27 Best Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Books to Master CBT

Best CBT Books

In its simplest form, the concept is to identify unhelpful thoughts and learn to reframe them in a way that leads to more positive outcomes.

In recent years, hundreds of books have been published on CBT, many written for individuals who are not clinicians.

How do you decide which is best?

We are here to help and have made a list of the best current Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy books for practitioners and anyone who wants to learn and apply these skills daily.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free . These science-based exercises will provide you with detailed insight into positive CBT and the tools to apply it in your therapy or coaching.

This Article Contains

6 cognitive-behavioral therapy books for learning cbt, best books on cbt according to amazon, 3 recommended cbt audiobooks, cbt workbooks: reviews and summaries, 5 best cbt books for anxiety, 3 best books about cbt for children, a take-home message, 1. cognitive behavior therapy: basics and beyond – judith s. beck.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond is a classic resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of CBT.

The text provides a well-organized and insightful overview of CBT principles and techniques. This third edition incorporates the latest advancements in the field, making it an up-to-date and relevant guide.

Packed with case examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book equips novice and experienced therapists with the knowledge and tools to apply CBT and help clients achieve meaningful change effectively.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: An Illustrated Guide – Jesse H. Wright, Gregory K. Brown, Michael E. Thase, and Monica Ramirez Basco

Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

For a more interactive approach, the second edition of Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy provides 23 all-new videos as well as figures, charts, worksheets, checklists, and tables.

The book covers the fundamental principles of CBT, including assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning.

The visual aids enhance comprehension and facilitate the learning process. Whether you’re a student or practitioner, this illustrated guide is an essential tool for mastering the techniques and interventions of CBT.

3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – Michelle G. Craske

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Michelle Craske presents a clear and systematic approach to understanding and implementing CBT techniques.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including assessment, case conceptualization, and the application of CBT across various disorders.

Craske’s writing is accessible yet sophisticated, making it suitable for students and seasoned practitioners. This second edition incorporates the latest research and developments in the field and provides diverse case examples.

4. Deliberate Practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  – James F. Boswell and Michael J. Constantino

Deliberate Practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Deliberate Practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a resource specifically tailored for clinicians seeking to enhance their skills and effectiveness in delivering CBT. The book provides a detailed exploration of deliberate practice.

Drawing from real-world examples and research, this book empowers clinicians to engage in purposeful, focused, and iterative practice to refine their CBT competencies and continually optimize client outcomes.

Clinicians at all experience levels will find this text immensely valuable in honing their CBT skills and achieving professional excellence.

5. Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Overview and Approache s – Amy Wenzel

Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This two-volume set brings together contributions from leading experts in the field, offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights.

Volume one focuses on the foundational aspects of CBT, providing an in-depth exploration of the history, theoretical underpinnings, core principles, and fundamental techniques of CBT.

Volume 2 extends the coverage of CBT into specialized areas and populations. It delves into the application of CBT in specific clinical contexts, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and more.

6. Culturally Responsive Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Practice and Supervision – Gayle Y. Iwamasa and Pamela A. Hays

Culturally Responsive Cognitive Behavior Therapy

As clinicians, it’s vitally important to understand the interaction between a client’s cultural background and the tools that one presents in session.

Culturally Responsive Cognitive Behavior Therapy explores the use of CBT with various ethnic, racial, and religious groups.

It also presents strategies for working with clients with diverse identities, such as those who are differently abled and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community.

1. The CBT Deck for Clients and Therapists – Seth Gillihan

The CBT Deck

This deck of cards introduces CBT in bite-size exercises that anyone can use. Each card falls under one of three categories: think, act, or be.

Practitioners can use the cards, which are also useful for anyone wanting to decrease their limiting or negative thoughts and learn to live more intentionally.

2. Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts  – Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif

Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts

This book provides a compassionate and comprehensive approach to understanding and managing unwanted intrusive thoughts using CBT.

The authors skillfully combine evidence-based techniques with relatable case examples to help readers challenge and reframe distressing thoughts.

Using accessible language and step-by-step exercises, this guide empowers individuals to reclaim control over their minds and find relief from the torment of intrusive thoughts.

3. The CBT Journal for Mental Health: Evidence-Based Prompts to Improve Your Well-Being – Jordan A. Madison

The CBT Journal for Mental Health

This journal provides the reader with a variety of exercises, writing prompts, affirmations, and other skills that will benefit one’s mental health.

It was created to accompany the CBT Workbook for Mental Health (reviewed below) but can also be used as a standalone journal.

4. CBT + DBT + ACT: 10 in 1  – Joseph Owen

10 In 1

CBT + DBT + ACT: 10 in 1 by Joseph Owen is a valuable collection of books that introduces three major therapeutic approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Additionally, it includes insights into the vagus nerve, polyvagal theory , anxiety in relationships, and depression, offering a broader perspective on mental health and wellbeing.

Whether you are a mental health professional or someone interested in understanding and improving your own psychological wellbeing, this collection is a worthwhile investment that offers practical knowledge and guidance.

5. Essential CBT Skills & Practices (2 Books) – Jessica Flounder

Essential CBT Skills & Practices

These two workbooks offer the reader practical skills and exercises to overcome anxiety, depression, and anger.

Using simple language and evidence-based practices, these guides could be used as a supplement to therapy or on their own.

cbt book reviews

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1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry – Seth J. Gillihan

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple is an excellent audiobook that clearly explains the complex concepts of CBT. The author’s concise and engaging narration keeps the listener engaged throughout.

The book provides practical tools and techniques to tackle common mental health challenges, empowering individuals to take control of their emotions and thoughts.

Each strategy is presented with real-life examples, making it relatable and applicable.

Find the audiobook on Audible .

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Simple Techniques to Instantly Be Happier, Find Inner Peace, and Improve Your Life – Olivia Telford

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This audiobook by Olivia Telford is a transformative tool that offers practical guidance for enhancing one’s wellbeing.

Telford’s soothing narration style creates a calming atmosphere as she explores the principles of CBT.

The book provides easy-to-understand techniques that can be implemented immediately to cultivate happiness, inner peace, and personal growth.

3. Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks  – Seth J. Gillihan

Retrain Your Brain

This audiobook provides a practical approach to managing depression and anxiety. The author’s step-by-step guidance and structured format make it easy to follow and implement the techniques of CBT.

Each week is dedicated to a specific aspect of CBT, offering clear explanations, insightful exercises, and real-life examples to reinforce learning.

The audiobook empowers listeners to reframe negative thoughts, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop effective coping strategies.

1. CBT Workbook for Therapists: Essential Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies to Treat Mental Health – Tiffany Loggins

CBT Workbook for Therapists

Workbooks allow the reader to learn and apply the principles of CBT in a structured way. This workbook offers hundreds of science-based strategies for clinicians and clients to practice the skills of CBT.

The exercises are concise and organized into specific mental health categories, such as addiction, anger management, anxiety, and others.

2. The CBT Workbook for Mental Health: Evidence-Based Exercises to Transform Negative Thoughts and Manage Your Wellbeing  – Simon Rego and Sarah Fader

The CBT Workbook for Mental Health

This workbook, which can be used in tandem with the CBT journal reviewed above, promises to help readers reduce negative thought patterns, manage stress, and grow their self-esteem.

The workbook is written to be easily accessible to anyone wanting to learn more about CBT.

3. The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: Evidence-Based Skills to Help You Let Go of Self-Criticism, Build Self-Esteem, and Find Balance – Sharon Martin

The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism

Wanting to do your best is an admirable quality, but perfectionism can be debilitating when the desire to be the best becomes unrealistic and unmanageable.

This workbook is designed to help those who suffer from perfectionism learn more realistic approaches and how to exercise self-compassion.

4. The Negative Thoughts Workbook: CBT Skills to Overcome the Repetitive Worry, Shame, and Rumination That Drive Anxiety and Depression – David A. Clark

The Negative Thoughts Workbook

The cornerstone of the theory of CBT is identifying the negative thought patterns that lead to anxiety and depression.

This workbook helps those that suffer from worry and rumination learn to name and release the maladaptive thought patterns.

5. The CBT Couples Toolbox: Over 45 Exercises to Improve Communication, Navigate Problems and Build Strong Relationships – John Ludgate and Tereza Grubr

The CBT Couples Toolbox

CBT can also be used to help relationships and improve communication.

This workbook offers exercises for couples that will help them learn to communicate more effectively and compassionately, ultimately leading to greater harmony and intimacy.

cbt book reviews

World’s Largest Positive Psychology Resource

The Positive Psychology Toolkit© is a groundbreaking practitioner resource containing over 500 science-based exercises , activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments created by experts using the latest positive psychology research.

Updated monthly. 100% Science-based.

“The best positive psychology resource out there!” — Emiliya Zhivotovskaya , Flourishing Center CEO

1. Show Your Anxiety Who’s Boss: A 3-Step CBT Program to Help You Reduce Anxious Thoughts and Worry – Joel Minden

Show Your Anxiety Who's Boss

Anxiety can cause us to remain frozen in fear, unable to make decisions or take action.

In this book, Joel Minden uses a simple three-step program to help readers overcome their anxious thoughts and learn how to move forward while accepting uncertainty and facing fears.

2. Outsmart Your Anxious Brain: 10 Simple Ways to Beat the Worry Trick – David A. Carbonell

Outsmart Your Anxious Brain

This short, simple, and humorous book helps readers understand that anxiety is a trick of the mind and how to fight back against it.

For anyone who experiences anxiety, whether it is excessive worry, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or otherwise, David Carbonell offers straightforward and easy-to-understand solutions.

3. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook: A Comprehensive CBT Guide for Coping With Uncertainty, Worry, and Fear – Melisa Robichaud and Michel J. Dugas

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses today. GAD can cause a person to worry excessively, leading to struggles with decision-making, sleeping, concentration, and more.

This popular workbook, written by renowned anxiety experts, leads the reader through exercises to help combat negative thinking patterns and learn to overcome excessive worry.

4. The Social Anxiety CBT Workbook for Adults  – Marcee A Martin

The Social Anxiety (CBT) Workbook for Adults

Individuals with social anxiety often struggle to make connections and feel overwhelmed by social interactions. This workbook provides simple and accessible tools to help overcome the thinking traps that lead to social anxiety.

This workbook explains how CBT can help and offers the reader CBT and positive psychology exercises, as well as mindfulness meditations for calming anxiety.

5. CBT for Anxiety Disorders: A Practitioner Book – Gregoris Simos and Stefan G. Hofmann

CBT For Anxiety Disorders

This comprehensive guide for practitioners compiles current research and leading voices in the field of anxiety disorders.

Each chapter explores a different DSM diagnosis of various anxiety disorders and describes how CBT can be applied to each.

1. CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents: Over 200 Worksheets & Exercises for Trauma, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression & Conduct Disorders – Lisa Weed Phifer, Amanda Crowder, Tracy Elsenraat, and Robert Hull

CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents

Created by clinicians and teachers with years of experience, this workbook gives hundreds of CBT exercises to help children overcome challenges.

These materials can be used during sessions or assigned as homework. The exercises are grouped into the content areas of cognitive skills, relationship coaching , competency building, and brain-based learning to facilitate ease of use for practitioners.

2. CBT Workbook for Kids: 40+ Fun Exercises and Activities to Help Children Overcome Anxiety & Face Their Fears at Home, at School, and Out in the World – Heather Davidson

CBT Workbook for Kids

This fun and helpful workbook is designed for kids aged 6–11 who struggle with anxious thoughts and excessive worry.

The book provides kids with games, drawing challenges, and exercises to teach them skills for emotion regulation, communication, and focus.

Relaxation exercises are included, and stories from other kids provide a relatable tone.

3. CBT Deck for Kids and Teens – Seth J. Gillihan and Ada J. L. Gillihan

CBT Deck for Kids and Teens

Seth Gillihan is a leading author and expert in the field of mindfulness-centered cognitive behavior therapy. He cocreated this deck with his daughter Ada to help kids and teens learn and use these skills.

The deck covers topics such as learning to be present, overcoming negative thoughts and excessive worry, and making healthy decisions.

cbt book reviews

17 Science-Based Ways To Apply Positive CBT

These 17 Positive CBT & Cognitive Therapy Exercises [PDF] include our top-rated, ready-made templates for helping others develop more helpful thoughts and behaviors in response to challenges, while broadening the scope of traditional CBT.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a long-standing therapeutic technique with decades of research demonstrating its efficacy. It has been shown to be a useful tool for helping with many types of mental health struggles and many different kinds of clients.

Children, couples, families, and individuals can all benefit from learning the skills that CBT provides. As this article shows, various resources are available for learning about CBT independently without a therapist. These books and self-help workbooks provide guidance and exercises for learning CBT principles and applying them to daily life.

These resources often include step-by-step instructions, examples, and exercises to help individuals understand and practice CBT techniques. While having a therapist can provide additional support and personalized guidance, self-learning CBT resources can still be valuable for gaining insight into thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors and developing skills to manage mental health challenges effectively.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. For more information, don’t forget to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free .

Ed: Updated June 2023

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What our readers think.

Danielle

There is a new book for children that talks about the common cognitive distortions or negative thinking patterns. please look at it, I think it would be a great resource! The book is called Cognitive Distortions How to Catch the Top Ten Most Dangerous Thinking Patterns

Tariqul Alam

I need to know about the process CBT. How can I download CBT materials free of cost? I am greatly in need of these. Would you pl help me in this regard?

calvin e. sturdevant

type in the title of the book and add ‘pdf’ in your search engine. if there is a pdf it will show up. click on it to download.

Carol Wulff

for children there is a new book published called William, The What If Wonder On His First Day of School that begins to introduce cognitive re-framing to younger children ages 4 to 8. http://www.thewhatifwonder.com

Hamed matin

Hello I am iranian Thank you for recommending these books

Shehar Yar

ah! thank you,it will help me in coming semesters. Great effort.

mary T Gibbons

I would love to read a case study on CBT practise and assessment

Joaquin Selva

Hi Mary, If you want to read a case study, here is an interesting one about a 26-year old man with social anxiety disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3383032/ . The article is open access to everyone for free 🙂 I hope this helps further your understanding of CBT!

Maria Michaelides

Thank you. Kind regards, Maria Michaelides

Jessie van den Heuvel

You’re welcome Maria 🙂

Leisa Molloy

Thanks guys – great post! I’m a user of the Positive Psychology Toolkit (love it, by the way!) and really benefit from some Appreciative Enquiry tools that can be used in practical settings. Thanks!

Seph Fontane Pennock

Thank you so much for saying that Leisa!

Pavol Baláž

I love CBT !!

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10 Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books Of All Time

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What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

How to practice mindfulness, 1. banish your self-esteem thief, 2. cognitive behavioral therapy for dummies, 3. mind over mood (2nd edition), 4. cognitive behavioural therapy (2nd edition), 5. culturally responsive cognitive-behavioral therapy, what is trauma and how can it be treated, 6. retrain your brain, 7. the worry workbook for teens, 8. starving the anxiety gremlin, 9. cbt for people with cancer (2nd edition), 10. phobias explained & script. pre-talk & hypnosis. psychotherapy & hypnotherapy. neuro-linguistic programming (nlp). cognitive behavioural therapy  (cbt). psychology: phobias, genius foods – 7 superfoods for brain health, 7 healthy food recipes that can boost cognitive function, 12 herbs for memory and concentration.

These cognitive-behavioral therapy books are considered the best out there for self-help solutions and mental health techniques. Check out what these books are below!

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that clinicians use to help  patients manage problems by identifying patterns of thinking. This helps patients shift to a positive change in behavior.

This is a common part of a treatment plan  to overcome depression and anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety). CBT techniques can also apply to other mental health conditions such as phobias, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness skills can even be used to help treat chronic pain by influencing the brain mechanisms that affect pain experience. Several studies have found that CBT improved pain and related problems for chronic pain patients. Further, there is  evidence that female pain patients can stand to benefit from CBT  intervention. This is due to their higher levels of empathy and more severe affective reactions—i.e. feelings of unpleasantness and other associated emotions— to the intensity of their pain as CBT is effective in the treatment of emotional distress.

10 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books for Self-Learners & Beginners

While the books mentioned below are excellent resources for anyone looking to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy as a treatment option and applying its principles to your everyday life, they are not intended as a method of self-diagnosis or self-treatment for serious mental health conditions. 

If you are struggling with depression, addiction, anxiety, or another mental health disorder that is impacting your quality of life, we recommend you to  seek help  from your primary care provider or another qualified health practitioner for further guidance.

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Read this post to learn how to practice mindfulness in your every day life, get tips for success, and understand how you can benefit from mindful meditation.

book cover of Banish Your Self-Esteem Thief by Kate Collins-Donnelly

This is among the best books on cognitive behavior therapy  for young people. It contains a variety of activities and true to life stories that can show its reader what self-esteem is, how it can form, and how it can affect personal growth and development.

Using easy-to-grasp cues like the Self-Esteem Thief and the Self-Esteem Vault,  Banish Your Self-Esteem Thief  can help young people to use cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness principles to build their self-esteem and start feeling good about themselves. Fun and easy to flip through, this workbook is an excellent choice for young people from the ages of 10 and above.

They can use it on their own or with a trusted parent or counselor.

book cover of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dummies by Rhena Branch & Rob Wilson, PhD

This bestseller  is among the best self-help books on cognitive behaviour therapy  for those who are largely unfamiliar with it. This book is put together by Rob Wilson and Rhena Branch, two therapists who are well-versed in CBT.

This step by step guide shows readers the primary principles of CBT and how to apply them to your daily life and spot tiny errors in your way of thinking to eliminate toxic intrusive thoughts that lead to positive changes in behavior.

This book covers all things CBT and even includes additional chapters honing in on specific problems and issues such as overcoming a negative body image, overwhelming perfectionism, or an addiction.

book cover of Mind Over Mood, Second Edition by Dennis Greenberger, PhD and Christine A. Padesky, PhD

The second edition of Mind Over Mood  by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, can help the reader learn simple techniques on how to overcome negative emotion, resulting in a calmer and happier disposition. This is an especially good book for dealing with anger management. Its current revisions and expansions include over 20 years of scientific developments.

Chapters on setting personal goals, forgiveness, and acceptance are among many new additions. There are also 25 new worksheets, gratitude journals, and innovative exercises focusing on mindfulness.

Readers can track their progress throughout the book with the worksheets. This helps to apply these practices in real life easier until they become second nature.

audiobook cover of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: 7 Ways to Freedom from Anxiety, Depression, and Intrusive Thoughts by Lawrence Wallace

Lawrence Wallace’s cognitive behavioral therapy book  draws from personal experiences of overcoming depression, anxiety, and toxic thoughts. As a gift for others who have yet to claim victory over their negative thought and behavior patterns, this book can help readers acknowledge their inner demons and expel them once and for all.

Contents of this book include learning how to understand why your mind works  the way it does. It also includes similar practices from Buddhism and Stoicism.

What is Stoicism? A school of philosophy that asserts that happiness can be found by accepting moments as they come. It also teaches the potential of destructive emotions to lead someone to err in their judgment.

Culturally Responsive Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy by Pamela A. Hays, PhD and Gayle Y. Iwamasa, PhD

Written by psychological and cultural experts , this cognitive behavioral therapy book considers the diversity of cultural influences and integrates them into therapeutic  practice. It shows the many ways on how to apply CBT effectively to clients who come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

young man with trauma, holding face in hands

Do you really know what is trauma? Find out what it is, how to treat it, and how to live a more fulfilling life in this article! What Is Trauma and Other FAQs What Is Trauma? Let’s begin with the most basic question: what is trauma? There are many ways to define it. It may …

book cover image of Retrain Your Brain by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD

There is no magical cure for depression or anxiety, but this  cognitive behavioral therapy book from Seth J. Gillihan  helps you deal with these conditions better in your day to day life by changing how your mind thinks.

It lays out a simple plan for readers to follow and get familiar with the tenets of CBT. It also gives readers the tools they need to work through personal issues and prepares them for problems that may arise in the future.

cbt book reviews

This book  is written for anxious teens who are looking into using CBT to overcome emotional distress. It helps teens get to the root of their problems in a fun, interactive way through a workbook setup.

Its fun and accessible language makes this book a great read for teens who want to undergo the CBT cycle on their own, but it can also be a great workbook to collaborate on with parents or therapists.

book cover of Starving the Anxiety Gremlin by Kate Collins-Donnelly

This award-winning book  by Kate Collins-Donelly offers a unique perspective on anxiety for children who are far too young to grasp the concept of anxiety. Instead, it conceptualizes anxiety as a gremlin that children can unknowingly feed with anxious thoughts.

This book teaches children how to identify and understand the different kinds of anxiety. Furthermore, it teaches them to manage panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts.

Young readers will learn about CBT and its core principles to understand the root of their anxiety. This way, they finally know how to starve their “anxiety gremlin” or manage their anxieties better.

book cover of CBT for People with Cancer by Stirling Moorey and Steven Greer

Cancer can be a terrifying illness and can instill severe emotional distress for people, especially the patients.  This Oxford guide  presents cognitive behavioral therapy  principles to help patients come up with practical approaches to dealing with their emotions.

By using the CBT model, this book helps patients understand their own reactions to cancer and help them adjust to the threat of cancer and their own personal view. The authors include techniques to reduce depression and anxiety, improve communication skills, and develop coping mechanisms.

This book is a new edition that includes the latest research and clinical findings in the field of CBT in the past 10 years. Both mental health professionals and patients can benefit from the psychological principles and techniques in this book.

book cover photo of Phobias Explained & Script. Pre-talk & Hypnosis. Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy  (CBT). Psychology: Phobias by David Glenn

This cognitive behavioral therapy book  explains what phobias are and how to overcome them. It also details real-life examples of people with phobias who have been treated through therapy by the author David Glenn.

Glenn outlines this book as a script to students of psychotherapy and patients looking to overcome phobias using CBT. The script format makes it easy for readers to grasp what goes on in a therapy session for phobias.

By giving the readers transparency in a typical clinical practice session, readers can detail the plans and processes therapists present to clients. This way, readers can either integrate this knowledge into overcoming phobias or use it in helping others.

Closing Thoughts

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is among the most successful means for people to manage issues such as unhealthy behavior, anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive thoughts, and more. You don’t even need to have a mental health issue to learn CBT as it can still present you with tools for personal growth.

Pro Tip : Get the most out of your CBT learnings via restful sleep—something many people struggle with. Turn off all screens before bed and cultivate a good nighttime relaxation routine to promote better sleep.  Listening to calming music , using certain essential oils before bed, managing stress, and even eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods, are all ways to support a good night’s sleep as well. 

Many of these books are also available in an electronic format for Kindle or other e-readers if you prefer that over the hardcover version. You can also get them as audiobooks so you can listen and take care of your mental well-being on the go.

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Editor’s Note : This post was originally published on August 12, 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy on June 16, 2021.

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Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Top Reads for Effective Self-Help

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has been extensively used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and stress-related disorders. The efficacy of CBT lies in its structured approach, which helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors, with the aim of altering them to improve mental well-being. CBT is grounded in the understanding that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing one can lead to changes in others.

For those looking to understand or practice CBT, a myriad of resources are available, with books being among the most accessible and comprehensive options. Choosing the best book on CBT depends on several factors, including the reader’s background knowledge, the book’s focus—whether it’s theory, application, or exercises—and the credentials and expertise of the author. For beginners, books that introduce CBT concepts in easy-to-understand language and provide practical strategies for implementation can be especially useful.

When selecting a book on cognitive behavioral therapy, it’s important to consider the credibility of the authors, their expertise in psychology, and the reviews from mental health professionals. Additionally, the relevance of the book to one’s personal or professional needs—whether for self-help or clinical practice—should also be a deciding factor. Many of these texts include practical exercises and case studies, which help readers apply CBT strategies in real-life scenarios.

