Cognitive Therapy of Depression

by Aaron T. Beck, A. John Rush, Brian F. Shaw

This bestselling, classic work offers a definitive presentation of the theory and practice of cognitive therapy for depression. Aaron T. Beck and his associates set forth their seminal argument that depression arises from a "cognitive triad" of errors and from the ideosyncratic way that one infers, recollects, and generalizes. From the initial interview to termination, many helpful case examples demonstrate how cognitive-behavioral interventions can loosen the grip of "depressogenic" thoughts and assumptions. Guidance is provided for working with individuals and groups to address the full range of problems that patients face, including suicidal ideation and possible relapse.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Counselling, Psychiatry, Self Help, Social Work, Mental Health

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Aaron Temkin Beck was an American psychiatrist who was a professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. He is regarded as the father of cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). His pioneering methods are widely used in the treatment of clinical depression and various anxiety disorders. Beck also developed self-report measures for depression and anxiety, notably the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which became one of the most widely used instruments for measuring the severity of depression. In 1994 he and his daughter, psychologist Judith S. Beck, founded the nonprofit Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which provides CBT treatment and training, as well as research. Beck served as President Emeritus of the organization up until his death.
Beck was noted for his writings on psychotherapy, psychopathology, suicide, and psychometrics. He published more than 600 professional journal articles, and authored or co-authored 25 books. He was named one of the "Americans in history who shaped the face of American psychiatry", and one of the "five most influential psychotherapists of all time" by The American Psychologist in July 1989. His work at the University of Pennsylvania inspired Martin E.P. Seligman to refine his own cognitive techniques and later work on learned helplessness.

Reviews

[stephanie]

this was one of the first books i read when i first accepted the fact that there was something psychologically wrong with me. my therapist told me this was one of the books she would have read in grad school and gave me another reading list - but this book comforted me in ways i can't explain. not only was there actual documentation of the things i was feeling, there was a treatment! that was (fairly) old and didn't need me to talk about my grandmother in order to improve.

it is pretty dry though, and very much written in a psych-text type manner. it's the first book that really started cognitive-behavioral therapy, and that's kind of obvious from the writing. but it's awesome. beck is a genius, and i think this is required reading of anyone going into clinical psych. (at least parts.)

definitely one of the books that will be in my library forever.

[Lore LongSoulSystem]

Ok...
Tiene cosas aún aplicables, pero para ser la versión del 2010 (19 ediciones??) siento que es un trabajo perezoso, aún se usan la mayoría de citas de la decada de 1970. Para la psicología, eso ya es bastante viejo (usa el DSM-II y "neurosis depresiva"!!)
Tiene obvias referencias al psicoanálisis de Beck de ese entonces y poca claridad sobre lo que actualmente se sabe.
Fuera de eso, sí es una introducción a cómo iniciar la terapia cognitiva (y algo de conductual) de la depresión, pero no creo que deba usarse como una guía actual, sino como un documento histórico.

[Lisa]

This is a great book that I read many many years ago when I first entered my field of social work. I no loner practice CBT because over the years my style shifted to more humanistic theories. For a long time I continued to sometimes practice CBT as well. But after recently picking up this book 📖 once again, I realized that my current modality is in direct contrast with CBT methods. If I had to define myself I guess I would say that I am a humanistic therapist that can be direct if my clients ask me to be direct with them. :-)

That being said, this is such a great book in how it is organized and would highly recommend it for those interested in CBT.

[Larissa]

Um livro científico e produtivo. Gostei especialmente do capítulo que fala sobre as diferenças entre "pensamento positivo" e a Terapia Cognitiva. Pensamento positivo é sobre ser sempre otimista, mesmo que seja um otimismo irreal, a TCC trabalha com fatos, com a realidade. O último capítulo sobre as pesquisas científicas que comprovam a eficácia da TCC também é muito bom.

[Jessica]

I love Aaron Beck! Nice book that describes CT. For a beginner learning about CBT, this may not be the best choice...would recommend something more basic.

[Liz Wright]

Although relatively old (as far as therapeutic technique manuals go), this book is timeless in that it instructs the reader in the theories of cognitive therapy, the techniques of cognitive therapy, and the techniques of completing research on cognitive therapy. The book is well-written and easy to read and understand (as are most books about cognitive therapy by Beck), and gives the reader the feeling of accomplishment, much as cognitive therapy gives to the patient.

[James]

One of the classics that actually deserves that status - this book elegantly and empathically examines the problem of depression and shows the reader practical solutions both for the therapist/counselor and for the client. This should be on the bookshelf of anyone whose work involves helping people overcome emotional problems.

[Nádia Faria]

This is a very good book. I love the classics of Aaron Beck. The writing is simple and apealing. It explains everything so well and has examples so you can understand better each technic and how it works on the patient. Highly recommended for people working as a psychologist/psychotherapist or even if you're just curious.

[Khalil]

J’étais saisi par la précision et le travaille colossal fait par A. Beck sur la dépression qu’est incarné dans ce livre. Je savais que c’était la référence sur le sujet mais je ne m’attendais pas à une oeuvre aussi dense et aussi complète. Clairement un livre qui doit avoir sa place sur la bibliothèque de tout thérapeute d’affinité TCC ou qui s’intéresse à la dépression.

[Luiz Fabricio Calland Cerqueira]

Bom. Muito didático. Vários argumentos que podem ser usados diretamente com os pacientes.

[Luisa]

Lo leí para la maestría, pero son páginas y esfuerzo. Mínimo que cuenten 😂

[Heiki Eesmaa]

What is most impressive is how Beck's school has been able to adapt their work from first edition to second, remaining in dialogue with critics and providing well-thought responses.

[Justin]

while i don't have the experience to see if this old book is still valid it does seem highly actionable.

[Robyn]

A CBT classic. A cross between a manualised treatment and a textbook as it reads like a treatment protocol encased in personal and theoretical commentary. The clinical examples are helpfully illustrative. The chapters could be standalone if you're interested in various aspects of cognitive therapy or behavioural activation techniques etc.

[Erin]

Better for theory than Judith Beck's book, which is more practical. But since I am already very familiar with this theory, and had read chapters from this book previously, no surprising revelations here...

[Nariyah Moonshadow]

Beck exposa la seva concepció de la depressió segons la seva perspectiva cognitiu-conductual. És un llibre molt explicatiu i pràctic que t'ajuda a comprendre la depressió i a configurar un tractament contra aquesta.

[David]

genius

[Nathaniel Smith]

Great book for treating depression issues.

[Jazmin Gordillo]

its nice