The clinical protocols included in this book are focused both on clinical and subclinical
depression and are targeted for both adults and youth. After providing a concise overview on
depression and the empirical data supporting the clinical protocols the book illustrates REBT
CBT protocols that provide essential guidance on how to address depression by practitioners at
all levels of expertise (e.g. therapists in training and or more experienced therapists). The
field of psychotherapy research is now at a stage where the efficacy (i.e. how treatments work
in controlled studies) and effectiveness (i.e. how treatments work in real life) of
psychological treatments have been demonstrated for a large spectrum of disorders (Barlow
2001). Cognitive - behavior therapies (CBT) are considered the gold standard for empirically
validated forms of psychotherapy in the treatment of clinical and subclinical depression
showing short- and long-term effects (see Barlow 2001 Chambless & Hollon 1998) that are at
least as strong as those of pharmacotherapy (medication) or other therapies (i.e.
interpersonal therapy DeRubeis et al. 200 5 Hollon et al. 2005 Shea et al. 1992) and it
is hoped that these treatments will help not only treat but also prevent the onset of major
depression (Cuijpers Smit & Straten 2007). Cognitive -behavior therapies are based on the
premise that psychological problems stem from dysfunctional cognitions (Beck Rush Shaw &
Emery 1979 Ellis 1962). In CBT the therapist works with the client to identify and focus
upon dysfunctional cognitions to modify them and remedy associated emotional and or behavior al
consequences. Two of the most influential and widespread forms of CBT are cognitive therapy
(CT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) (Elis 1987 David 2007 David & Szentagotai
2006).