We’ve examined a variety of books on CBT to offer recommendations that satisfy diverse preferences and learning objectives, from foundational texts written by leading experts to user-friendly workbooks that provide hands-on guidance. Our selection process includes detailed evaluation of content quality, reader accessibility, and the potential impact on one’s understanding and application of cognitive behavioral therapy. Let’s explore the best books available to guide you through the principles and practices of CBT.

Top Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books

We understand the importance of mental health and the powerful role Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) plays in addressing psychological challenges. Our curated list represents the finest selections in the field, equipping you with the knowledge to harness CBT’s potential. These books offer insightful theories, practical techniques, and real-world applications penned by leading experts. Whether you’re a practicing therapist seeking to refine your techniques or an individual interested in self-help, our recommendations cover a comprehensive range of topics for various expertise levels.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Simplified

cbt book reviews

We believe this book provides a straightforward approach to applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in everyday life.

  • Concise and easy-to-understand format.
  • Practical techniques for dealing with anxiety and depression.
  • Suitable for both professionals and those new to CBT.
  • Not intended for those seeking an in-depth academic text.
  • Some may find the content too brief.
  • Limited theoretical background for advanced learners.

For individuals intrigued by self-improvement or professionals seeking a quick reference, this text condenses key principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into digestible parts. The book outlines actionable steps for fostering inner peace and contentment, making it particularly valuable for those who favor practicality over exhaustive theory.

The author supplies readers with a toolkit for managing negative thought patterns and emotions. Mindfulness strategies introduced are straightforward, aiming to equip individuals with skills to challenge personal issues head-on. This aligns with the book’s mission to provide immediate, easy-to-apply interventions.

Our final takeaway highlights its benefit as a refresher or introductory guide. With its digestible length, the book avoids overwhelming readers, making it a suitable first step for anyone looking to understand the basics of cognitive restructuring and behavioral adjustments.

The Essential CBT Guide

cbt book reviews

We believe this book is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand and apply CBT principles to improve their mental health.

  • Offers life-changing CBT strategies for various psychological hurdles
  • Accessible content layout for ease of reading and comprehension
  • Beneficial for both CBT novices and seasoned individuals
  • Some readers reported grammatical errors in earlier copies
  • Might be too basic for advanced practitioners
  • One review questions the depth of the strategies presented

Embarking on the journey of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) requires a reliable guide, and “The Essential CBT Guide” steps up to fulfill this need. Its contribution to the understanding of CBT cannot be overstated—it has proven itself as a handy tool for those seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

The book’s layout captures the reader’s attention with well-defined chapters that simplify complex ideas into digestible information. For someone starting to explore CBT, the straightforward language demystifies the therapy’s nuances and makes the strategies approachable.

Every resource has its drawbacks, and our findings suggest that’s the case here too. While the breadth of content is well-regarded, individuals well-versed in psychological therapies may find the book lacking in advanced insights they haven’t encountered elsewhere.

To conclude, “The Essential CBT Guide” stands out as an informative read. It’s well-suited for those beginning their CBT journey or anyone who needs a refresher on foundational techniques to tackle life’s psychological challenges. Its practical strategies could be your first steps towards lasting change.

Retrain Your Brain Workbook

cbt book reviews

We believe this workbook is a valuable tool for those beginning their journey with cognitive behavioral therapy, offering structured guidance for managing depression and anxiety.

  • Accessible for beginners, no prior CBT knowledge required.
  • Provides a structured 7-week program for self-improvement.
  • Encourages proactive engagement with exercises and reflections.
  • Not a substitute for professional therapy in severe cases.
  • Some exercises may feel redundant for those already in therapy.
  • The content might be too basic for advanced learners of CBT.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool to combat anxiety and depression, and “Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks” serves as a structured guide for individuals seeking to understand and apply CBT principles in their lives. For those commencing their CBT journey, this workbook is designed to facilitate a hands-on experience, providing practical exercises to practice the techniques learned in real-time.

The outlined 7-week program offers an incremental approach to learning, ensuring readers can absorb and apply CBT lessons effectively. It stands out for its ease of use and straightforward language, which makes the concepts relatable and less daunting for newcomers. Through engaging with the workbook, users are encouraged to actively reflect and develop habits that foster mental health improvements.

However, the book should not be seen as a comprehensive fix for everyone. It’s targeted toward individuals with light to moderate issues, and therefore might not delve deep enough for those with more severe mental health challenges or for seasoned therapists. While the workbook can be a valuable addition to one’s self-care tools, it is important to remember that it serves as a supplement to, not a replacement for, professional help.

In the realm of mental health and CBT workbooks, “Retrain Your Brain” is a noteworthy mention. Its practical layout helps demystify the therapeutic process, allowing users to gain more control over their mental well-being. With engaging exercises and in-depth analysis, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to start their CBT journey.

CBT For Dummies

cbt book reviews

We believe this book is a strong choice for those new to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, offering easy-to-understand content and practical exercises.

  • Simplifies complex concepts
  • Packed with actionable tips and hints
  • Complements therapy with practical exercises
  • May contain grammatical errors
  • Not all topics may be relevant to every reader
  • Some customers reported receiving damaged books

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Dummies has become an accessible entry point for individuals looking to understand the fundamentals of CBT. Its approach simplifies a range of topics that can empower readers to start tackling irrational thoughts and behaviours immediately. The material is presented in a manner that’s digestible for newcomers yet deep enough to offer substantial guidance.

Customers praise the book for its wealth of practical exercises, which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking to reinforce their cognitive behavioural strategies between therapy sessions. The tips and techniques provided are actionable and can serve as a foundation for personal progress.

Despite its strengths, not every section may be directly applicable to each reader’s specific challenges. Additionally, there have been some concerns about the physical quality of the book upon delivery, with a few reports of wear that suggests a used rather than new product. However, these issues are relatively minor when considering the value delivered through the book’s content.

Clinician’s CBT Guide

cbt book reviews

We recommend this book for professionals seeking a deep dive into cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and applications.

  • It compiles a wide array of CBT strategies in one resource.
  • The spiral-bound format allows for easy use during sessions.
  • Highly praised for its clarity and practicality.
  • The price point is relatively steep for some budgets.
  • It might contain more worksheets than expected, which may not suit everyone’s needs.
  • Some professionals may find information too basic if they’re already deeply familiar with CBT.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of psychotherapy, and “The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” is a well-thought-out resource for clinicians. It presents an extensive collection of CBT strategies and techniques, all compiled into one accessible volume. This can be particularly advantageous for professionals who wish to have a variety of tools readily available at their disposal.

The format of the book—a spiral binding—is thoughtfully chosen to cater to the practical needs of therapists who may want to lay the book flat while working with clients. This physical attribute complements the usefulness of the book in a session-based context. The organization of the content is clear, making it easy to navigate through different chapters and find relevant materials swiftly.

While the guide is comprehensive, its price might be a consideration for some. Therapists investing in their professional library may find the cost high, especially if they are seeking more advanced knowledge and have perhaps surpassed the teachings this guide provides. Additionally, professionals looking for dense theoretical material might find the workbook-style approach—abundant in worksheets—either a boon or a miss, depending on their individual practice style.

Buying Guide

When selecting books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), there are several features to consider to ensure you make the most informed choice. We’ve outlined key factors to focus on:

Content Quality

Look for books that are authored or recommended by experts in psychology and mental health. High-quality content is essential, with up-to-date research and practices.

Practical Application

Prefer books that offer practical advice and exercises. A book that guides through real-life applications of CBT can be particularly valuable.

Reader’s Level

Consider your level of understanding:

  • Beginners : Simple language, basic concepts.
  • Intermediate : More detailed discussions.
  • Advanced : In-depth analysis, complex techniques.

Format and Accessibility

  • Format : e.g., paperback, hardcover, ebook.
  • Accessibility : Features like an index, glossary, and summaries can aid understanding.

Here is a table to help you evaluate the key aspects:

FeatureDescriptionWhy It Matters
Author’s CredentialsBackground and expertise in CBTEnsures reliability of information
Practical ElementsWorksheets, exercises, case studiesEncourages active learning and application
Complexity LevelTailored to readers’ existing knowledgeMatches content to your learning stage
Supplementary MaterialsAdditional resources, referencesEnhances further research and study

By considering these features, we can make well-informed decisions that best suit our educational needs and preferences in the realm of CBT literature.

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Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Fine-tune your mind with the leading books on cognitive behavioral therapy. gathered from the recommendations of mental health professionals, these works stand out in the field of psychology and self-improvement..

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Best CBT Books For Therapists

  • by Becky DeGrossa
  • Being A Therapist

Man with curly red hair sitting at a desk reading books about CBT.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that attempts to identify negative thoughts and behaviors, and create a positive shift in emotional response.

It’s often used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, although CBT has proven to be effective in a wide range of cases.

CBT can be used in a clinical setting, although some clients have found success using CBT to treat themselves. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best resources for therapists looking to learn more about CBT.

Below are 9 of the best CBT books for Therapists

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics And Beyond

By judith s. beck.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond by Judith S. Beck is one of the definitive books on CBT, and a must-read for anyone interested in the approach.

Cognitive Behavior provides a clear, well thought out, and thorough look into the practice of CBT. Although it isn’t a light read, the engaging writing makes this one of the more accessible guides to CBT , particularly for new learners interested in the fundamentals.

Throughout the book, readers follow two case studies: one client with severe depression, and another with depression, anxiety, and BPD.

These cases illustrate how CBT performs in practice, and help illuminate how to effectively implement the treatment. Included throughout the book are tips and advice on using CBT, and engaging with patients .

Combining practical advice with theory and an in-depth look into the foundations of CBT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a complete guide with hands-on demonstrations. Containing many useful techniques, you’ll find yourself picking up and referring to this book throughout your practice.

The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

By leslie sokol & marci fox.

Written to benefit mental health practitioners, The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Leslie Sokol and Marci Fox will help you put theory into practice.

Containing various worksheets and activities to bring CBT to your clients, this book is an invaluable resource when you’re ready to move beyond theory .

CBT is a complex and expansive treatment, but The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps make it accessible. By breaking CBT into skills and strategies, it’s easier to incorporate the therapy into your practice.

Covering fundamental CBT methods for use across a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, these tools will help your clients continue their recovery outside your direct influence.

The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide also includes worksheets, coping cards, and step-by-step plans .

The worksheets alone are an excellent resource, and can be used to teach clients the coping skills they need. Everyone from new students to working psychotherapists can benefit from these easy to use activities, and the practical tools offer an understandable route into CBT.

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

By david d. burns.

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns is an entry level guide to CBT that will appeal to both clinicians and clients . It discussed how CBT can be used as a treatment for anxiety and depression, as well as providing practical tips for incorporating CBT into your life.

Welcoming and engaging, Feeling Good is an excellent starting point to understanding CBT. Although it doesn’t take the same clinical approach as other books on this list, it offers an accessible introduction to the complex world of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Feeling Good outlines techniques that can be used to alleviate “black holes”, and bring a positive outlook to life .

Taking a frank look at emotion, this book can help readers better understand how the methods used in CBT actually work. It provides an opportunity to assess and reassess feelings, by offering techniques to confront thought patterns.

Feeling Good isn’t a book for advancing your practice of CBT , but it’s an excellent choice if you want to understand the basics. It’s also a useful book for any therapist to have on the shelf, as it’s a trusted source to recommend for clients.

Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel By Changing The Way You Think

By dennis greenberger & christine a. padesky.

Breaking CBT into simple steps, Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky is a guide to the fundamentals.

This book puts recovery into the hands of the client, but the worksheets and action plans offer valuable insights for therapists .

Mind Over Mood is an introductory guide to CBT, aimed primarily at clients and self-learning. However, it draws from scientific experience and the latest developments in CBT to provide a reliable and accessible guide.

For experienced practitioners, Mind Over Matter is likely to lack the level of insight you might prefer.

