Cognitive Analytic Therapy: Developments in Theory and Practice

by Anthony Ryle (Editor)

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a fast-growing therapy remarkable not only for its integrative approach and power but also for its applicability in the context of brief therapy. Since Anthony Ryle developed the concepts of CAT in the early 1980s there has been an enormous demand for training in this method, from psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and counsellors, as well as from other health professionals caring for disturbed patients in community settings. This book reviews the history and essential features of CAT, offers a state-of-the-art detailed description of practice, and continues the conceptual development of the field with discussion of the relationship of the CAT model to cognitive and analytical therapies, and to recent research in early child development. It includes authoritative accounts of the application of CAT to eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, self-harm problems, and to group work. Research into CAT is reviewed and, in the final chapter, Anthony Ryle looks forward to likely developments of research and practice in Cognitive Analytic Therapy. Trainees and practitioners will find this book a stimulating update on developments of the CAT model and a useful, practical guide to applying CAT in important problem areas. This book appears in The Wiley Series in Psychotherapy and Counselling Series Editors: Franz Epting, University of Florida, USA Bonnie Strickland, University of Massachusetts, USA and John Allen, City University, London, UK

Paperback

First published May 28, 1995

About the author

Anthony Ryle was an English medical doctor and the developer of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) as well as Life President of The Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy.

He was the nephew of philosopher Gilbert Ryle.

He studied at Oxford and University College Hospital, qualified in medicine in 1949. He worked as a General Practitioner in North London, then directed the University of Sussex Health service, and later worked as a Consultant Psychotherapist in St. Thomas' Hospital, London, from 1983 to 1992.

While in general practice he realised that a lot of his patients were presenting with psychological problems or distress, which he confirmed by epidemiological studies. He developed interest in psychotherapy and later developed a time limited therapy which can be offered in the UK's National Health Service. This type of therapy is known as cognitive analytic therapy.