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 PhD, is associate professor of psychology at Clark University in Worcester, MA. He received his PhD from the University of Washington in 1995. He has published over forty scientific articles and books on topics including depression, the relationship between research and practice in clinical psychology, and men's mental health. In 1997, he received 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, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist, and is board certified in clinical, behavioral, and cognitive psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is clinic director of the Psychological Services Center, and lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Martell has coauthored eight books, and has authored or coauthored numerous articles and chapters on behavioral activation.