For beginners, the friendly and positive guidebook can act as a suitable introduction to the fundamentals of CBT . And regardless of your own understanding of CBT, the worksheets and activities are beneficial for establishing a treatment plan.

Mind Over Mood also includes a foreword by Aaron Beck (often referred to as the “father of CBT”), which offers some indication of the level of quality found within. Keep Mind Over Mood on the shelf, for when clients are curious about CBT.

cbt book reviews

The CBT Toolbox: 185 Tools To Manage Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Behaviors & Stress

By jeff riggenback.

Ready to put theory into practice? The CBT Toolbox: 185 Tools To Manage Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Behaviors & Stress by Jeff Riggenbach has everything you need to effectively implement cognitive behavioral therapy .

Based on 20 years of real-life practice, The CBT Toolbox combines theoretically sound ideas with experience and evidence-based exercises. Taking a step-by-step approach, therapists can discover the best ways to use CBT in the treatment of numerous conditions.

Easy to understand, The CBT Toolbox is one of the best guides for taking a psychotherapy theory and putting it into practice .

Containing 185 exercises and activities that translate easily in-session or at home, it provides fresh approaches to negative thought patterns.

When you’re ready to move beyond the theoretical, The CBT Toolbox provides a welcome resource for incorporating CBT into your treatment plans . The usable and reproducible activities will quickly become your go-to resource, and can be offered as at-home learning sheets.

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Of Borderline Personality Disorder

By marsha m. linehan.

For many years, clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been considered among the most difficult to treat cases.

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha M. Linehan covers the practice of DBT, one of the rare therapies which has shown consistent results for those with BPD .

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is considered an off-shoot of CBT, and developed directly from the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy.

DBT takes a dialectical, somewhat contradictory, approach : both accepting emotions, while trying to change them. It’s often used for the treatment of complex and overlapping problems.

For therapists with some experience in CBT, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder can help expand your understanding of the treatment. Considered the authoritative presentation on DBT, the book is frequently heavy going, but provides an in-depth understanding of the method.

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder is an invaluable resource for those interested in the treatment of BPD . While the book does touch on other issues, its primary focus is the often difficult approach toward BPD.

Doing CBT: A Comprehensive Guide To Working With Behaviors, Thoughts, And Emotions

By david f. tolin.

Doing CBT: A Comprehensive Guide To Working With Behaviors, Thoughts and Emotions by David F. Tolin is an excellent resource for discovering the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy.

This thorough guide covers both the theory and the practical, the art and the science, of CBT, and presents it in an accessible style for new readers .

For psychotherapy students, Doing CBT is an engaging resource. As well as explaining the fundamentals of CBT, the book offers practical guidelines for incorporating CBT into your practice.

Examples of real life clients are used throughout the book to illustrate the techniques, and bring CBT to life . Finishing with three chapter-length case studies, you can follow the book from theory, to application, to results.

Learners can greatly benefit from the friendly and straight-talking style of Doing CBT, as well as the target worksheets and quick-reference definitions. Funnier than a textbook but more scientific than a self-help book, Doing CBT acts as an excellent introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy.

CBT For Anxiety: A Step-By-Step Training Manual For The Treatment Of Fear, Panic, Worry And OCD

By kimberly morrow & elizabeth dupont spencer.

While many of the books we’ve recommended take a more general approach, this choice is a little different.

CBT for Anxiety: A Step-By-Step Training Manual for the Treatment of Fear, Panic, Worry and OCD by Kimberly Morrow and Elizabeth DuPont Spencer is targeted specifically at using CBT to treat anxiety .

Anxiety is one of the most prominent mental illnesses in the US, and CBT can be used as an effective treatment. CBT for Anxiety draws from evidence-based approaches and real life experience to provide a step-by-step method for therapists.

It discusses incorporating CBT into your treatment, as well as the worksheets and exercises with which to do so .

CBT for Anxiety presents the tools you’ll need to use CBT as a treatment for anxiety, including how to deal with potential obstacles. It’s a fantastic resource for working therapists looking to enhance their skills, and tackle new approaches.

Worksheets and exercises included in CBT for Anxiety can be reproduced and shared with clients and their families, adding another benefit to this practical guidebook .

And while the main focus of the book is the treatment of anxiety, many of the skills it discusses can be used in the treatment of other disorders.

CBT Worksheets: CBT Worksheets For CBT Therapists In Training

By james manning.

Many of the books we’ve included on this list offer a combination of both worksheet and resource, discussing the theory of CBT alongside practical application. CBT Worksheets: CBT Worksheets For CBT Therapists In Training by James Manning is purely a book of worksheets.

Included alongside these worksheet templates are also examples of completed sheets, and explanations of the exercises. 

Diary pages help clinicians to consider the use of each worksheet, while additional handouts can be used to introduce clients to the therapy .

With an impressive range of worksheets on offer, all of them easy to copy and replicate, this is a comprehensive resource for therapists in training.

While you will need an understanding of CBT before you start using the worksheets, they can help you to put the fundamentals into practice, and introduce CBT to your clients.

Buyer’s Guide: CBT Books For Therapists

Cognitive behavior therapy is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment method, even outside clinical spaces. If you’re a working therapist, you shouldn’t be surprised to find clients are interested in learning about CBT.

CBT resources are widely available, and can help you learn the fundamentals, turn theory to practice, and incorporate CBT into your own practice.

Therapist Guide Or Self-Help?

While many self-help books are rooted in the core principles of CBT, they’re rarely ideal for therapists. For those looking to learn the fundamentals of CBT, self-help books can act as a preliminary guide, but should be supplemented by textbooks and clinical resources .

With that said, it’s often worth finding a few valuable self-help books, to offer as resources to clients (and prevent them from turning to less reliable sources).

Specialized Mental Health Issue

CBT can be used to treat a range of conditions, but it isn’t a one-size fits all approach. Many CBT books for therapists take a specialized approach, offering a guide to using CBT to treat a specific issue.

These books are particularly helpful when you feel you understand the fundamentals of CBT, and are ready to move forward.

Worksheets And Activities

Many CBT focused books include worksheets and examples of activities to be used by therapists and clients. These worksheets often complement the theoretical portions of the book , so clinicians can adapt their research into practical teachings.

There are also books dedicated to worksheets, which are better used once you have an understanding of the theory.

CBT is a popular treatment method. The disadvantage of this is that there are many books about CBT by people with no real psychotherapy experience.

Before reading any book, be sure to check the credentials of the author(s). Otherwise, you might waste your time reading bad information.

CBT is a constantly expanding and adapting method of therapy, and variations on CBT are now emerging as effective treatment plans. To further, or supplement, your understanding of CBT, you might wish to read books on these additional psychotherapies.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) evolved directly out of experiments with CBT. Specifically, using CBT as a treatment method for borderline personality disorder.

It takes a dialectical, or opposing approach, encouraging clients to both accept and change their behaviors .

If you’d like to learn about DBT, we highly recommend reading Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha M. Linehan. DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets by Marsha M. Linehan is also a helpful resource.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a behavior-based therapy with some similarities to CBT, but a different approach to thought patterns . ACT focuses on acceptance, while CBT focuses on change.

If you’re interested in learning more about ACT, we recommend reading ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Russ Harris.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cbt.

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is a form of talk therapy often used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. CBT targets negative thoughts and emotions, using conditioning principles to enact positive change .

CBT is becoming an increasingly popular treatment method, both within a clinical setting, and at home.

Can You Learn CBT From A Book?

Books on CBT can introduce learners to the underlying principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, help put CBT into practice, and adapt a CBT treatment plan to meet specific needs.

However, it’s important to consider your sources when learning about CBT . Some books take a clinical, evidence based approach, while others rely on anecdotal evidence.

What Are The Best CBT Books For Therapists?

Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of CBT, or start learning the basics, there are many excellent CBT books for therapists.

We recommend…

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond by Judith S. Beck
  • Doing CBT by David F. Tolin
  • The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Leslie Sokol and Marci Fox
  • The CBT Toolbox by Jeff Riggenbach

Final Thoughts

CBT offers many exciting opportunities for clinicians and clients, as this proven treatment has a wide range of applications. We’ve chosen books that we believe will expand and enhance your knowledge of CBT, and provide practical advice for use in treatment plans.

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Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Third edition basics and beyond, judith s. beck foreword by aaron t. beck.

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  • Demonstrates how to integrate strategies from other modalities, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. See also Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Serious Mental Health Conditions , by Aaron T. Beck, Paul Grant, Ellen Inverso, Aaron P. Brinen, and Dimitri Perivoliotis, the authoritative presentation of the cutting-edge CT-R approach. -->

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Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Serious Mental Health Conditions and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Third Edition: Basics and Beyond

Order both items for $79.95, instead of $110.00 if bought separately! order package

  • prior editions Second Edition, © 2011 ISBN: 9781609185046 -->
  • Demonstrates how to integrate strategies from other modalities, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. -->

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10 Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2024)

Best Boosk on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The Philosophy of CBT

The earliest signs of applied cognitive-behavioral therapy date back to the 3rd century and appear to have been associated with Stoicism. Stoic philosophers began experimenting with ways to help people with these types of issues, thus creating an entire form of therapy to be explored and taken advantage of.

Different Types of CBT

Many aren’t aware that this form of therapy spreads into a few more branches, revealing a variety of different CBT types that are intended for treating different types of issues and illnesses. A few examples include brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (BCBT), cognitive-emotional behavioral therapy (CEBT), stress inoculation training, activity-guided CBT, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy, moral reconation therapy, and a few more.

Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy by judith s. beck, cbt for beginners.

This best-selling book by Judith S. Beck was originally released in 1995 and has since become one of the most important and most popular books on cognitive behavioral therapy. Since the topic of CBT was still fairly new at the time, the author wrote the book in a very easy-to-read manner, with step-by-step instructions on how therapists can improve in the area of CBT, and how they can efficiently help their patients with any difficulties they may be facing.

More Than Just a Book

Written examples of real-life cases are also laid out throughout the book, which showcases the power of CBT in action, and how it helped patients deal with all kinds of issues. Even the most experienced therapists on the topic will find some new useful information in this book, but even if you are a beginner trying to learn more about CBT, you should easily be able to follow everything that is said due to the author’s writing style.

The third edition of the book adds over 50% of new and updated material, using all the latest tools and research on the topic. It also features a companion website where you can listen to video coaching sessions and download worksheets.

Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman

Exercises for a happy life.

Change Your Thinking is a cognitive behavioral therapy workbook released in 2013, by psychologist Sarah Edelman. Dr. Edelman lays out a practical way on how the average person can utilize CBT to develop rational thinking patterns and change the effects of limiting beliefs, depression, anxiety, and other issues of similar nature.

She lists plenty of exercises that have been proven to be the most effective in her years of experience in dealing with patients. These exercises will allow you to take control of your thoughts and emotions, and deal with life’s hurdles in a much more effective way, making for a much happier you.

How to Improve Yourself

This book will help you achieve exactly what it promises, and that is to Change Your Thinking. By following the instructions and examples in this book, you can expect to overcome many of the limiting beliefs and behaviors that you have developed over the years and start behaving in a much more confident and self-assured way.

You will also learn ways to improve your communication skills and develop healthy self-esteem. This is the reason why Change Your Thinking is regarded as one of the top books on cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy by Michelle G. Craske

Covering it all.

The main reason why Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy by Michelle G. Craske is one of the best books on CBT you can find is that it tells you absolutely everything there is to know about this relatively new technique. Everything from an introduction to CBT, to its history and development, and the best practices that are currently being used, you can find everything in this short, yet very informative 200-page book.

This book is mostly recommended for graduate psychology students, who are looking to dive deeper into the topic, or even seasoned professionals who want to learn a thing or two more about CBT in order to be better prepared to help their patients. Dr. Craske shares some of her own experiences in using this technique to help her clients deal with all sorts of background and mental blocks or problems.

