Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome aims to describe the approach and how to use it to assess and treat people with the condition. The book is aimed at cognitive behavioural therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other clinicians who work in the field. This is a timely publication; the NICE guidelines for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (2007) recommend CBT for the treatment of the condition; however, to my knowledge, this is the first book written for therapists on the subject.

The book provides a clear and practical introduction to the cognitive-behavioural approach to treating CFS. Kinsella begins by introducing the CBT model and evaluating the evidence for its use before describing assessment and the central components of cognitive-behavioural treatment. The following chapters consider certain subjects in more detail, including the role of emotions and underlying beliefs in the maintenance of the condition, ways in which to address other maintaining factors such as sleep problems and helping to manage pain. Kinsella completes the book by presenting a case and considering care pathways and ways in which CBT can be integrated with other approaches.

The basics of CBT in this client group are well-covered with detailed information on assessment, formulation and beginning activity scheduling. There are also some excellent sections on areas particular to this client group, such as engagement, enhancing compliance with treatment, problems with instigating exercise programs, the impact of fatigue on clients’ lives, and managing other problems that arise from CFS such as pain. People new to CBT will find the chapter on key elements of CBT and the information on treating emotional problems by modifying thoughts and beliefs helpful.

There is less here perhaps for more experienced cognitive-behavioural therapists seeking help with complex cases. The chapter on treating emotional disorders does not provide much specific to CFS that could not be found in a more basic CBT text. It is suggested that co-morbid problems with anxiety or low mood can either be treated in the same therapy or a referral can be made to an appropriate service but there is little further information about how this could be incorporated into the CFS treatment. Given the relatively high rates of co-morbidity in CFS, there is scope for a more detailed description of the particular beliefs that are common to CFS that may also be maintaining emotional distress and suggestions as to effective approaches to modifying these.

Overall, however, this is a good summary of the salient issues in CBT for CFS. It would provide an excellent basis for clinicians or individuals with CFS wanting to learn about the approach to the condition and is also a good basic text for experienced cognitive-behavioural clinicians beginning work in the area.