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

About the Book

Behavior psychologists Christopher R. Martell, Ph.D., and Michael E. Addis, Ph.D., offer readers a radically new approach for overcoming depression that focuses on getting them reengaged with life and the world around them using "behavior activation"--a fast-acting, effective, self-help therapy

About the Author :

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.

Review :
"Overcoming Depression One Step at a Time is based on the premise that depression arises not from within, as a result of biological or psychological processes, but from without, as a result of the environment and way that different behaviors get reinforced in society. The contextual approach to depression leads to a number of innovative, and sometimes startling new ways to deal with the symptoms of depression- for example, not attending to the content of ruminative thoughts! The authors are to be congratulated for writing a very accessible, practical and creative guide to working with key elements of depression. Even seasoned clinicians will gain new ideas about how to work in the area of depression, having read and tried the ideas in this book."
--Keith Dobson, Ph.D., professor of clinical psychology at the University of Calgary, Canada "Addis and Martell are on the cutting edge of research on psychological treatments for depression. Now they have adapted one of the most powerful new psychological treatments for depression into an easy-to-use and convenient workbook that will be of enormous benefit to both individuals suffering from depression and therapists conducting treatment. The authors are the first to make this program generally available to clinicians and the public and, in its straightforward easy to understand format, millions of people should benefit."
--David H. Barlow, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of clinical programs at Boston University