Learning the Basics of CBT

The author also shares her opinions on how the CBT might change in the future, and how it can become even more accessible to a larger pool of people who are dealing with mental health issues. CBT is expected to become one of the most popular approaches in dealing with many mental problems in the near future.

As a result, it’s always a great idea to start learning from somewhere, even if you don’t know where to start. Lucky for you, this is the perfect book to get started on learning the basics of CBT. For that reason, you’re looking at one of the best books on cognitive behavioral therapy currently out there.

Feeling Good by David D. Burns

Learning from the best.

Feeling Good is one of the most popular and best-selling cognitive behavioral therapy books around. It is, in fact, the book that popularized the practice of CBT in the first place. It was originally published in 1980 and has since been re-released and translated into many different languages.

Its author, David D. Burns, is a well-respected psychiatrist and professor at the University of Stanford. His book became a best-seller during the 80s, especially after a 1988 appearance on the Phil Donahue show. It has since sold 4 million copies and is the most recommended book by psychiatrists in the United States for patients with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The Bible of CBT

Many people consider Feeling Good to be the bible of CBT, and Dr. Burns goes in-depth in explaining the outstanding and scientifically backed techniques that have helped many of his patients in the past. What sets this book apart is that even the average reader can reap amazing benefits from simply reading this book, and following the suggestions listed in it.

By reading Feeling Good – one of the most popular cognitive behavioral therapy self-help books – you can expect to develop a positive outlook on life, start feeling better each and every day, stop seeking approval from other people, and many other benefits.

Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger

Changing for the better.

Mind over Mood is a step-by-step workbook that people can either use alone, or in combination with their treatment in order to combat negative thinking, panic attacks, anxiety, shame, guilt, and other issues. It was developed by two world-class clinicians with a wealth of experience in helping patients through cognitive therapy. Mind Over Mood is one of the best CBT self-help books and has been recommended by thousands of people all around the globe.

Slow and Steady Progress

The instructions laid out in this book are very easy to follow, which is why many readers are able to gain great benefits even without seeking professional help. This is achieved with the use of questionnaires that will keep track of your changes in mood and feelings. Over time, with some dedication, you will inevitably start noticing positive changes in your everyday thinking.

One thing that you want to do with this book is to keep re-reading it because the techniques are easily forgotten and will only have short-term effects if not practiced continually. After practicing the techniques for an extended period of time, you will begin noticing that your mind is slowly transforming for the better and will become a lot more still and calm.

When Panic Attacks by David D. Burns

Answering the right questions.

In yet another amazing book by Dr. David Burns, you will discover and learn everything there is to know about anxiety, panic attacks, and similar issues, why you are experiencing them, and what you can do to eliminate them. This is among the top books on cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, and you can expect to get a lot of value from reading it and putting the tips listed inside into action.

Are you one of those people that tosses and turns around at night, thinking about everything that can go wrong in your life when it comes to family, career, relationships, or whatever else? Do you experience crippling shyness or irrational feelings of insecurity? Then this book will likely set you well on your way to recovery, or in some cases, even completely rid you of those unwanted feelings and behaviors. The best part of all – you don’t have to take any drugs or pills given that you follow the advice inside and work hard to implement it in your life.

Fixing Anxiety the Right Way

In this book, Dr. Burns will introduce you to over 40 new and simple techniques, based on his long history of experience in this field, and dealing with patients experiencing every form of anxiety. He also talks about the use of meds in battling anxiety, and how they can sometimes do more harm than good.

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia by Michael L. Perlis

Understanding insomnia and its cause.

CBT has been proven effective in dealing with many types of problems that people face, and insomnia is no exception. This book, written by three respected psychologists and experts in this field , is considered to be one of the best cognitive behavioral therapy books for insomnia. Insomnia is a growing condition that more and more people experience in today’s dynamic and stressful world, which makes this book all the more important.

Initially, you will learn about this annoying condition, the reasons why it occurs, the possible sources where it comes from, and finally the cure. In order to understand how to beat it, you first must learn about it to its roots and work your way up, which is exactly what this book can help with.

Providing Help for Everyone

The book is in the form of a guide filled with sessions that progress in a logical order. It was mainly written with the aim to help practitioners get a better understanding of sleep medicine and treatment, and it’s safe to say that the authors have more than achieved their goal.

Many readers also recommend this cognitive behavioral therapy sleep book and claim to have massively improved the quality of their sleep simply by following the instructions inside. Many of the readers are professional therapists that have found this book extremely useful in helping their patients with overcoming insomnia and other sleep issues.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay

Another method of improvement.

Just like CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another method of treating issues like depression and anxiety by teaching people skills like mindfulness, emotional resilience, and other methods. The main difference between CBT and DBT is that CBT mainly focuses on altering thoughts and thought patterns, while DBT tries to achieve change by altering behavior, and acceptance of what already happened.

Through this workbook, readers can easily understand and implement DBT concepts into their life by following the straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions laid out by the three esteemed authors. No matter whether you are a working professional, a psychology student, or simply a reader looking to improve your mental health, there is value in this book for everyone.

Combining Tactics

This, along with the other best-rated cognitive behavioral therapy books on this list should give you more than enough tools to combat whatever it is that you’re fighting against. Whether you find success using CBT or DBT varies on a case-by-case basis, as each method is suitable for different people. In most cases, however, you can combine the two methods to gain maximum benefits.

Feeling Good Together by David D. Burns

Focusing on relationships.

This is the third book on this list by famous CBT expert David D. Burns. He dives deeper into the subject of relationships, and how you can use his method and apply it to your relationships, whether at work, home, with neighbors, or friends.

In this book published in 2008, Dr. Burns builds on the foundations he set with his first book – Feeling Good, and combines his original principles, along with brand new techniques that will show you how to deal with different personality types and improve your communication skills to help you attain a more peaceful and fulfilling life, by giving you all the tools you need in order to change.

Relationships as the Root of Stress

The reason why this is considered among the best books about cognitive behavioral therapy is that it talks about something that is rarely mentioned in other books – relationships with other people. Frankly speaking, all the issues that CBT aims to help with are in some way or another important for dealing with other people. Anxious and depressed people can certainly use some help in that department, and this book offers just that.

Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed by Jonas A. Horwitz

Overcoming depression for men.

Depression is one of those things that you can’t touch or smell, but it can eat your soul from inside and make you unable to lead a normal life for years if you don’t do something to change your situation. That’s why psychologist Jonas Horwitz decided to write a no-nonsense workbook, mainly targeted for men, that can help you in overcoming depression and go back to living a normal and happy life.

This is among the top cognitive behavioral therapy books that will help you learn why you should take your mental health and depression seriously, just like you would a physical health condition. It is especially important today when suicide rates among middle-aged men are at an all-time high.

Understanding the Cause and Dealing With It

Apart from taking it seriously, you will also learn how to deal with your depression, by identifying some of your unhealthy behaviors that may manifest it and understanding what makes it tick. You will also learn about new, healthier behavior tips, such as regular exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet, which are proven to work wonders for people that are depressed. With this guide, you should be well on your way to recovery.

cbt book reviews

Michael Englert

Michael is a graduate of cultural studies and history. He enjoys a good bottle of wine and (surprise, surprise) reading. As a small-town librarian, he is currently relishing the silence and peaceful atmosphere that is prevailing.

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Which Is The Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book?

The most exciting thing about CBT is that it is not only used by clinicians or professional therapists to help their customers but also by people who want to self heal. But to do it successfully, you need to educate yourself about CBT.

No matter if you know everything, very little or absolutely nothing about CBT. You can always seek help from the best CBT books available in the market. Why not save your time and effort? Just check out the list of books written by experts in the field of CBT.

Here we’ve compiled a list of the best cognitive behavioral therapy books for psychotherapists and clients.

7 Best CBT Books For Therapists and General Readers

1. retrain your brain: cognitive behavioral therapy in 7 weeks: a workbook for managing depression and anxiety.

Seth J. and Gillihan, Ph.D
4.6/5
Available
General reader

About the book:

This is the ideal book when we talk about the best CBT books. Not just this, it gives real-life examples that can be relatable to the experiences of general readers. So, it allows readers to quickly relate to and understand how to use CBT for treating problems like anxiety or depression in only 7 weeks.

Being a seasoned psychologist, the author has shared his real-life experiences in this 7-week course. It gives readers a feeling of hope and that they can quickly control their thoughts. It’s a perfect book for anyone who is looking for self-help and does not feel comfortable seeking help from a therapist.

2. CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents: Over 200 Worksheets & Exercises for Trauma, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression & Conduct Disorders

Lisa Phifer, Amanda Crowder, Tracy Elsenraat, Robert Hull
4.7/5
Available
Professional

About the Book:

Written by experienced teachers and clinicians, this book is among the best-selling CBT books. It serves as a useful tool for therapists who help children in coping with the serious struggles of their lives.

Within this book, you can find several exercises, activities and worksheets. Children can do these activities either as homework or during their sessions. This help treats serious problems like depression, ADHD, trauma, autism, conduct disorders and anxiety.

This is a good book for dealing with children and adolescents having complex problems in their daily life. It helps them to effectively deal with such obstacles in a smooth way.

3.  The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Leslie Sokol, Marci Fox
4.7/5
Available
Both

This book contains updated and comprehensive content explaining everything about CBT. It is dedicated to helping students, supervisors, teachers, clinicians, trainers, and health experts.

To help professionals treat their clients effectively, this is a book containing step-wise activities and plans, coping cards and worksheets. You can find it as an easily accessible guide that will help you become more confident and eliminate thoughts that encourage self-doubt.

4. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond

Judith S. Beck
4.8/5
Available
Professionals

It also helps carry out behavioral, experiential and cognitive techniques on patients. Being one of the best-selling CBT books it discusses the basics of learning Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with revised material such as case studies of patients with anxiety, depression and other personality issues.

The benefits of this book make it one of the best CBT books for therapists.

5.  CBT Workbook for Kids: 40+ Fun Exercises and Activities to Help Children Overcome Anxiety & Face Their Fears at Home, at School, and Out in the World (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids)

Heather Davidson Psy. D BCN
4.7/5
Available
Professionals and general readers

This book gives numerous strategies that can reduce anxiety and induce peace in kids within the age group 6–10 years. The book discusses several strategies and ways to help customers in changing their distressing feelings and thoughts. It begins by helping children in understanding what makes them anxious and how to cope with it.

6. The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Improve Thoughts, Be in the Moment & Take Action in Your Life

Seth J. and Gillihan, Ph.D.
4.6/5
Available
General readers

To help clients, the book gives action-oriented and practical tools that can influence your life with positive thoughts. It contains 101 strategies and exercises that make it the best book about CBT.

7. On Becoming A Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy

Carl R. Rogers, Peter D. Kramer M.D.
4.7/5
Available
Professionals

This book is highly rated as the best cognitive behavioral therapy book. It highlights the teachings of CBT experts and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) professionals.

The book discusses the entire program step-by-step so the readers can easily improve their lives and remove anxiety.

Please note that these books are written by experienced authors. Some of them are expert psychologists while others are just people who have implemented CBT to enhance their life.

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5 Best Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Platforms in 2024

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you reframe your thought patterns and behaviors. See our recommendations for the top CBT platforms.

cbt book reviews

Why trust us

  • We’ve spent over 10,000 hours researching online therapy platforms and went behind the paywall to personally test the most popular options. We use these firsthand insights to bring you our top picks for the best online cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • We conducted focus groups with online therapy users and providers to determine what criteria each group values in a platform.
  • Our team personally tested each platform for at least four weeks, focusing on the sign-up process, therapist selection, therapy session quality, and any additional CBT resources.
  • We consulted over 60 mental health experts to determine what to look for in an online therapy platform.
  • We scored each platform on four indexes: affordability, data privacy, availability, and inclusivity.
  • Learn more about how we tested online CBT platforms below .

