Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability [Paperback]

Severe pain, debilitating fatigue, sleep disruption, severe gastrointestinal distress  these hallmarks of chronic illness complicate treatment as surely as they disrupt patients lives, in no small part because of the overlap between biological pathology and resulting psychological distress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability cuts across formal diagnostic categories to apply proven therapeutic techniques to potentially devastating conditions, from first assessment to end of treatment.

Four extended clinical case examples of patients with chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, inoperable cancer, and Crohns disease are used throughout the book to demonstrate how cognitive-behavioral interventions can be used to effectively address ongoing medical stressors and their attendant depression, anxiety, and quality-of-life concerns. At the same time, they highlight specific patient and therapist challenges commonly associated with chronic conditions.

From implementing core CBT strategies to ensuring medication compliance, Renee Taylor offers professionals insights for synthesizing therapeutic knowledge with practical understanding of chronic disease. Her nuanced client portraits also show how individual patients can varyeven within themselves.

This book offers clinicians invaluable help with

- Conceptualizing patient problems

- Developing the therapeutic relationship

- Pacing of therapy

- Cognitive restructuring

- Behavioral modification

- Problem solving

- Fostering coping and adapting skills

Taylors coverage is both clean and hands-on, with helpful assessments and therapy worksheets for quick reference.