This book is well structured and demonstrates how the therapeutic relationship is crucial to effective delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for adults. The book draws on Beck's model of cognitive theory but presents an evolved take on the early literature by highlighting how the therapeutic relationship is the defining feature of CBT and patient recovery. It is an informative guide for the treatment of a vast array of mental health illnesses which clinicians in general would find very helpful and insightful. It provides a comprehensive understanding of specific CBT elements to treatment and with many diagrams, self-reflection exercises and case studies it illustrates how valuable the therapeutic relationship is to working with patients.

The first of three parts to the book goes into intricate detail of the CBT-specific elements, Collaboration, Empiricism and Socratic Dialogue, and how they are connected. The book sets out the structure by providing self-reflection exercises and case studies which invite the reader to take a reflective and creative stance on their own clinical practice rather than just attempt to absorb content. This balances with the use of diagrams and competence grids which provide a platform for clear application of different exercises within sessions and help bring the reader to the real-life therapy session.

The second part provides essential guidance for applying the elements within the therapeutic relationship in real life. The chapters flow chronologically in reflection of the therapy session, beginning with how to set an agenda, then looking at interventions and between-session interventions and how to conclude the relationship and prevent relapse. The authors emphasize important factors besides focusing on optimizing successful outcomes and following precise techniques, such as allowing for flexibility in delivering therapy. This is important particularly for the more novice therapist as it suggests that keeping an open mind is crucial to the therapeutic alliance as well providing clarity on delivering content.

The book attempts to address confusion around behavioural interventions but perhaps does not quite meet this goal. Instead the reader is left understanding more why these interventions have been used without the support of the greater literature within CBT. It does usefully highlight how these types of interventions are patient group specific, for example how brain injury patients might benefit more from this type of intervention. The chapter focusing on cognitive interventions particularly illustrates the importance of the therapeutic relationship and by referring to previous case studies mentioned earlier in the book, allows the reader to really connect and see benefits in different interventions. As the book morphs into the third part, the consistent focus on the therapist's well-being as well as the patient's, is refreshing and encourages a positive internal response from the reader.

The book states that the reader must have a ‘foundational understanding’, but is written comprehensively enough for the most preliminary mental health practitioners. That said, there is much terminology that without an understanding of CBT, psychology and the therapy session in general, the reader might find the book too in-depth. Much of what it offers is only relevant to those carrying out clinical practice.

The book reviews previous research and acknowledges where there is a gap in the literature. It offers plausible considerations for younger people and groups which acknowledge how the CBT-specific elements fit into potential treatment for these different groups but also what issues might be faced.

The book lacks a final conclusion, but most chapters provide a clear summary and the use of the same case studies throughout is particularly useful in linking all of the chapters together. The techniques used connect the reader to the patient and the requirement for the reader to reflect about their own values and how this influences their own personal therapist style brings a new stance to CBT and what constitutes effective practice. In contrast to the early literature, this incorporates the value of process and not just outcome in the therapeutic relationship in CBT.