the clinician and mental health staff who employ cognitive therapies in their daily work."--Doody's "Treatment of Obsessions presents a treatment manual for addressing the specific cognitive problems associated with obsessions without accompanying compulsions...An excellent resource for clinicians by describing, succinctly, the model of obsessions and the methods for most effective intervention."--Journal of Clinical Psychology About the Author Stanley Rachman is in the Department of Psychology, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.