Theoretical Foundations and General Practice Guidelines -- Introduction: The Four Case Examples -- Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- The Psychological Complexities of Chronic Illness and Impairment -- The Initial Assessment and Orientation to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- The Subsequent Sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- to the Techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- Techniques for Addressing Maladaptive Cognitions That Are Unrealistic -- Techniques for Addressing Realistic but Maladaptive Cognitions -- Behavioral Approaches -- Unique Features of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Clients with Chronic Conditions -- Related Knowledge -- Believing in Empathy: The Need for a Novel Approach -- Instilling Hope in People with Chronic Conditions -- Overcoming Motivational Dilemmas in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- Specific Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Fatigue, Pain, Sleep Disorders, and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction -- Fatigue: Subtypes, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions -- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Chronic Fatigue: The Case of Nina -- Pain: Subtypes, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions -- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Chronic Pain: The Case of Paulette -- Sleep Dysfunction: Diagnostic Categories, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions -- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Sleep Dysfunction: The Case of Curtis -- Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: Diagnostic Categories, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions -- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: The Case of Alex.

Severe pain, debilitating fatigue, sleep disruption, severe gastrointestinal distress – these hallmarks of chronic illness complicate treatment as surely as they disrupt patients’ lives, in no small part because of the overlap between biological pathology and resulting psychological distress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability cuts across formal diagnostic categories to apply proven therapeutic techniques to potentially devastating conditions, from first assessment to end of treatment. Four extended clinical case examples of patients with chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, inoperable cancer, and Crohn’s disease are used throughout the book to demonstrate how cognitive-behavioral interventions can be used to effectively address ongoing medical stressors and their attendant depression, anxiety, and quality-of-life concerns. At the same time, they highlight specific patient and therapist challenges commonly associated with chronic conditions. From implementing core CBT strategies to ensuring medication compliance, Renee Taylor offers professionals insights for synthesizing therapeutic knowledge with practical understanding of chronic disease. Her nuanced client portraits also show how individual patients can vary—even within themselves. This book offers clinicians invaluable help with - Conceptualizing patient problems - Developing the therapeutic relationship - Pacing of therapy - Cognitive restructuring - Behavioral modification - Problem solving - Fostering coping and adapting skills Taylor’s coverage is both clean and hands-on, with helpful assessments and therapy worksheets for quick reference. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability gives practitioners of CBT new insights into this population and provides newer practitioners with vital tools and tactics. All therapists will benefit as their clients can gain new confidence and regain control of their lives.