This book represents a milestone in the accelerating efforts to design and empirically validate new treatments that will enable persons with schizophrenia to recover and live without the stigma of psychotic symptoms and disability. Medications, while important in the treatment of symptoms, have never taught anyone anything. The work of Granholm and his colleagues is unique in providing step-by-step methods for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating CBSST to improve the community functioning of persons with schizophrenia. This is a long-awaited ‘must read' for practitioners in psychology, social work, and psychiatry.”Robert Paul Liberman, MD, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine "An invaluable manual for clinicians and agencies seeking to improve the functional outcomes of consumers living with schizophrenia. The authors provide all the resources that clinicians need to implement this innovative treatment approach. CBSST teaches consumers new cognitive, behavioral, social, and problem-solving skillsall focused on achieving their recovery goals."Michael G. McDonell, PhD, Director, Behavioral Health Innovations, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University "Social impairments and cognitive deficits present major barriers toward better outcome in schizophrenia, and are not adequately addressed by existing treatments. The publication of this book marks a defining moment and a turning point. Building on two decades of rigorous research and evidence-based practice, Granholm and associates have developed a user-friendly yet comprehensive psychosocial intervention that, for the first time, combines several most effective behavioral treatments for schizophrenia. CBSST is a clear, logical choice for rehabilitation. Offering both a practical manual for conducting CBSST and a synthesis of the scientific literature, this book, I hope, will result in the treatment becoming more widely available to clients."Sohee Park, PhD, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor, Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University "A fantastic resource for new clinicians and trainees as well as seasoned practitioners. This engaging, well-structured volume effectively lays out the impressive research supporting CBSST while beautifully describing the nuts-and-bolts components of treatment. It also elucidates the theoretical and empirical background of both cognitive-behavioral therapy and social skills training for schizophrenia. As we in the field work to increase access to user-friendly, empirically supported interventions for persons with schizophrenia and psychosis, this book contributes invaluably to that cause."Jennifer D. Gottlieb, PhD, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Departments of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Occupational Therapy, Boston University
Reviewer: Emily Frederiksen, MD (Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services)
Description: This is a manualized treatment approach for mental health providers to use with individuals with schizophrenia. It provides step-by-step instructions for implementing the treatment program and includes worksheets to accompany each session.
Purpose: The authors set out to provide an easily implementable therapeutic program that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and problem-solving training. The approach is unique in combining three treatment modalities into a unified program.
Audience: The intended audience includes any mental health professionals with experience working with individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders. The manualized treatment approach provides adequate support for mental health providers to effectively implement this treatment program.
Features: The first section focuses on setting up the program and includes outcome measures for assessing progress in the program. The second section is a session-by-session guide for implementing the treatment with extensive examples, tips for providers, and practice exercises. Throughout the modules, there are suggested scripts for providers to teach the content in session. The third section consists of worksheets that are designed to accompany the treatment program to supplement the work done in session and provide extra practice at home. They are thorough and provide clear explanations of activities with full examples making them easy to follow. The appendixes contain additional outcome measures, activities to supplement session material, and additional handouts.
Assessment: This book provides a unique blend of CBT and social skills training into one unified treatment program. It is accessible to all levels of mental health providers. The step-by-step guides for how to implement the treatment program will be especially appealing to providers with limited therapy experience.