Overcoming Depression One Step at a Time: The New Behavioral Activation Approach to Getting Your Life Back

What if depression weren’t a disorder occurring on its own but was rather a kind of signpost pointing at tangible things you needed to change in your life? This would radically alter not only the way you think about depression but also the strategies you’d use to overcome it.

Behavioral activation therapy is built on this powerful, insightful assumption. Its techniques offer fast, effective relief from depression by guiding you to make positive and rewarding changes in your life. This simple, profound process reconnects you to the naturally occurring rewards of a well-lived life, which are powerful antidotes to feelings of depression.

The workbook’s engaging exercises create a structured framework in which you are encouraged to focus on those activities that will inspire you with feelings of pleasure, mastery, and engagement. Learn to develop a list of enjoyable activities or activities you need to engage in as a part of a normal and satisfying life. Begin with the easiest (or sometimes, the most indispensable) activities on your list, and learn how to tackle them one by one.

This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.

Michael E. Addis, Ph.D., is associate professor of psychology at Clark University in Worcester, MA. For several years, he has served as a clinical supervisor and trainer of therapists conducting behavioral activation treatments for depression. He received his BA from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1987, and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1995. He has published over forty scientific articles and books on a range of topics including the treatment of depression, the relationship between research and practice in clinical psychology, and men's mental health. He is past recipient of the President's New Researcher Award from the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy. In 2003, He received the researcher of the year award from the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, and the American Psychological Association's David Shakow Award for early career contributions to the science and practice of clinical psychology

Christopher R. Martell, Ph.D., ABPP is clinical associate professor of psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, where he also maintains a private practice. He is board certified in clinical psychology and behavioral psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and is a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is first author of the books Depression in Context: Strategies for Guided Action and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients. He has published articles and book chapters on behavioral treatments for depression, couples therapy, and issues affecting gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. He is past president of the Washington State Psychological Association. He has conducted professional workshops on behavioral activation treatment for depression in the U.S. and Internationally.