Behavioral Activation for Depression A Clinician's Guide

by Martell, Christopher R.; Dimidjian, Sona; Herman-Dunn, Ruth; Lewinsohn, Peter M.

• ISBN13: 9781462510177
• ISBN10: 1462510175
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-02-08
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

From leading experts with a decade of experience in research and clinical practice in behavioral activation (BA), this book provides empirically tested tools for helping clients overcome depression by becoming active and engaged in their lives. BA is a stand-alone treatment whose principles can be integrated easily with other approaches that therapists already use. Step-by-step guidelines are presented for identifying individualized treatment targets, monitoring and scheduling "antidepressant" activities -experiences that are likely to be rewarding and pleasurable -and decreasing avoidance and ruminative thinking. Rich clinical illustrations include an extended case example that runs throughout the book. More than 20 activity planning forms, worksheets, and other reproducible materials are featured.

Author Biography

Christopher R. Martell, PhD, ABPP, is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and has a private consulting practice focusing on behavioral activation therapy. He is board certified in both clinical psychology and behavioral psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology and is a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. The coauthor of four books, Dr. Martell has published widely on behavioral treatments for depression and other areas of application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including CBT with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. He is a recipient of the Washington State Psychological Association\u2019s Distinguished Psychologist Award. Sona Dimidjian, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her research addresses the treatment and prevention of depression, including a particular focus on the mental health of women during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Dimidjian is a leading expert in cognitive and behavioral approaches to treating and preventing depression. She is one of a core group of experts in behavioral activation treatment for depression and has published widely in this area. Dr. Dimidjian is also an expert in the clinical application of contemplative practices, such as mindfulness meditation. Ruth Herman-Dunn, PhD, is in private practice in Seattle and supervises graduate students in her position as Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. She has been a research therapist on several large randomized clinical trials for behavioral treatments, including behavioral activation and dialectical behavior therapy, and has led workshops on these treatments throughout the United States and Canada. Dr. Herman-Dunn provides consultation on treatment dissemination studies and collaborates with a core group of behavioral activation experts on research, training, and treatment development.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Development of Behavioral Activation 2. The Core Principles of Behavioral Activation 3. The Structure and Style of Therapy 4. Identifying the Ingredients of the Behavioral Antidepressant 5. Activity Scheduling and Structuring 6. Solving Problems and Countering Avoidance 7. How Thinking Can Be Problematic Behavior 8. Troubleshooting Problems with Activation 9. Tying It All Together: Relapse Prevention and Beyond Appendix 1. Charts and Worksheets for Depressed Clients Appendix 2. Notebook and Weekly Therapy Plan Appendix 3. Notebook and Posttherapy Plan Appendix 4. ACTIVATE Reference Sheet for Therapists