William J. Knaus - The cognitive behavioral workbook for depression: a step-by-step program

For anyone in the prison of depression, this workbook might help you get out. Its both scholarly and practical, and leaves no stone unturned in laying out self-help strategies for helping deal with this widespread problem.

Frank Farley, PhD, L. H. Carnell Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and former president of the American Psychological Association

William Knaus has been a leading practitioner and teacher of cognitive behavior therapy for over four decades. In The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression, he draws from his vast store of experience to provide people who struggle with depression practical, usable strategies they can put to immediate use to not only feel better, but to get better. Written in an engaging, accessible manner, the book is chock full of powerful tools that, when compiled into a personal action plan, can both defeat depression and build a happy, productive life. I think this is a substantial book anyone, not just the depressive, will find valuable, and I highly endorse it for both the lay public and the clinical community alike. I know that I will keep it handy for my own personal reference and repeatedly encourage my clients to purchase it.

Russell Grieger, PhD, clinical psychologist in private practice, organizational consultant, and adjunct professor at The University of Virginia

I have waited for this book my entire career! With compassion, flexibility, and scientifically sound earnestness, Knaus helps the depressed reader navigate the wide variety of cognitive behavioral treatments to choose the package that is right for him or her. Second editions often contain few, if any, theoretical concepts and clinical exercises that are significantly different from those in the first edition. Not so with this volume! It is full of fresh ideas and therapeutic assignments that help the motivated depressed individual finally crawl out of self-defeating misery.

Barry Lubetkin, PhD, ABPP, founder and director of the Institute for Behavior Therapy in New York, NY

There are many self-help books on the market, but many are somewhere between vague and incomprehensible. Not this one. Knaus is a true teacher in the mold of Socrates, an instructor who takes you by the hand and leads you step-by-step to a successful outcome. Depression has become virtually viral during the last few years, and this is a book that promises to relieve the distress and delivers on its promise. And you dont need an advanced degree in psychology to understand the Knaus message. Anyone who can follow the plans to build a model airplane or follow recipe directions can use this book to conquer depression. It is so readable that youll think Knaus is standing beside you. Without question, he is the countrys leading expert on the cognitive-behavioral approach.

Richard C. Sprinthall, PhD, professor emeritus at American International College and licensed clinical psychologist

Occasionally a book on depression comes around that is different from the usual dull books on this topic. This is one of those outstanding books. Between its covers, youll discover a helpful and balanced approach. The ideas can quickly grab your attention, peak your interest, and titillate your sense of humor. I finished this book smiling, feeling lighter, and being better able to help those suffering from depression.

Rev. Thomas A. Downes, PhD, master chaplain at the Academy of Certified Chaplains, REBT supervisor, and cofounder of the Order of Universal Interfaith

Depression impacts the lives of millions; as many as twenty percent of the world population is affected over a lifetime. A leading cause of disability, depression is a highly serious but largely untreated condition. Knaus presents an up-to-date, evidence-based cognitive behavioral approach that practically anyone can use to defeat and prevent depression. This is probably the best psychological self-help manual on the subject. Besides being immensely beneficial to anyone who reads it, I predict this work will help reduce a lot of suffering in this world. Outstanding!

Sanjay Singh, MD, DNB, PhD, rational emotive education (REE) representative in India

Knaus has admirably culled the best treatments for depression from the field of cognitive behavioral therapy and integrated them into a highly readable and useful program of self-help. Although the seminal work of Albert Ellis informs the approach, many other contributions to the understanding of depression are seamlessly included. Everyone who wants to know more about clinical depression and its proven treatments can benefit from this comprehensive account.

Richard L. Wessler, PhD, emeritus professor of psychology in New York, NY, and developer of cognitive appraisal therapy

Knaus has written much more than a workbook. This is an uncommonly excellent guide for students, mental health practitioners, and those suffering from depression. He takes complex cognitive behavioral theory and makes it readily understandable. Moreover, by copious use of charts, diagrams, graphics, and questionnaires, he shows how this treatment for depression can be readily applied. This workbook is a self-help pearl as well as a psychotherapeutic gem.

V. Rev. Fr. George Morelli, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and chairman of the department of chaplain and pastoral counseling of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese

In this second edition of The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression, Knaus eloquently and compassionately converts a three-pronged truth about depressionthat it is a time-limited state of mind that can be remedied through activityinto a set of incredibly powerful cognitive behavioral tools for defeating depression. Helping you to identify and refute irrational thoughts that may be keeping you depressed, Knaus gently guides you to take action. Read this book, do the exercises, and dont just find out how to conquer your depressionactually do it!

Elliot D. Cohen, PhD, author of The Dutiful Worrier

Knaus has again produced a handbook that is filled with useful ideas and practical exercises to help people overcome a wide variety of challenges. He takes a simple approach with explanations and examples that give people confidence that they can get started without great difficulty. The handbook includes lots of ways to track progress and document the results of exercises, and employs a graduated approach by beginning with simple, less challenging exercises and progressively building to much more challenging issues. Knaus book should prove very helpful to anyone wanting to improve their handling of many of lifes challenges.

James W. Thompson, PhD, business psychologist

Knauss The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression provides depressed individuals with all the psychological workouts that are needed to pull them out of that state. A great resource for professionals, as well.

Edward J. Garcia, MA, CSW

Simplify and clarify seems to be the credo of Knaus. He has distilled his own experience and a thorough perusal of the germane literature into an accessible and succinct series of explanations and exercises that will make profound change in thinking seem facile and, if not effortless, then at least possible.

Joseph Gerstein, MD, FACP, founding president of SMART Recovery Self-Help Network and assistant clinical professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (retired)

Whether you are solving the problem of depression through medication, professional therapy, or doing it yourself, this book will be of tremendous help. The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression is chock-full of the ready-to-use strategies you will need to help you feel good again.

Jon Carlson, PsyD, EdD, Distinguished Professor at Governors State University

This is an excellent second edition of Knauss workbook for overcoming depression. It contains a clear explanation of the complete range of cognitive behavior therapy techniques for managing depressive episodes and preventing relapse. It includes plans and worksheets one can readily use to keep you on track. I recommend it without reservation.