Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a very disabling and distressing problem. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be very effective in helping people to overcome OCD. However, OCD is a highly heterogeneous disorder, often complicated by contextual factors, and therapists are often left wondering how to apply their knowledge of treatment to the particular problems as they face them in clinical practice.

This book provides the reader with an understanding of the background to and principles of using CBT for OCD in a clear practical 'how to' style. It also elucidates the particular challenges and solutions in applying CBT for OCD using illustrative case material and guidance on formulation-driven intervention. The book also addresses commonly occurring complexities in the treatment of OCD, for example working with comorbidity, perfectionism, shame and family involvement in symptoms.

Throughout the book, the authors provide tips on receiving and giving supervision to trouble-shoot commonly encountered problems, resulting in a guide that can help clinicians at all levels of experience.


About the Author
Victoria Bream, Clinical Psychologist, Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK, Fiona Challacombe, Clinical Psychologist, Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK, Asmita Palmer, Clinical Psychologist, Independent Practitioner, Paul Salkovskis, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Applied Science, University of Bath, UK

Dr. Victoria Bream is a chartered clinical psychologist working at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital, London. She is part of a specialist team treating individuals with complex and severe anxiety disorders, and involved in the training and supervision of other cognitive behaviour therapists. She studied Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London, and trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at the Oxford Centre for Cognitive Therapy. Her clinical and research interests are in the phenomenology and treatment of OCD and hoarding.

Dr. Fiona Challacombe is a chartered clinical psychologist working at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital, London. She is part of a specialist team treating individuals with complex and severe anxiety disorders, and involved in the training and supervision of other cognitive behaviour therapists. She studied Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London followed by a PhD in the treatment of perinatal OCD. Her clinical and research interests focus on the identification and treatment of perinatal anxiety disorders. She is patron of the charity Maternal OCD.

Dr. Asmita Palmer is a chartered clinical psychologist with special interests in OCD and self-compassion. Having specialized in working with people with OCD at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital and the Anxiety Disorders Residential Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital, she went on to supervise and manage psychological therapists in the NHS before establishing herself as an independent practitioner. She trained in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester, Cognitive Therapy at the Salford Cognitive Therapy Training Centre and Compassion Focused Therapy at the University of Derby. She is a BABCP-accredited therapist and supervisor of CBT therapists. Her clinical interests are in the challenges presented by shame and self-criticism in the treatment of OCD.

Paul Salkovskis is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Applied Science at the University of Bath and Programme Director of the Doctoral in Clinical Psychology. He is the editor of the scientific journal Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. He has published over 250 scientific papers and received the Aaron T Beck award for his contribution to cognitive therapy.