Command hallucinations are a particularly distressing and sometimes dangerous type of hallucination about which relatively little is known and for which no evidenced based treatment currently exists. In A Casebook of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Command Hallucinations the development of a new and innovative evidence based cognitive therapy is presented in a practical format ideal for the busy practitioner. This new approach is based on over a decade's research on the role of voice hearers' beliefs about the power and omnipotence of their voices and how this drives distress and 'acting on' voices. The therapy protocol is presented in clear steps from formulation to intervention. The body of the book describes its application in eight cases illustrating the breadth of its application, including 'complex' cases. The authors also present their interpretation of what their findings tell us about what works and doesn't work, and suggestions for future developments. Subjects covered also include: understanding command hallucinations a cognitive versus a quasi-neuroleptic approach to CBT in psychosis does CBT for CH work? findings from a randomised controlled trial. This book provides a fascinating and very practical summary of the first intervention to have a major impact on distress and on compliance with command hallucinations. It will be of great interest to all mental health practitioners working with people with psychosis in community and forensic settings.

Auditory hallucinations rank amongst the most treatment resistant symptoms of schizophrenia, with command hallucinations being the most distressing, high risk and treatment resistant of all. This new work provides clinicians with a detailed guide, illustrating in depth the techniques and strategies developed for working with command hallucinations. Woven throughout with key cases and clinical examples, Cognitive Therapy for Command Hallucinations clearly demonstrates how these techniques can be applied in a clinical setting. Strategies and solutions for overcoming therapeutic obstacles are shown alongside treatment successes and failures to provide the reader with an accurate understanding of the complexities of cognitive therapy. This helpful and practical guide with be of interest to clinical and forensic psychologists, cognitive behavioural therapists, nurses and psychiatrists.

This book is a unique volume in which leading clinicians and researchers in the field of cognitive therapy for psychosis illustrate their individual approaches to the understanding of the difficulties faced by people with psychosis and how this informs intervention. Chapters include therapies focused on schizophrenia and individual psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions (including paranoia). Beck's original case study of cognitive therapy for psychosis from 1952 is reprinted, accompanied by his 50-year retrospective analysis. Also outlined are treatments for: • bipolar disorder • dual diagnosis • schema-focused approaches • early intervention to prevent psychosis • adherence to medication This book will be useful to clinicians and researchers alike, and will be an invaluable resource to mental health practitioners working with individuals experiencing psychosis.

This book draws on clinical research findings from the last three decades to offer a review of current psychological theories and therapeutic approaches to understanding and treating auditory hallucinations, addressing key methodological issues that need to be considered in evaluating interventions. Mark Hayward, Clara Strauss and Simon McCarthy-Jones present a historical narrative on lessons learnt, the evolution of evidence bases, and an agenda for the future. The text also provides a critique of varying therapeutic techniques, enabling practice and treatment decisions to be grounded in a balanced view of differing approaches. Chapters cover topics including: behavioural and coping approaches cognitive models of voice hearing the role of self-esteem and identity acceptance-based and mindfulness approaches interpersonal theory. Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Treating Auditory Hallucinations brings together and evaluates diffuse literature in an accessible and objective manner, making it a valuable resource for clinical researchers and postgraduate students. It will also be of significant interest to academic and clinical psychologists working within the field of psychotic experiences.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has developed hugely over the past 30 years and is the branch of psychotherapy which has most successfully transferred into the mainstream of treating mental health problems. In this volume, readers will be provided with an integrated, systematic approach for conceptualizing and treating disorders commonly encountered in clinical practice. A strong emphasis is placed on empirically supported approaches to assessment and intervention while offering readers hands-on recommendations for treating common mental disorders, grounded in evidence-based medicine. Practical chapters written by a variety of international experts include numerous case studies demonstrating the specific techniques and addressing common problems encountered and how to overcome them. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy with Adults is an essential guide for practising clinicians and students of cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as educated consumers and those interested in psychotherapy for common mental disorders.

This book shows how psychological and social interventions can help people with psychosis. It brings together both theoretical chapters that contribute to the reconceptualization of psychosis and clinical cases illustrating how contemporary psychotherapeutic intervention models can be applied in the treatment of this mental health condition, with reflections, strategies and practical guidelines demonstrating how these models can inform professional practice in mental healthcare. Chapters brought together in this volume aim to reflect a paradigm shift in psychosis care. They present person-centered models that lead to a way of seeing, understanding and treating psychosis that is very different from the traditional biomedical model. Current authors and approaches are revolutionizing an outdated model trapped in purely pharmacological actions and tautological explanations of a biological nature, where symptom control is the basic and fundamental form of approach, and in which psychotherapeutic actions take second place as subsidiary to the former. Approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Acceptance and Recovery Therapy by Levels, Open Dialogue, Compassion-Centered Therapy or the Hearing Voices movement, to name but a few of those presented in this book, represent a journey of self-knowledge and learning for those recovering from psychosis, and have an intense transformative potential for the therapeutic team. The fundamental principle that guides this book is to share models belonging to psychology that aim at personal development while respecting the needs, values and goals of each person, and that can be adopted by any professional or student of clinical psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work or any other discipline searching for more humanistic approaches to treat psychosis.