Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for PTSD

“A readable, practical, state-of-the-art manual for the cognitive-behavioral treatment of PTSD....Zayfert and Becker adopt a flexible approach to individual patients while remaining firmly within the realm of the empirically based and effective components of CBT....A significant contribution to the literature and belongs in the library of both novice and skilled CBT clinicians. It will be a conduit to improve the lives of many suffering from PTSD.”

—PsycCRITIQUES (on the first edition)


“This book will be an invaluable resource for all clinicians involved in the treatment of PTSD. It is compassionate, wide-ranging, and lucid, and demonstrates an admirable grasp of the complexities and realities of clinical practice.”

—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book Reviews (on the first edition)


“[This book] balances research and clinical instruction, is very well written, and is presented in an excellent manner. I believe the book is best used as a graduate school supplement, or by those practicing in cognitive-behavioral therapy and PTSD. The book would also be a wonderful adjunct to workshop presentations.”

—Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy (on the first edition)


“A well-structured and easy to-read book. It succeeds in clearly outlining how to use a case formulation approach to provide CBT for PTSD patients on an individual case-by-case basis....It is an excellent addition to the PTSD treatment literature. Recommended.”

—Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (on the first edition)


“This book is an outstanding example of a bridge between research and practice.”

—Journal of Psychosomatic Research (on the first edition)


“In this second edition, Zayfert and Becker have improved on an already masterful volume. Designed for mental health clinicians at all stages of professional development, the book is accessible and concise. It emphasizes a principles-based approach to assessment and treatment, demonstrating how to treat complicated patients in a collaborative, compassionate style. Zayfert and Becker skillfully integrate empirical and clinical material to help readers leap the gap between science and practice. Ample clinical examples illustrate the process of effective CBT.”

—J. Gayle Beck, PhD, Lillian and Morrie Moss Chair of Excellence, Department of Psychology, University of Memphis


“This is an excellent book for clinicians and students alike. It not only provides an overview of the relevant literature, but also describes in detail the 'dos and don'ts' of treating traumatized clients. PTSD frequently presents with a complex clinical picture, and it is refreshing to see that the authors address such issues as co-occurring conditions, life problems, and associated emotion regulation problems in a highly clinically useful way.”

—Paul M. G. Emmelkamp, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology (retired), University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands


“This outstanding book exemplifies the bridging of research and practice. It presents clear recommendations for how to conduct central components of trauma-focused treatment, while citing supporting research. Case examples, therapist–patient dialogues, and downloadable patient handouts clearly illustrate how to implement treatment. Zayfert and Becker also provide direction on how to manage psychiatric comorbidity, which is common in PTSD. This is a valuable resource for therapists beginning to work with patients with PTSD, and would be useful as a teaching supplement in graduate programs.”

—Denise M. Sloan, PhD, Associate Director, Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine


“I enthusiastically recommend this updated second edition for both novice and master clinicians who want to take their conceptualization and therapeutic skills to the next level for difficult PTSD cases. The authors go beyond the basics; I love the novel sections on maximizing patient preferences and engagement. User-friendly, up-to-date research is coupled with complex case examples that shed light on clinical interactions.”

—Lori A. Zoellner, PhD, Director, University of Washington Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress


“Esteemed experts Zayfert and Becker translate a vast body of literature into the information clinicians need to conceptualize and treat their patients. The book demystifies thorny issues that can make it difficult for clinicians to interpret research on trauma treatment. Resisting the temptation to be overly technical or overly simplistic, this is a most valuable 'guide to the perplexed' for mental health professionals and students. It is an important volume that should be read and kept at arm’s reach in every trauma clinician’s office.”

—Stevan E. Hobfoll, PhD, ABPP, private practice, Chicago, Illinois; former Presidential Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center