This is a comprehensive book covering the assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It is a revised edition, the first edition having been published in 2000. This book is accessible to all levels of practitioners and is particularly helpful for clinicians in training or experienced clinicians who want to access comprehensive treatment information and resources all in one place. The authors also provide an update on the evidence base for treatments. It is useful for treatment planning and exploring different interventions that can be used relating to patients’ goals and symptoms.

The book is clearly written and has a variety of different resources, such as assessment schedules and assistance with writing treatment reports. Highlights within the chapters include worksheets, self-help material, information leaflets for patients, and outcome measures. Other resources include diagnostic flow charts, samples of treatment goals, both cognitive and behavioural interventions and information on using a combination of both modalities in treatment.

Chapters for specific disorders are included alongside an in-depth exploration of generic skills and interventions. Comprehensive coverage of behavioural techniques, cognitive concepts and other useful techniques are given. Each chapter provides explanations of treatment interventions and how these can be delivered effectively. Included are examples of socialization to CBT and building motivation. A detailed case example is discussed in each chapter exploring how to formulate a treatment plan using various symptoms to discuss possible interventions. Troubleshooting of common therapeutic problems is a helpful addition to each chapter and may be of particular use to less experienced therapists; for example, the chapter on PTSD covers resistance during exposure work, failure to become anxious during exposure, becoming overwhelmed with anxiety during exposure, and failure to habituate.

Medication and its effectiveness for each disorder is explored and the evidence base reviewed. Up-to-date research relevant to the specific disorders and outcome studies of the effectiveness of CBT are also outlined.

Evidence-based models for each disorder are covered and discussed although unfortunately pictorial examples are not given. However, the major evidence base and explanations of the various international models developed for each disorder are discussed. This felt both relevant and up-to-date and the comprehensive overview of the different major models might be particularly helpful for those clinicians in training. The book provides an overall summary of each model, with examples of specific cognitions, beliefs and maintenance behaviours.

This book will inform and assist clinical work by enabling practitioners to have access to comprehensive treatment plans, resources and ideas for troubleshooting. I found the chapter on depression very informative; the most helpful thing being the host of interventions that could be used when working with different assumptions and schemas.

The CD-Rom that accompanies the book provides invaluable resources for the therapist to use. It comprises disorder specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptomology, medication, risk assessment, management tools and treatment planning resources. There are 11 sections on the CD-Rom that accompany each chapter of the book. Each worksheet or accompanying document is clearly labelled within and is included in the main contents page. Treatment plans for each disorder are thorough and a host of cognitive and behavioural interventions are provided as well as a breakdown of what to cover session by session. The CD-Rom is easy to use and the resources suggested are excellent both for patient and therapist.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to those that are just starting out in their career and also to the more experienced practitioners who would certainly benefit from having this on their book shelf. The detailed summary of interventions and resources for each anxiety disorder and depression is second to none and not something that I have found collectively in any other CBT book. To date I have not found such a comprehensive book that covers all the major disorders and has such a range of resources for both practitioner and patient to use.