Abstract
These days there is an emphasis on providing evidence- based therapy. In child and adolescent mental health there are limits to the evidence available but this is one area where we have some confidence. We all know clinicians should be providing cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents in certain situations. However, as is outlined in the first chapter of this book, there is now a smorgasbord of techniques that fall into the category of cognitive behavioural therapy. Techniques have been adapted for different clinical situations and to take account of different developmental levels. Some of these are better guided by theory and evidence than others. This excellent book pulls together a wealth of useful information to guide clinicians. The first edition was very good and the second edition builds on the first to meet the same aim, to provide the latest scientific validation of cognitive behavioural therapy with practical guidance for clinicians. There is satisfying in-depth coverage of developmental considerations, discussion of the process of psychotherapies, and the lack of information in this area, the role of the family in cognitive behavioural therapy and practical outlines for provision of therapy for a comprehensive list of disorders. There is a section on ways of engaging young people and their families using motivational interviewing techniques and a helpful chapter on cognitive case formulation. With chapters written by a distinguished international cast of experts in this area, the book is authoritative. While there are a number of books on cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents, many of these are on specific disorders and concentrate on practical guidance with the underlying paradigms taken as read. This book provides a critical discussion of theoretical issues as well as providing practical clinical guidance. I enjoyed the discussion by Bolton on theoretical and developmental issues which highlights the need for further research in this area. The section on cognitive behavioural approaches in prevention is limited to a chapter on its use in prevention of conduct disorder. Given the number of studies on prevention of depression and anxiety using these techniques it is surprising that these were not covered. I might also have expected some coverage of the use of the Internet and computers to deliver therapy but these were the only omissions in an otherwise excellent book. This book would be useful for all child psychiatrists and other professionals working in child and adolescent mental health and should be made widely available.