This volume aims to “build a bridge between research on cognitive-behavioural therapy and what clinicians actually do day to day”. This certainly seems a useful endeavour given that there is still a gap to be bridged. Indeed, it is surprising that, although much effort has been directed towards developing treatments that work, there has been relatively little work regarding how to translate research findings into clinical practice. Overall, I think the authors have achieved this aim in a volume that is relevant for all clinicians who embrace the scientist-practitioner model. It will be especially useful as an introductory text but should also offer something of interest to more expert practitioners.

One of the biggest strengths of this book is that it contains an impressive amount of information, offering both breadth and depth. However, its density could also put off some less dedicated readers. One aspect of the book that may be less attractive to readers is that visually it is rather uninteresting, comprised of text and text-based figures and tables. However, to bring the book to life, the authors illustrate the chapters with an unfolding clinical case as well as frequently referring to examples from clients in their own practice. Where authors are unable to cover certain topics in detail they offer useful further references.

This volume is not intended to be used in isolation by clinicians as it provides only an over-view of disorder-specific forms of CBT. Rather it brings together the factors common to CBT across different problem areas. As evidence-based practice for many psychological problems requires the use of disorder-specific forms of CBT, readers would need to read the current volume in addition to disorder-specific CBT manuals. Perhaps this lack of focus on disorder-specific treatments is, for me, the biggest weakness of this book, given its title. However, the authors are clear about their intentions and reviewing CBT across problem areas has enabled them to distil key principles that may be less visible from a disorder-specific vantage point.

The authors bring together several areas of expertise on top of CBT: psychology, clinical research, clinical training, private practice and professional issues. Both are based in Calgary, Canada. As would be expected, some of the issues and perspectives presented in this volume are influenced by the authors' cultural background but most of the information would be relevant beyond this and the authors make efforts to note details specific to other countries.

The volume in its current hardback form is 354 pages long and contains 13 chapters. It starts with an introduction to CBT. The next eight chapters give a detailed description, integrated with research evidence, for each of the elements of CBT in the order in which they are likely to be used in treatment. The authors begin with the process of assessment before going on to detail how to develop a formulation. A further chapter examines how to make a plan for therapy and engage the client in treatment. Behavioural elements of treatment are discussed separately from strategies designed to restructure cognitions. The authors next include a chapter focused on the modification of core-beliefs before ending the practical description of CBT with a discussion of issues pertinent to termination, including relapse prevention. The subsequent chapter considers challenges of implementing CBT, although difficulties with the implementation of specific aspects of treatment are also discussed throughout. The final chapters discuss the research context of CBT, myths about CBT and starting and maintaining a CBT practice. The book ends with two appendices: a reprint of The Cognitive Therapy Scale (Young and Beck, 1980), which will be very useful to those not already familiar with this, and a list of review articles regarding the efficacy of CBT, including evidence for CBT for specific disorders.

In summary, this book provides a practical guide to common elements of CBT for practitioners who are interested in making good use of available evidence to help their clients to get better. It offers information on which aspects of CBT are empirically supported, and tells readers how to use these with clients in their practice, as well placing CBT within a wider context.