Narrative CBT: (The CBT Distinctive Features Series)

Author(s): John Rhodes

Narrative Therapy

The popularity of using narrative, metaphor and building solutions in CBT has increased in recent years. Narrative CBT, part of the third wave of cognitive therapies, recognises the importance of helping to build new ideas and practices in order to create change, examining a person's multiple and evolving narratives and their behaviour as intrinsically meaningful.


In Narrative CBT, John Rhodes presents the features of NCBT in thirty key points. The first fifteen summarise how the theory of narrative can clarify difficulties with emotions, motives and interactions and address how rebuilding confidence and trust is crucial for change to be achieved. In the second half of the book, case conceptualisation and the techniques of NCBT are explained and illustrated. Narrative, solution-orientated and CBT techniques are integrated and specific NCBT approaches for trauma, depression and OCD are highlighted.


Ideal for clinical and counselling psychologists, both established and in training, psychotherapists and all professionals carrying out therapy in the field of mental health, this book clearly and accessibly presents the techniques and key concepts of Narrative CBT.


Product Information

"Narrative and Constructivist approaches have constituted an 'unofficial third wave' in CBT. Philosophically and technically rich, they offer mainstream CBT therapists a greater degree of clinical sophistication and flexibility. John Rhodes' contribution in 'Narrative CBT' is to present both the rich philosophical background and flexible clinical technology in a highly accessible and direct fashion. Both beginning and experienced CBT therapists, as well as therapists from outside this tradition, will have their horizon of 'what does it mean to be a CBT therapist' substantially widened by engaging with this well-constructed narrative on the possibilities of therapeutic encounters." --Michael Worrell, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Post Graduate CBT Training at Royal Holloway, University of London

John Rhodes is a consultant clinical psychologist in the NHS, working with clients diagnosed as having psychosis, long-term mood disorders and traumas. He is a visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire and Honorary Lecturer at University College London. He has previously co-authored Solution Focused Thinking in Schools and Narrative CBT for Psychosis.

Part One. Introduction to NCBT. Narrative. Metaphors. Emotions and Feelings. Motivations: their loss and reconstruction. Understanding Behaviour. The Network of Meaning. The Dispositional Self. The Foundation of Trust. Understanding the Presentation of Problems. How does Therapy Create Change? How Narrative Might Help. Learning from the Client and Building Trust. The Theory of Problem Patterns, Exceptions and Goals. Integrating Theory and Practice. Part Two. First Encounters and Therapy Planning. Constructive Narration of Difficulties. Exploring Metaphors and Blended Reactions. Case Conceptualization. Solution Focused Exploration. Constructional and Structured Approaches to Self-beliefs. Trauma. Building Alternative Meanings. Identity, Values and Purpose. Constructional Approaches to Interaction Patterns. Working with the Unknown Self. Working with Images, Enactment, and Writing. Living with Emotions. Depression. Diverse Applications: OCD and refugees.

General Fields

  • : 9780415533973
  • : Taylor & Francis Ltd
  • : Routledge
  • : September 2013
  • : United Kingdom
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : John Rhodes
  • : Paperback
  • : 616.891425
  • : 176
  • : 2 black & white illustrations, 2 black & white line drawings