The aim of the book is to be an introduction for novice cognitive behavioural therapists. It attempts to address the questions and concerns that many beginning clinicians have and offers practical guidance to build key clinical skills. The original edition covers initial interactions with clients, the process of assessment, conceptualizing cases and planning treatment, managing noncompliance, report writing, responding to and managing suicidal clients and terminating therapy. This second edition has additional content including working with suicidal clients, culturally responsive CBT, and professional ethics in the Internet age

Each chapter selectively draws on the writer's knowledge and experience. For example, Chapter 2 is entitled ‘Initial Interactions with Clients’. It informs readers of the aims of this initial contact. It reminds the reader of how the client may feel and the need to give them something to “go away with” at the end of the session. The book reminds the reader that they may be anxious about this process. It reminds the therapist to be conscious of their initial beliefs. It gives practical advice about asking the client how they want to be contacted and if they have permission to do so, and it also refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The chapter then goes on to tell the reader to give themselves enough time to prepare adequately for the session, even going into detail on what is appropriate to wear.

Further issues such as confidentiality are covered, and potential novice concerns are also highlighted. For example, the novice may believe doing initial administrative aspects of the assessment are unnecessarily onerous on the client. It points out their beliefs about this may affect the interaction. In addition, it informs the reader that the client's reaction to being asked to do this can elicit important information about how they react to certain problems. The chapter ends with a vignette as an example.

The book is practical and didactic in its approach. It encourages novice clinicians to examine their own beliefs when seeing a client and to think how this may affect the interaction. Whilst the book covers the therapeutic process, it is not covered in much detail. I would welcome more information on types of formulation and more references to research about the therapeutic relationship. There also seems to be an assumption that the clinician will use semi-structured interviewing and established treatment manuals. The book is also based very much on the American system and psychological models.

In my opinion this book would be useful for less experienced or less confident practitioners who want clear boundaries on what is required in a professional work situation. For example, it addresses issues such as should you befriend people on Facebook or accept a social invitation from clients. For many novice clinicians who have mental health experience, this level of advice may not be required. The book may also be useful to supervisors or managers needing to draw up clear workplace protocols.