Emotional Schema Therapy

Over decades of practice of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), Robert L. Leahy has made important discoveries about the role that beliefs and expectations about emotions play in psychopathology. This book presents innovative tools for helping patients to understand their emotional schemas; such as the conviction that painful feelings are unbearable, shameful, or will last indefinitely; and develop new ways of accepting and coping with affective experience. Therapists can integrate emotional schema therapy into the treatment approaches they already use to add a vital new dimension to their work. Rich case material illustrates applications for a wide range of clinical problems; assessment guidelines and sample worksheets and forms further enhance the book's utility.

Key Features:

• Grounded in CBT and schema work, Leahy's model of how people understand and respond to their own emotions can be applied with clients with any presenting problems.
• Includes clinical tools, such as sample handouts and worksheets that therapists can use to develop their own client materials.
• Case examples and therapeutic dialogues with commentary run throughout the book.
• Robert Leahy is the author of multiple successful professional and self-help books; he presents widely on this topic.

An important resource for mental health practitioners, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, counsellors, and psychiatric nurses.

Download File

Table of Contents

I. Emotional Schema Theory

1. The Social Construction of Emotion
2. Emotional Schema Therapy: General Considerations
3. A Model of Emotional Schemas

II. Beginning Treatment

4. Initial Assessment and Interview
5. Socialization to the Emotional Schema Model

III. Specific Interventions for Emotional Schemas

6. The Centrality of Validation
7. Comprehensibility, Duration, Control, Guilt/Shame, and Acceptance
8. Coping with Ambivalence
9. Linking Emotions to Values (and Virtues)

IV. Social Emotions and Relationships

10. Jealousy
11. Envy
12. Emotional Schemas in Couple Relationships

13.Emotional Schemas and the Therapeutic Relationship

Conclusions

"Highly accessible and filled with illustrative clinical case examples, this book is a valuable resource for any modern psychotherapist. The volume provides practical guidance to target emotional schemas in therapy. It is a masterful contribution by one of the leading experts in CBT. Every clinician should be familiar with the techniques outlined in this excellent work."
- Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD, Department of Psychology, Boston University

"This book extends the practice of cognitive therapy to include a most important and clinically relevant focus on the role of emotion in the change process. Drawing on empirical evidence and clinical experience, Leahy has captured a truly evidence-based approach to treatment. The book is unlike many others in presenting clinical guidelines that not only draw on different theoretical orientations, but also integrate research and practice. Vividly illustrated with clinical vignettes and transcripts, this volume offers insights for any and all therapists looking to increase their clinical effectiveness."
- Marvin R. Goldfried, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Stony Brook University

"This straightforward book is highly informative and compelling. Leahy has a unique ability to convey the phenomena of the human condition. He suggests practical and useful techniques to help clients identify, validate, and respond effectively to their emotions. A particular strength is the focus on specific emotional contexts and experiences that clients typically bring to therapy. An essential text for teaching diverse groups of trainees about the importance of working with emotions in therapy and how best to do so."
- Douglas S. Mennin, PhD, Department of Psychology, Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York