Problem-Solving Therapy: A Treatment Manual

Problem-Solving Therapy: A Treatment Manual is a laudable and distinctive resource that contributes to contemporary and exemplary psychotherapy in a big way."--New England Psychologist Through Problem-Solving Therapy: A Treatment Manual, Nezu and colleagues offer an excellent manual that has the potential to help a wide range of individuals cope with life's challenges. This book is an invaluable addition to any practicing psychologist's bookshelf."--PsycCRITIQUES Problem-solving therapy (PST) has been increasingly used to treat a variety of health and mental health problems due to its flexibility and proven effectiveness. This text, written by the co-developers of PST, is a comprehensive and detailed manual of how to apply PST to a wide variety of populations and situations. It reflects the significant conceptual and clinical revisions that supersede earlier versions of PST, and is based on the authors' clinical and research experience, the treatment outcome literature, and advances in related areas of psychology and neuroscience research. The book offers specific treatment guidelines, sample client-therapist dialogues, clinical exercises and activities, homework assignments, client handouts, clinical case examples, and worksheets. These resources are based on a "stepped-care" model of PST that takes into account the nature of a client's problems, the intensity of these problems, the setting and treatment structure, and treatment goals. The manual offers clients four major "toolkits," which include a multitasking guide to overcoming "cognitive overload" when under stress, a guide to overcoming problems related to emotional dysregulation, a guide to overcoming barriers to effective problem-solving through use of healthy thinking and positive imagery, and a guide to fostering effective problem-solving by designing and employing a rational plan. Digital accompaniments include patient handouts, worksheets, and toolkits. Intended for use by a wide variety of mental health professionals in multiple settings, the manual can also serve as a text for both undergraduate and applied graduate courses. Key Features: Describes an increasingly popular psychotherapeutic intervention that works for multiple client populations and can be combined with other treatment modalities Authored by the co-developers of PST Provides the most up-to-date, detailed guidelines to PST Presents treatment guidelines, case examples, and numerous clinical aids Includes digital components, such as patient handouts, homework worksheets, and toolkits

Table of Contents:
PREFACE SECTION I. CONCEPTUAL AND EMPIRICAL CONSIDERATIONS One: Introduction, Brief History, and Social Problem-Solving Constructs Two: A Problem-Solving Approach To Understanding Psychopathology: A Diathesis-Stress Model Three: Problem-Solving Therapy: Empirical Support and Flexibility of Applications SECTION II. ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT PLANNING, & GENERAL CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS Four: Assessment and Treatment Planning Issues Five: General Clinical Considerations SECTION III. PROBLEM-SOLVING THERAPY: SPECIFIC TREATMENT GUIDELINES Six: Overview of the Problem-Solving Therapy Process; Introductory Sessions; & The Case of “Megan” Seven: Toolkit #1. Problem-Solving Multi-Tasking: Overcoming Cognitive Overload Eight: Toolkit #2. The S.S.T.A. Method: Overcoming Emotional Dysregulation and Maladaptive Problem Solving Under Stress Nine: Toolkit #3. Healthy Thinking and Positive Imagery: Overcoming Negative Thinking and Low Motivation Ten: Toolkit #4. Planful Problem Solving: Fostering Effective Problem Solving Eleven Guided Practice, Future Forecasting, & Termination REFERENCES APPENDICES Problem-Solving Test: Scoring Instructions Patient Handouts Problem-Solving Worksheets Brief “Lesson” Plans

About the Author :
Arthur M. Nezu, PhD, ABPP, is Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, Professor of Medicine, and Professor of Public Health, Drexel University; and Special Professor of Forensic Mental Health & Psychiatry, The University of Nottingham, UK. He is the Editor of Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology; Past President/Head, Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, American Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology, World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, and Behavioral Psychology Specialty Council. He is the author of over 90 journal articles, 75 book chapters, and over 20 books. Christine Maguth Nezu, PhD, ABPP, is professor of psychology and associate professor of medicine at Drexel University. Thomas J. D’Zurilla, PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University.