The order of the chapters is based on the introduction of the various theories and techniques to be used. It is intended that the more straightforward theories and techniques are presented first, before moving on to more complex paradigms and methods. In other words, after exploring assessment for CBT, the book starts with behavioural treatments such as exposure-based therapies and then examines reinforcement and skill acquisition. Subsequent chapters introduce cognitive theory and practice and also start to look at the third wave treatments. Later chapters in the book cover more complex applications of CBT in conditions including personality disorder and psychoses. Finally, the possibility of integrating CBT with other treatments is discussed before starting to look at what the future may hold for CBT.

Chapter 1

This chapter starts by looking at the history of CBT. Starting at the beginning of the 20th century with the behaviourist movement, it follows the development of pragmatic treatments based on observation of clinical situations and the behaviour of the individual rather than on theory. Indeed, usually the theories were developed to describe the clinical findings rather than vice versa. Exposure-based treatments, reinforcement schedules and skills training are mentioned. The theories and treatments that comprise the so-called cognitive revolution are examined and the reversion back to more behavioural methods is explored. Finally, the chapter considers where CBT has come in the past 50 years and postulates some of what the future may hold.

Chapter 2

This chapter examines the pivotal importance of measurement and its role in CBT. Being a pragmatic approach to psychological and psychiatric distress and disorders, the idea that each patient was their own ‘single-case’ experiment was the hallmark of CBT. Although there are strong theoretical concepts which underpin CBT treatments, the use of the single-case design, whereby improvement or deterioration is objectively measured, shaped the development of treatments. Indeed, sometimes it was observations about the effect of different interventions which led to the theory rather than the traditional approach of theory leading to treatments. It is thus vital that anyone embarking on CBT has a firm understanding of an approach to measurement that is both reliable and valid.