Behavioral Activation for Depression

About the Title

From leading experts with a decade of experience in research and clinical practice in behavioral activation (BA), this book provides empirically tested tools for helping clients overcome depression by becoming active and engaged in their lives. BA is a stand-alone treatment whose principles can be integrated easily with other approaches that therapists already use. Step-by-step guidelines are presented for identifying individualized treatment targets, monitoring and scheduling "antidepressant" activities - experiences that are likely to be rewarding and pleasurable - and decreasing avoidance and ruminative thinking. Rich clinical illustrations include an extended case example that runs throughout the book. More than 20 activity planning forms, worksheets, and other reproducible materials are featured.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Development of Behavioral Activation. The Core Principles of Behavioral Activation. The Structure and Style of Therapy. Identifying the Ingredients of the Behavioral Antidepressant. Activity Scheduling and Structuring. Solving Problems and Countering Avoidance. How Thinking Can Be Problematic Behavior. Troubleshooting Problems with Activation. Tying It All Together: Relapse Prevention and Beyond. Appendix 1: Charts and Worksheets for Depressed Clients. Appendix 2: Notebook and Weekly Therapy Plan. Appendix 3: Notebook and Posttherapy Plan. Appendix 4: ACTIVATE Reference Sheet for Therapists.

Reviews

"Concise and well written, this is the most accessible and clinically useful book on behavioral activation (BA) for depression available to date. It covers the theoretical underpinnings of BA, the evidence for its effectiveness, and key principles of effective delivery. It clarifies the relationship of BA to other evidence-based treatments and is illustrated throughout with practical clinical examples. The book will be of equal value to both trainees and experienced clinicians who want to learn about the effective practice of BA." - Stephen Pilling, Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, UK

"Behavioral activation could help millions of people who struggle with depression and with the inertia that is so much a part of this debilitating disorder. The authors draw clear connections between behavioral activation and other modern treatments for depression. The book is written in plain language and includes vivid case examples. It will be an important resource for clinicians who want to refine their approach to their clients’ problems with depression, and will serve as an excellent text for graduate courses in behavior therapy or empirically supported treatments for depression." - Robert J. DeRubeis, Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, USA

"This book is a superb overview of the theoretical basis, empirical support, and clinical application of behavioral activation for depression. It will be an excellent resource for the practicing clinician and for clinicians in training. The book is replete with helpful clinical examples, step-by-step guidelines, summary charts, and forms. It is invaluable for learning how to implement this highly effective treatment for depression." - Michelle G. Craske, Department of Psychology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

Author Biography

Christopher R. Martell, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Sona Dimidjian, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
Ruth Herman-Dunn, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA