Cognitive Behavioural Couple Therapy
Distinctive Features
CBT Distinctive Features Series

Cognitive Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) is an enhanced and contextually grounded approach that provides evidence-based strategies for working with couple distress, as well as individual psychopathology in the context of a distressed relationship. Cognitive Behavioural Couple Therapy: Distinctive Features explores this truly integrative and experiential way of working. This model has significantly widened the traditional CBT focus on cognition and behaviour to include an equal emphasis on emotion, stable individual differences and vulnerabilities, as well as an awareness of the importance of the environment and the wider context for couple relationships.

Comprising 30 key points, and divided into two parts ? Theory and Practice ? this concise book includes numerous clinical examples that illustrate the key features of Cognitive Behavioural Couple Therapy. It will offer essential guidance for students, practitioners experienced in individual CBT, as well as practitioners of couple therapy from other theoretical orientations who require an accessible guide to the distinctive theoretical and practical features of this contemporary approach.

Part One 1: The Distinctive Theoretical Features of CBT. A Distinctive Focus: Couple Relationships and Wellbeing..A Distinctive History. Enhancements to CBCT. Micro-Behavioural Factors. Cognitive Factors in Couple Distress 1: Attention, Attribution and Expectancies. Cognitive Factors in Couple Distress 2: Assumptions, Standards and Schemas. Emotions. Motivation and Personality. Macro Patterns: Stability and Change. Environmental Influences on Couple Functioning. Contextualising ‘Difference’. Individual Factors: Psychopathology. The Example of Depression. A Contextual Model of Couple Functioning. Values and Aims of CBCT. Part Two: The DistinctivePractical Features of CBT. The Role and Stance of the Therapist. Assessment. Feedback and Goal Setting. Behavioural Interventions: Guided Behaviour Change. Improving Communication: Expressive and Listening Skills. Improving Communication: Decision Making Conversations. Challenging Cognitions: Selective Attention and Attributions. Challenging Cognitions: Relationship Standards and Beliefs. Working With Emotions. Working with the Environment. Sequencing Interventions. Addressing Individual Psychopathology: The Case of Depression.Infidelity and Relational Trauma.

Michael Worrell is Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Training at the London CBT Training Centre. He is a BABCP accredited Therapist, Trainer and Supervisor and delivers training in CBCT. He has presented at national and international conferences on training issues related to increasing access to CBCT. His previous publications have focused on issues related to developing metacompetence in CBT and aspects of the therapeutic relationship.