Reviews: "This book is an indispensable source for helping clients stay well after treatment. Practical and concise, it is based on sound research demonstrating that this approach empowers clients with the tools they need to continue to 'be their own therapist' after formal therapy ends." -Judith S. Beck, PhD, Director, Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research; Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania; Past President, Academy of Cognitive Therapy "One of the greatest challenges that we face as psychotherapists is that at least one third of the clients that we treat will relapse at one time or another. This statistic is only likely to escalate as the severity of psychopathology increases in our society. Dr. John Ludgate has crafted a unique and concise resource for practitioners that offers a number of outstanding techniques and strategies for building maintenance and relapse prevention with depressive and anxiety disorders. This book is a must for trainees or any practitioner interested in improving the quality and success rate of their treatment deliver." -Frank M. Dattilio, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Table of Contents: Please Note: Portions of this book were originally published in Maximizing Psychotherapeutic Gains and Preventing Relapse in Emotionally Distressed Clients, 1995, Professional Resource Press. Acknowledgments / Series Preface / Abstract Overview of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Relapse Definitions of Relapse / The Need for a Greater Emphasis on Maintenance and Relapse Prevention in Psychotherapy / Factors in Relapse / Relapse Rates in Emotional Disorders / Predictors of Relapse Overview of Strategies for Maintenance and Relapse Prevention Specific Procedures For Maintenance and Relapse Prevention Early Therapy Activities / Throughout Therapy Activities / Near Termination Activities / Follow-Up/After-Care Activities Specific Difficulties In Maintaining Treatment Gains and Preventing Relapse The Patient Who Does Not Want to End Therapy / The Overly Dependent Patient Who Does Not Take an Active Part in Therapy / The Patient Who Relapses Quickly After Termination / The Patient Who Gets Discouraged Following Relapse or Due to the Amount of Effort Needed for Maintenance / The Patient Who Does Not Want to Follow Medication Recommendations / The Patient Who Stops Working on Maintenance Once Symptoms Are Reduced / The Patient Who Has Excessive Life Stress in the Therapy or After-Care Phase / The Patient Who Sees Recovery or Relapse in All-or-Nothing Terms / The Axis II Patient Who Has a Reactivation of Dysfunctional Schema General Guidelines For Therapists Working With Patients Who Relapse Keep a Problem-Solving Attitude / Avoid Labeling or Stereotyping the Patient / Persist With the Model When Serious Problems Arise / Identify and Deal With Therapist Dysfunctional Cognitions / Be Realistic in Expectations / Seek Support or Advice Myths Regarding Relapse Summary Appendices Appendix A: Self-Monitoring Chart Appendix B: General Thought-Testing Procedure Appendix C: General Problem-Solving Procedure Appendix D: Early Warning Signs of Relapse Appendix E: Lifestyle Balance Appendix F: Invitation to Maintenance and Relapse-Prevention Seminars Appendix G: Possible Agenda for Maintenance and Relapse-Prevention Seminar References About the Author: John W. Ludgate, PhD, completed his clinical psychology training at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) in 1976. After receiving his doctorate from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, he earned a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1986, he became the Assistant Director of Training at the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia, a position he held for 2 years. Dr. Ludgate was appointed Research Clinical Psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the University of Oxford (England) in 1992, serving until 1994. He has published a number of articles and book chapters on cognitive therapy and, with Dr. Aaron Beck, co-authored a book on inpatient cognitive therapy in 1992. Dr. Ludgate currently works at the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of Western North Carolina in Asheville, North Carolina. The author presents seminars and workshops at both national and international conferences as well as co-directing an intensive 6-month Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Training course in Asheville, North Carolina. Dr. Ludgate can be reached through his website at www.behaviortherapist.com/ludgate.mgi --- from the publisher |