Key takeaways

  • Online-Therapy.com is our pick for the best online cognitive behavioral therapy because its model is exclusively designed around CBT principles. 
  • Research supports the use of CBT to treat certain mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression.
  • Through surveys, focus groups, testing, and expert recommendations, we developed criteria to consider when selecting the best online therapy platforms for CBT. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can help patients become aware of and change negative patterns in their thoughts and behaviors. It has been shown in research studies to be effective for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug use problems. CBT relies on collaboration with your therapist, and it can work in both an in-person or online setting.  

“The core principles and techniques of CBT—such as identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, developing coping strategies, and practicing new behaviors—translate well to an online format,” says Sandra Kushnir , a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling. 

Recent research indicates that online CBT could be just as effective for depression as in-person CBT. A 2017 review also found that online CBT could be effective for managing conditions like generalized anxiety disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic disorder , social anxiety , and more.

Several online platforms can connect you with a therapist who practices CBT, and many make our list of the best online therapy platforms. To help you find the right service for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best online cognitive behavioral therapy platforms of 2024. Find them below, along with expert insights to guide your decision. 

The best cognitive behavioral therapy services of 2024

  • Online-Therapy.com : Best online CBT overall
  • BetterHelp : Best online CBT with financial aid
  • Brightside : Best online CBT that takes insurance
  • Thriveworks : Best for choosing your own CBT provider
  • Grow Therapy : Best pay-per-session online CBT

Data privacy on mental health platforms

In addition to understanding how your data is collected and used before signing up for a platform, we recommend the following basic steps that we learned from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and Mozilla Foundation’s *Privacy Not Included project:

  • Attend your online therapy appointment in a private location, preferably not on a public Wi-Fi network.
  • Use your personal computer when possible.
  • Look out for checkboxes during sign-up to opt out of data tracking or medical information disclosure.
  • Sign up with your email, not with a social login like Facebook.
  • Choose a strong password to create a secure account login.
  • Add a bullet point on reviewing the platforms’ privacy guidelines when choosing a provider to understand whether they share private information. 

Online-Therapy.com: Best online CBT overall

Online-Therapy.com Logo

Key Product Features

  • Price: $200–$440 per month. 
  • Accepts insurance: No.
  • Types of therapy: Individual and couples therapy.
  • Financial assistance available: Yes, and accepts HSA/FSA cards.
  • Communication with therapist: Video, audio, and chat sessions; unlimited messaging between sessions.
  • Additional CBT resources: Worksheets, educational resources, and a journal. 
  • Our experience: According to our February 2024 survey of Online-therapy.com users, over 80 percent of respondents ranked their overall satisfaction level between eight and 10, with 10 being the most satisfied.

Pros and cons

Plans and cost.

  • Basic (messaging only) : $200 per month.
  • Standard (messaging and one live session per week) : $320 per month.
  • Premium (messaging and two live sessions per week) : $440 per month.
  • Couples therapy : $440 per month.

Subscriptions are charged monthly with a 20 percent first-month discount. The platform doesn’t accept insurance, but you can pay with an FSA or HSA card and apply for financial aid at checkout.

Also includes:

  • A digital journal.
  • Access to additional CBT program resources, which includes educational sections and worksheets.
  • Yoga videos.
  • An activity plan.

Why Online-Therapy.com is our pick for the best overall online CBT

Online-Therapy.com earned our top spot because of its emphasis on CBT. Not only do all therapists on the platform practice CBT, but subscriptions include access to a comprehensive CBT program. 

Online-Therapy.com’s program is divided into eight sections, which include educational content about CBT principles available in text, audio, and video format. It also includes worksheet assignments. Your therapist can see all your worksheet responses and should offer feedback within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. You can complete the program at your own pace or skip sections that don’t apply to your situation. 

In addition to these CBT resources, you can message your therapist anytime between sessions. Ask your provider how quickly you can expect to hear back from them. 

Who may like Online-Therapy.com : People who want a comprehensive CBT platform with access to additional CBT resources to help them continue learning between sessions. 

Who may want to avoid Online-Therapy.com : Those seeking an online therapy platform that accepts insurance. 

Online-Therapy.com tester and user insights

Overall, our survey respondents reported a high rate of satisfaction with Online-Therapy.com. 

Ninety percent of respondents in our February 2024 survey of Online-Therapy.com users agree that their therapist treats them with respect, and over 94 percent of respondents who interacted with customer service report that their issues were resolved quickly.

That said, one tester reports that they experienced limited appointment availability when they signed up. They couldn’t find a therapist who treated their particular mental health concern with appointments outside their regular working hours (6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT). Additionally, while they are impressed with the selection of worksheets and resources, the platform’s therapists don’t always use them in their treatment approach, so users may need to switch therapists if they would prefer to follow the program closely and their therapist isn’t taking that approach.

Read our in-depth Online-Therapy.com review for more information. 

From one of our Online-Therapy.com testers

“The therapist was prompt, the sessions were good, and the platform has a ton of worksheets and tools, but the therapist never assigned them or suggested I make use of them… It’s a shame that the platform functionality is fairly expansive, but my therapist didn’t seem to interact with it.”

BetterHelp: Best online CBT with financial aid

BetterHelp Logo

  • Price: $280–$400 per month.
  • Types of therapy: Individual therapy.
  • Financial assistance available: Yes, and accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA proivders.
  • Communication with therapist: Video, audio, and live chat sessions; in-app messaging between sessions.
  • Additional CBT resources: Journaling and a blog with CBT information.
  • Our experience: BetterHelp has a large selection of therapists, and our testers appreciate the access to group sessions and other resources.

BetterHelp’s standard plan costs $280–$400 per month, with the price varying based on factors like your location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. The plan includes one live session per week, which can be conducted via video, audio, or live chat.

It also includes:

  • Access to one weekly group session.
  • Daily journal.
  • Messaging with your therapist between sessions.

Why BetterHelp is our pick for the best online CBT with financial aid

According to an October 2023 survey of 600 online therapy users, 67 percent of participants had to stop treatment because of the cost—either the online therapy service was too expensive out of pocket or not covered by their insurance. 

If you can’t rely on your insurance to pay for online CBT, a platform like BetterHelp may make therapy more accessible. BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance. However, its monthly subscription costs between $280–$400 per month, and it offers financial aid that’s very easy to apply for when signing up. The platform’s financial aid can provide you with a discount of up to 40 percent off your subscription per month if you are approved.

When signing up for BetterHelp, you’ll fill out a questionnaire detailing your mental health concerns, overall goals, and preferences for your therapist, like their gender. You will also have the option to fill out the application for financial aid. Our testers filled out the application for financial aid when signing up and were approved quickly. Many therapists practicing with BetterHelp offer online CBT, but if your initial match isn’t a good fit, you can switch to a different one at any time.  

Who may like BetterHelp: People who want to pay for online therapy out of pocket. People who want access to group sessions.  

Who may want to avoid Online-Therapy.com : People who want to pay for online therapy with insurance. People who want to choose their therapist as opposed to being matched. 

BetterHelp tester and user insights

In addition to BetterHelp’s weekly sessions, our testers appreciate BetterHelp’s additional group sessions, which are hosted weekly on various topics and last for 90 minutes. 

Testers feel like this is an impressive feature to include with the subscription at no additional cost. Testers note that they enjoy the variety of these group sessions and can learn new coping mechanisms in a completely different environment than standard one-on-one therapy.

Read our in-depth BetterHelp review for more information. 

From one of our BetterHelp testers

“They have journaling and classes as a benefit of being a subscribed member to BetterHelp… it is a nice benefit to have access to all of those extra resources for free on top of the subscription.”

Brightside: Best online CBT with insurance

Brightside  Logo

  • Price: $299–$349 per month before insurance.
  • Accepts insurance: Yes, including Medicare and Medicaid in select states. 
  • Types of services: Individual therapy and online psychiatry.
  • Financial assistance available: No.
  • Communication with therapist: Video; unlimited messaging between sessions. 
  • Additional CBT resources: 10-lesson “Self Care” program featuring educational info and worksheets. 
  • Our experience: Brightside accepts a wide variety of mainstream insurance plans, which can lower the cost of treatment. Our testers like the structured program with educational lessons and worksheets. 
  • Therapy : $299 per month.
  • Psychiatry + therapy : $349 per month.
  • Crisis Care : Only available in select states with insurance and a doctor’s referral. New patients with participating insurance who meet the eligibility requirements can enroll directly by taking their free assessment or being referred by their health care provider.

If you use insurance to pay for Brightside services, you’ll be responsible for your insurance copay per session.

It includes:

  • Weekly 45-minute video session with your provider.
  • Unlimited messaging between sessions.
  • Access to “Self Care” Program.

Why Brightside: is our pick for the best online CBT with insurance

The majority of respondents from our October 2023 online therapy survey reported using insurance to pay for online therapy. If you’re looking for online therapy that takes insurance to pay for your sessions, then Brightside could be a good option to consider. 

They accept insurance plans from major companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United HealthCare, Ambetter, Cigna, and more. You can view which insurance companies are accepted in each state before signing up, but Brightside won’t display the specific plans. 

In addition to weekly video sessions with your therapist, Brightside provides access to a guided mental health course that emphasizes CBT principles, like identifying your behavior and thought patterns. 

Each lesson features a series of educational videos and interactive exercises, and your therapist can offer guidance and feedback on your responses. However, the lessons are released in intervals. For example, if you only pay for one month of treatment with your provider, you only receive access to the first four lessons.

Brightside is also unique because it offers a therapy plus psychiatry plan for those interested in both CBT and medication therapy. You will meet with both your therapist and psychiatry provider through the Brightside app, and both will be able to see the notes from your previous sessions to stay up to date on your progress.

Who may like Brightside: People who want to pay for online CBT with insurance. Those who want access to additional resources and a structured program.

Who may want to avoid Brightside: People who want to pay per session for therapy, and those looking for therapy for children and teens.

Brightside: tester and user insights

Our testers generally enjoy Brightside’s resources in the Self Care plan. They find the language in the videos validating and encouraging, and the exercises take around five minutes to complete. They think that these exercises help build on what they discussed in the video therapy appointments.

Unfortunately, one tester encountered glitches while using the mobile app, like videos freezing. Additionally, that same tester had some difficulty scheduling appointments with their therapist. The days their therapist was supposed to be available were incorrectly blocked off on the schedule, so they had to reach out to find a session time. 

Check out our full Brightside review for more information. 

From one of our Brightside testers

“I liked the Brightside therapy exercises. Lots of topics come up during a video session, but the offline therapy lessons offer another way to connect with your provider and receive guidance.”

Thriveworks: Best for choosing your own CBT provider

Thriveworks Logo

  • Price: Varies by state.
  • Accepts insurance: Yes, including Medicare.
  • Types of therapy: Individual, couple’s, and family therapy.
  • Communication with therapist: Video and phone sessions; emailing between sessions.
  • Additional CBT resources: Blog and free ebooks.
  • Our experience: Thriveworks made it easy to choose a therapist available for online or in-person CBT without a subscription.

Thriveworks doesn’t offer a monthly subscription. Instead, you pay by session. Self-pay starts at $200 per session before insurance copays, but this can vary based on your location. For example, Massachusetts starts at $240 for the initial session, which drops to $195 for subsequent sessions. In Georgia, the initial session costs $200, while follow-up sessions cost $160 each.

Why Thriveworks is our pick for choosing your own CBT provider

If you’d like to choose your own therapist for CBT instead of being matched with one by a platform, Thriveworks could be a good option. Thriveworks isn’t a subscription service. Instead, you’ll choose your therapist from the directory and book sessions with them directly. 

You can view available therapists in your state before booking a session. You can also filter therapists by gender, spoken languages, and treatment approach, including CBT. Therapist availability will vary by state, so your experience with Thriveworks may depend on where you live. Therapy sessions last 50–60 minutes on Thriveworks, which is longer than many of the other platforms we’ve reviewed.

Thriveworks also accepts more than 500 insurance plans, which can make it a more affordable choice if they accept your coverage. 

Who may like Thriveworks: People who want the option to search for and choose their own provider. People who want to pay per-session. 

Who may want to avoid Thriveworks : Online therapy users looking for a platform with a subscription and extra resources.

