Critically Engaging CBT

CBT has become a therapy of choice for the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK following its integration in the IAPT (improving Access to Psychological Therapy) program a few years ago. This was the brainchild of economist Lord Richard Layard who also wrote a book on happiness. The editors of this book have invited eight representatives of different modalities of psychotherapy to compare and contrast their own approach with CBT. In addition three eminent commentators in the field of CBT give their perspective on the approach plus an appreciation of the perspectives of the contributors. Happiness, which has become part of the discourse of the 'deliveries' of CBT is also addressed by the contributors. Although only a handful of psychotherapy approaches have been included, the contributions make relevant reading and the commentary is also well presented. The context in which CBT thrives is set out in the introduction, as a world which has become so alienated that it is too frightened to experience its alienation. The modernist framework of CBT with its jargon laden language associated with a simplistic view of happiness is in resonance with such a world as it teaches people to take their mind off their problems by avoiding and controlling unwanted thoughts.