Simona Stefan

The clinical protocols included in this book are focused both on clinical and subclinical depression and are targeted for both adults and youth. After providing a concise overview on depression and the empirical data supporting the clinical protocols, the book illustrates REBT/CBT protocols that provide essential guidance on how to address depression by practitioners at all levels of expertise (e.g. therapists in training and/or more experienced therapists). ?? ?? The field of psychotherapy research is now at a stage where the efficacy (i.e., how treatments work in controlled studies) and effectiveness (i.e., how treatments work in real life) of psychological treatments have been demonstrated for a large spectrum of disorders (Barlow, 2001). Cognitive – behavior therapies (CBT) are considered the gold standard for empirically validated forms of psychotherapy in the treatment of clinical and subclinical depression, showing short- and long-term effects (see Barlow,2001; Chambless & Hollon, 1998) that are at least as strong as those of pharmacotherapy (medication) or other therapies (i.e., interpersonal therapy; DeRubeis et al., 200 5; Hollon et al., 2005; Shea et al., 1992) and it is hoped that these treatments will help not only treat but also prevent the onset of major depression (Cuijpers, Smit, & Straten, 2007). Cognitive –behavior therapies are based on the premise that psychological problems stem from dysfunctional cognitions (Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979; Ellis, 1962). In CBT, the therapist works with the client to identify and focus upon dysfunctional cognitions to modify them and remedy associated emotional and/or behavior al consequences. Two of the most influential and widespread forms of CBT are cognitive therapy (CT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) (Elis, 1987; David, 2007; David & Szentagotai, 2006).

This clinical guide reviews the basics of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and presents a quartet of tested protocols for treating anxiety disorders in children and adults. Adult applications feature REBT for treating generalized anxiety disorder and a brief REBT/virtual reality immersion approach to social anxiety disorder. For children and adolescents, a REBT and a rational-emotive educational program address anxiety with interventions tailored to age and developmental considerations. Each protocol suggests measures for screening for suitability and differential diagnosis, explains the usefulness of REBT for the problem, and includes these features: Session-by-session therapist guide with case formulation and relevant techniques. In-session evaluation scales. Client worksheets and exercises. Developmentally appropriate materials for children and adolescents. Agendas for parent sessions to supplement children's therapy. Recommended readings for clients and reference lists for therapists. REBT in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adults offers a wealth of proven hands-on knowledge not only for practitioners using REBT in their work, such as therapists, clinical psychologists, and counselors, but also for researchers studying the efficacy of psychotherapy interventions for anxiety disorders.