Thriveworks tester and user insights

Our testers find the website easy to navigate and appreciate that you can view the therapist directory before signing up. They like that you can see every therapist’s specialties, treatment methods, and schedule.

While each tester’s therapist provided them with tools to track their progress, they note that these extras were not built into the platform itself. Thriveworks does not offer a mobile app, so you will need to log in through the website to manage your account and attend therapy sessions. 

See our Thriveworks review for more detailed information.

From one of our Thriveworks testers

“My therapist asked me several questions to get to know me and get a baseline for where I was at and sent me resources to review afterward about the type of therapy she would offer.”

Grow Therapy: Best pay-per-session online CBT

Grow Therapy Logo

  • Price: Varies by provider and insurance policy.
  • Accepts insurance: Yes, including Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Financial assistance available: No, but accepts HSA and EAPs.
  • Communication with therapist: Varies by therapist.
  • Additional CBT resources: A blog.
  • Our experience: Grow Therapy offers a wide selection of therapists and works with many insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid. You don’t need to commit to a monthly subscription plan, and you can attend sessions online or in person.

Unlike many other online therapy platforms, Grow Therapy doesn’t offer a monthly subscription plan. Instead, therapists set their rates per session. During testing, we noticed therapists charged between $70–$150 per session.

Why Grow Therapy is our pick for the best pay-per-session CBT

Not everyone has the time to meet up with their therapist every week, which could make a monthly subscription less financially feasible. So, if you don’t like committing to a monthly subscription for online CBT, a platform like Grow Therapy could provide a solution. 

Grow Therapy allows you to book sessions with your therapist individually. You’ll start by selecting your state, insurance info, and mental health concern. Grow Therapy will show you a list of practitioners who match your criteria. You can narrow your options further with filters like a therapist’s gender, spoken languages, and availability. 

While many providers on Grow Therapy practice CBT, you’ll have to click on their full profile to see a therapist’s treatment approach. From there, you can choose available time slots on the therapist’s profile to book a session. 

Who may like Grow Therapy: People who want to choose their therapist and book per session rather than a monthly subscription. 

Who may want to avoid Grow Therapy : People who want more resources directly through a platform or a subscription plan. 

Grow Therapy tester and user insights

Our testers like that they didn’t need to sign up for an account to browse the therapist directory and could choose their therapist instead of being matched. Though they couldn’t sort by therapists who practice CBT, by reading the therapists’ bios they easily found ones who practice CBT and have availability in their schedules.

Though Grow Therapy doesn’t directly offer supplementary CBT resources through their site, every tester’s therapist provided educational resources and worksheets from external sites to supplement their virtual sessions. 

See our full Grow Therapy review for more details. 

From one of our Grow Therapy testers

“[My therapist] sent me information on decatastrophizing and cognitive disorders, and they had worksheets attached. Having extra readings and materials like this is super helpful.”

How we test and choose the best online CBT platforms

The Handbook Team researched more than 70 online therapy and psychiatry platforms, directories, and networks. Based on our research, we signed up for the top 26 platforms to test for ourselves and find the best options for online CBT.

First-hand testing experience

Testers explored the platforms and attended online therapy sessions for at least four weeks. Our testers are instructed to test the platforms through the lens of a real user, paying attention to how easy or difficult it is to find a therapist they could talk to. Additionally, testers are located throughout the United States, allowing us to gauge the availability of providers in different locations. Testers log their experience in a diary and come together to share their findings when testing concludes.

Online therapy surveys

We received survey responses from over 2,000 online therapy and psychiatry users in varying age groups. These surveys asked current users of 10 of the most popular online therapy platforms to evaluate each service. Their feedback taught us firsthand how users leverage each platform’s unique features and helped us learn how users feel about important issues such as data privacy. 

Focus groups

We host focus groups of practicing online therapists and current online therapy and psychiatry users to understand what each group values on their side of the screen. We ask therapists about teletherapy’s pros and cons and learn what factors influence online therapy and psychiatry users to choose one platform over another. 

Our online therapy rating indexes

We created a unique rating index to see how varying platforms measure up to four key factors: 

  • Affordability: We look for platforms with affordable out-of-pocket prices. We also include counseling services that accept insurance or offer financial aid. 
  • Data privacy: We examine how each platform collects and handles user data. If a brand doesn’t have this information available on its website, we reach out to learn from it directly. 
  • Therapist availability: We collect data on a brand’s total number of in-network therapists and their appointment availability in different states. 
  • Inclusivity: We evaluate platforms on their inclusivity and diversity of practitioners. We also note if a platform allows you to filter therapists by ethnicity or gender identity.

Consulting mental health experts

We consult with over 60 experts to understand the pros and cons of online therapy platforms and ensure that our article contains up-to-date information. We also interviewed three additional mental health experts for this article to gain more insight into online CBT. 

Learn more about our online therapy testing and review methodology . 

Our online cognitive behavioral therapy testing process

In a mental health emergency.

Online therapists may not be the most appropriate resource to help in a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is a danger to themselves or others around them, it is an emergency, and it cannot wait for an online therapist’s response. Don’t wait. You can find help immediately by:

  • Calling 911.
  • Visiting your local urgent care or emergency room.
  • Calling or texting 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline .
  • Chatting online at 988lifeline.org .
  • Calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or texting your zip code to 435748.

All the above options will connect you with trained professionals who can provide crisis support. You can find even more resources, including international options, on our helpline directory page .

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? 

“CBT is a talk therapy with lots of psychoeducation [and] time spent processing through thoughts, emotions, and behaviors [with] homework for clients to do outside of the session,” says Kelsey Thompson , LMFT, a therapist practicing at Light Within Counseling. 

CBT works by helping you identify unhelpful thinking patterns or behaviors and working to change them through new behavioral tools and techniques. Your therapist may teach you new problem-solving skills, how to face your fears, or how to calm your mind and body. 

Providers may help you reach your goals through interactive exercises, like role-playing, or “homework” assignments, like worksheets, that you complete between sessions. 

Research indicates that CBT can be effective for conditions like anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , depression , eating disorders , and chronic fatigue syndrome. 

To learn more, read our article on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) .

What to consider when choosing the best online CBT for you 

Based on our research and interviews with licensed mental health experts, you may want to consider the following criteria when choosing the best online CBT platform for your needs. 

  • Therapist qualifications: “ Ensure the therapist is licensed and has experience in treating the specific issues you are facing,” says Sandra Kushnir, LMFT. 
  • Resources: Look for platforms that offer supplementary resources to support your CBT journey, like a journal, worksheets, or educational resources. 
  • Therapist selection: If you prefer to work with a therapist of a certain gender, ethnicity, or cultural background, assess the diversity of the platform’s therapist selection. 
  • Price: “Consider the cost of services and whether they are covered by your insurance or offer financial assistance options,” says Shmaya Krinsky, psychologist at Anxiety and Behavioral Health Psychotherapy .
  • Type of sessions: Check if the platform offers various modes of communication, such as video, phone, or chat, Krinsky recommends. Consider how you’d feel the most comfortable meeting and talking with your therapist. 
  • Security and privacy: “Look for platforms that offer secure, encrypted communications to protect your privacy,” suggests Kushnir. 

Our final verdict

Our pick for the best overall online CBT is Online-Therapy.com since the platform is specifically designed around CBT principles and includes guided lessons and worksheets through the platform. The best online CBT provider for you will depend on your preferences, like a subscription vs. per session model, and whether you want to pay using insurance. 

Compare the best online cognitive behavioral therapy platforms of 2024

Cost $200–$440 per month $280–$400 per month $299–$349 per month Varies by State Varies by provider and insurance
Session types Video, audio, live chat Video, audio, live chat Video Video, audio Varies by therapist
Accepts insurance? No No Yes Yes Yes
Additional CBT resources Educational lessons, worksheets, journal Journal, group webinars, blog Structured Self Care program, exercises Blog, ebooks Blog

Frequently asked questions

Is online cbt effective.

Yes. Research indicates that online CBT can be an effective treatment option for conditions like depression, OCD, anxiety, and more. “The key is finding a qualified therapist and ensuring that both the therapist and client are comfortable with the digital medium,” explains Kushnir.

Is CBT better in-person or online?

The choice of whether to opt for online or in-person therapy depends on your needs and preferences. “The effectiveness and duration of CBT do not significantly differ between online and in-person formats,” says Krinsky.

How long does CBT take?

“Generally, CBT is considered a short- to medium-term therapy, typically ranging from eight to 20 sessions,” says Kushnir. She adds that the number of sessions you need can depend on factors such as the severity of your concern, your level of engagement, and your relationship with your therapist.

  • (2017). What is cognitive behavioral therapy? American Psychology Association. Link
  • Alavi, N., Moghimi, E., Stephenson, C., Gutierrez, G., Jagayat, J., Kumar, A., Shao, Y., Miller, S., Yee, C.S., Stefatos, A., Gholamzadehmir, M., Abbaspour, Z., Shirazi, A., Gizzarelli, T., Khan, F., Patel, C., Patel, A., Yang, M., & Omrani, M. (2023) Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a non-randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. Link
  • Kumar, V., Sattar, Y., Bseiso, A., Khan, S., & Rutkofsky, I.H. (2017). The Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Cureus, 9(8). Link
  • Thase, M.E., McCrone, P., Barrett, M.S., Eells, T.D., Wisniewski, S.R., Balasubramani, G.K., Brown, G.K., & Wright, J.H. (2020). Improving Cost-effectiveness and Access to Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression: Providing Remote-Ready, Computer-Assisted Psychotherapy in Times of Crisis and Beyond. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 89(5), 307–313. Link
  • February 2024. Pollfish. Online-Therapy.com survey. 100 respondents.
  • October 2023. Pollfish. Online therapy survey. 600 respondents.
  • (2023, July 14.) FTC Gives Final Approval to Order Banning BetterHelp from Sharing Sensitive Health Data for Advertising, Requiring It to Pay $7.8 Million. Federal Trade Commission. Link
  • Vasile, C. (2020). CBT and medication in depression (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 20(4), 3513–3516. Link
  • Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 15(16). Link

Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books of 2024

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* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For those interested in learning more about CBT, there are several books available that provide an introduction to the topic. These books cover a range of topics, from the basics of CBT to more advanced techniques, and are written for both professionals and laypeople. Some popular titles include "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns, "Mind Over Mood" by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky, and "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Dummies" by Rhena Branch and Rob Willson. These books can be a helpful resource for anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cover

Top 10 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books

The comprehensive clinician's guide to cognitive behavioral therapy.

The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an excellent resource for mental health professionals, students, trainers, supervisors, teachers, and clinicians of all levels. The book provides practical tools and easy-to-understand worksheets to help clients build effective coping skills and become their own therapist, sustaining recovery across a wide range of issues. The authors' focused approach directs attention to what is most important in practice, ensuring high-fidelity CBT. Overall, this guide is an optimistic and confidence-building book that belongs on the shelf of any clinician wishing to understand the practice of contemporary CBT.

Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook for Managing Depression and Anxiety

The Retrain Your Brain workbook is a 7-week self-directed plan that teaches practical cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to manage anxiety and depression. Dr. Seth Gillihan, a psychologist with 15 years of experience, designed the workbook with unique weekly activities that build on the previous week's work. The workbook is suitable for both sporadic and constant anxiety and includes real-life examples that make the information and activities more accessible to CBT newcomers. The readers have praised the book for its relatable approach, eye-opening material, and effectiveness. In summary, Retrain Your Brain is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with anxiety and depression.

CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents: Over 200 Worksheets & Exercises for Trauma, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression & Conduct Disorders

The CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents is a comprehensive workbook that offers over 200 worksheets, exercises, and activities to help children cope with and overcome a range of struggles, including trauma, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and conduct disorders. Written by experienced clinicians and teachers, this practical and easy-to-use resource is adapted from cognitive behavioral therapy and includes client activities that children can do themselves, either in-session or as homework. The book is authored by Lisa Weed Phifer, Amanda K Crowder, Tracy Elsenraat, and Robert Hull, and published by PESI Publishing, Inc. It's an excellent resource for parents, therapists, and educators who work with children and adolescents.

ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Cover

ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a practical guide for mental health professionals looking to optimize client sessions. The book offers clear explanations of the six ACT processes and provides real-world tips and solutions for implementing them in practice. The second edition includes new information and chapters on self-compassion, trauma, and more. The book is proven-effective in treating various psychological issues and offers exciting new tools, techniques, and strategies for promoting profound behavioral change. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for both newcomers and experienced professionals in the field.

The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows

The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows Cover

The Shadow Work Journal is a comprehensive guide to help readers face their shadows and heal the deepest parts of their subconscious. With interactive exercises, journaling prompts, and guided pages, this journal provides an easy-to-use tool to become aware of self-sabotaging behaviors and experience the healing one deserves. The benefits of shadow work include improving interactions with others, healing generational trauma, setting personal boundaries, growing compassion, becoming “un-stuck,” and gaining more awareness and clarity of the world around you. Overall, this book is a unique and valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond Cover

This revised edition of "Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond" is a must-read for clinicians and graduate students seeking to learn the fundamentals of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The book covers core cognitive, behavioral, and experiential techniques, and includes extended cases that illustrate how a skilled therapist delivers CBT and troubleshoots common difficulties. The third edition includes new chapters on the therapeutic relationship and integrating mindfulness into treatment, as well as recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R) and strategies from other modalities. The companion website features downloadable worksheets and videos of therapy sessions. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in CBT and its applications.

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Improve Thoughts, Be in the Moment & Take Action in Your Life

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Improve Thoughts, Be in the Moment & Take Action in Your Life Cover

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Improve Thoughts, Be in the Moment & Take Action in Your Life is a practical guide to reducing stress and improving mental health. It offers 101 action-oriented and mindfulness tools to quickly build positive emotions in your life. The CBT Deck is a powerful tool for growth, providing dedicated time and space for reinforcement of habits that perpetuate wellness. The techniques offered in this card deck are based on the soundest science, shaped into easy and memorable takeaways. Overall, it is an invaluable set of practices that can help anyone looking to enhance their health and productivity.

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual Cover

The Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual is an essential read for clinicians working with patients who have PTSD. It provides a thorough understanding of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and session-by-session guidelines for implementation, with sample dialogues and 40 reproducible client handouts. The book also discusses how to adapt the approach for specific populations, such as combat veterans, sexual assault survivors, and culturally diverse clients. The large-size format facilitates photocopying and day-to-day use. Overall, the book is an indispensable resource for any practitioner who wishes to utilize this powerful therapeutic approach.

Good Morning, Monster

Good Morning, Monster Cover

As seen on Good Morning America's SEPTEMBER 2020 READING LIST and FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2020!"We need to read stories about folks who have been through hell and kept going... Fascinating." ―Glennon Doyle, A Favorite Book of 2020 on Good Morning America. "Gildiner is nothing short of masterful―as both a therapist and writer. In these pages, she has gorgeously captured both the privilege of being given access to the inner chambers of people's lives, and the meaning that comes from watching them grow into the selves they were meant to be." ―Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. In this fascinating narrative, therapist Catherine Gildiner’s presents five of what she calls her most heroic and memorable patients. Among them: a successful, first generation Chinese immigrant musician suffering sexual dysfunction; a young woman whose father abandoned her at age nine with her younger siblings in an isolated cottage in the depth of winter; and a glamorous workaholic whose narcissistic, negligent mother greeted her each morning of her childhood with "Good morning, Monster.". Each patient presents a mystery, one that will only be unpacked over years. They seek Gildiner's help to overcome an immediate challenge in their lives, but discover that the source of their suffering has been long buried.. As in such recent classics as The Glass Castle and Educated, each patient embodies self-reflection, stoicism, perseverance, and forgiveness as they work unflinchingly to face the truth. Gildiner's account of her journeys with them is moving, insightful, and sometimes very funny. Good Morning, Monster offers an almost novelistic, behind-the-scenes look into the therapist's office, illustrating how the process can heal even the most unimaginable wounds.

The Noom Mindset: Learn the Science, Lose the Weight

The Noom Mindset: Learn the Science, Lose the Weight Cover

The Noom Mindset is the first official book by the leading digital health company Noom, which has helped millions of people achieve their weight and health goals. This book deconstructs habits around eating and weight management, and teaches readers how to cultivate a growth mindset, master the forging or deconstructing of behavior chains, overcome thought distortions, and generate meaningful internal motivation for staying focused on their goals. Based on over a decade of research and experimentation, this book is an instruction manual for achieving sustainable lifestyle changes, including weight loss. The Noom Mindset is a powerful tool for anyone looking to change their habits and create meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. can i teach myself cognitive behavioral therapy.

There are multiple options for doing CBT without a therapist, including self-help books and Internet-based treatment. Many studies have shown that self-directed CBT can be very effective.

2. What are the 5 components of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Intended for both trainees and practitioners in the mental health professions, the book details the five basic components of the therapy in practice: developing an individualized case formulation, session structuring, activity scheduling, the thought record, and the schema change method.

During our cognitive behavioral therapy book research, we found 1,200+ cognitive behavioral therapy book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 33,388 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cognitive behavioral therapy books list. We found that most customers choose cognitive behavioral therapy books with an average price of $20.30.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.

cbt book reviews

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness: 2 Books in 1

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness: 2 Books in 1

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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cbt book reviews

COMMENTS

  1. 27 Best Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Books to Master CBT

    4. Deliberate Practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - James F. Boswell and Michael J. Constantino. Deliberate Practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a resource specifically tailored for clinicians seeking to enhance their skills and effectiveness in delivering CBT. The book provides a detailed exploration of deliberate practice.

  2. 10 Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books Of All Time

    This book covers all things CBT and even includes additional chapters honing in on specific problems and issues such as overcoming a negative body image, overwhelming perfectionism, or an addiction. 3. Mind Over Mood (2nd Edition) Mind Over Mood, Second Edition by Dennis Greenberger, PhD and Christine A. Padesky, PhD.

  3. Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Top Reads for Effective

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Simplified. We believe this book provides a straightforward approach to applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in everyday life. Pros. Concise and easy-to-understand format. Practical techniques for dealing with anxiety and depression. Suitable for both professionals and those new to CBT. Cons.

  4. 35 Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Feeling Great by David D. Burns. Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne. The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Leslie Sokol. CBT Workbook for Kids by Heather Davidson Bcn.

  5. Best CBT Books For Therapists

    By Judith S. Beck. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond by Judith S. Beck is one of the definitive books on CBT, and a must-read for anyone interested in the approach. Cognitive Behavior provides a clear, well thought out, and thorough look into the practice of CBT. Although it isn't a light read, the engaging writing makes this one ...

  6. Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook

    Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective techniques for finding relief from depression and anxiety. After 15 years of successfully treating patients using cognitive behavioral therapy, Psychologist Dr. Seth Gillihan developed this self-directed 7-week plan that teaches you practical CBT techniques ...

  7. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond

    Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond: 9781462544196: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com Skip to main content.us ... ― Doody's Review Service Published On: 2021-04-23 "A comprehensive and highly useful teaching text that can be used by either therapists-in-training or experienced therapists….Judith Beck is a master ...

  8. The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Amazon.com: The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 9781683732556: Leslie Sokol, ... AI-generated from the text of customer reviews. Select to learn more. Usability Skills builder Writing style Book layout. 19 customers mention "Usability" 19 positive 0 negative.

  9. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (121 books)

    The CBT Anxiety Solution Workbook: A Breakthrough Treatment for Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Panic (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by. Matthew McKay (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 52 ratings. score: 97 , and 1 person voted. Want to Read. saving….

  10. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Third Edition: Basics and Beyond

    Hundreds of thousands of clinicians and graduate students have relied on this text—now significantly revised with more than 50% new material—to learn the fundamentals of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Leading expert Judith S. Beck demonstrates how to engage patients, develop a sound case conceptualization, plan individualized treatment, structure sessions, and implement core cognitive ...

  11. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond

    Judith S. Beck, Aaron T. Beck (Foreword) 4.22. 3,208 ratings142 reviews. Hundreds of thousands of clinicians and graduate students have relied on this text--now significantly revised with more than 50% new material--to learn the fundamentals of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Leading expert Judith S. Beck demonstrates how to engage patients ...

  12. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies…

    A wonderful book with accessible cognitive behavioral strategies for depression and anxiety. Within my training program, CBT often gets a reputation for being cold and detached, which stands in contrast with the warm and welcoming tone Seth Gillihan uses in this book.

  13. 10 Best Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2024)

    Learning From the Best. Feeling Good is one of the most popular and best-selling cognitive behavioral therapy books around. It is, in fact, the book that popularized the practice of CBT in the first place. It was originally published in 1980 and has since been re-released and translated into many different languages.

  14. Book Review

    for love before you can feel happy is called 'dependency.'. Dependency means that you are unable to assume responsibility for your emotional life.". is an excellent book on using CBT skills to identify and correct thought patterns that lead to depression and anxiety. Len's Star Rating: 9 out of 10.

  15. 7 Best CBT Books For Self-Help and Professional Training

    Need more options before buying the best CBT therapy books, keep reading. Buy Now. 2. CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents: Over 200 Worksheets & Exercises for Trauma, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression & Conduct Disorders. Check Price. Author. Lisa Phifer, Amanda Crowder, Tracy Elsenraat, Robert Hull.

  16. The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Implement the principles of CBT as intended by the founder of cognitive behavioral therapy himself, Dr. Aaron T. Beck. Having been mentored by and worked directly with Dr. Aaron T. Beck over the past several decades, Drs. Sokol and Fox have the knowledge base to bring you the most comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding CBT.

  17. The CBT Workbook for Mental Health: Evidence-Based Exercises to

    This book has come to the rescue with a great review of CBT and cognitive distortions, and a ton of worksheets and exercises to help you put the ideas into action in your life.The chapter titles give a very good overview of what you can expect, and include "Growing Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance," "Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Anger," and ...

  18. Book Review

    The best self-help book on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adults. Len's Star Rating: 10 out of 10. The best self-help book on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adults. ... Book Review Len Lantz, MD April 15, 2020 The Psychiatry Resource Book, Review, Emotions, Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health, Mental Illness, ...

  19. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 7 Ways to Freedom from Anxiety, Depression, and Intrusive Thoughts (Happiness is a trainable, attainable skill!) by. Lawrence Wallace (Goodreads Author) (shelved 3 times as cognitive-behavioral-therapy) avg rating 3.93 — 682 ratings — published 2016. Want to Read. Rate this book.

  20. 5 Best CBT Platforms: Expert Reviewed in 2024

    A 2017 review also found that online CBT could be effective for managing conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, ... Grow Therapy allows you to book sessions with your therapist individually. ... Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent ...

  21. Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to

    More than self-help, this book is part memoir for Seth Gillian, PhD, who describes his own path to healing emotional and physical pain using mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. His simple formula is Think. Act. Be. He makes mindfulness accessible for the rest of us. This book reminded me of the also spectacular 10% Happier by Dan Harris.

  22. Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Books of 2024

    At a Glance: Our Top Picks. #TOP 1. The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 9.8. Buy on Amazon Read Review. #TOP 2. Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook for Managing Depression and Anxiety. 9.7. Buy on Amazon Read Review.

  23. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness: 2 Books in 1

    Review of Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Insightful, Practical Guide to CBT I have read several books by Olivia Telford, the others on minimalism and hygge, and I was interested to see what her take on a very different topic like cognitive behavioral therapy would be. I have read several books on CBT and found them to be confusing or impractical.

  24. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Simple Techniques to Inst…

    The book "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Simple Techniques to Instantly Be Happier, Find Inner Peace, and Improve Your Life" by Olivia Telford delves into one of the most effective mental health treatments available. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is explored as a means of tackling symptoms of depression and anxiety by addressing negative ...