Imagery-Based Cognitive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Mood Instability

"Bipolar disorder has long been thought to be impervious to psychosocial interventions, and imagery has received scant attention as a focal point for treatment. This is about to change with the publication of this manual. The authors have built on absolutely superb basic psychopathology research to show how imagery serves as an 'emotional amplifier' to produce crippling affective states and out-of-control behavior--and how step-by-step remapping of imaginal processes can reverse the process. Presenting a whole new approach to treatment of bipolar disorder, this book is destined to become a classic. It is an invaluable addition to the clinical armamentaria of students entering the field and experienced practitioners alike."--Steven D. Hollon, PhD, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology, Vanderbilt University

"An extraordinarily helpful and well-researched guide. The authors' imagery-based CBT approach promises to revolutionize our toolbox of intervention techniques for bipolar disorder. The book describes how to set up treatment step by step and provides many useful tips and ideas for identifying and rescripting imagery. It will be useful to therapists in training as well as experienced mental health professionals who seek out novel interventions and ideas. Importantly, this book is based on many years of rigorous basic research on the role of imagery in psychopathology, an area in which Holmes is a leader worldwide."--Jutta Joormann, PhD, Department of Psychology, Yale University

"This practical, reader-friendly book offers an imagery-focused CBT framework for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder. Numerous strategies are outlined in detail, including imagery rescripting, imagery-competing tasks, positive imagery, and metacognitive techniques. Illustrative case examples are used throughout. Given that imagery is a transdiagnostic process, the strategies outlined in this book will be useful for clinicians and trainees working with a variety of mental health problems."--David J. A. Dozois, PhD, Professor and Director, Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada

"Informed by neuropsychological research, this outstanding book provides a unique adaptation of CBT for bipolar disorder. Providing a focused set of innovative techniques and clinical vignettes, the authors clearly demonstrate strategies for reducing the emotionally amplifying and mood destabilizing effects of intrusive imagery. This is a welcome addition to the psychosocial treatment of bipolar disorder, as it targets the anxiety and trauma often associated with this challenging illness."--Noreen A. Reilly-Harrington, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School -