Bein, A. (2014). Dialectical behaviour therapy for wellness and recovery. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behaviour therapy. Developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s, the approach emphasises the psychosocial elements of treatment. Dialectical behavior therapy for wellness and recovery by Andrew Bein presents the approach in an open and inviting manner. As with many therapy specific texts, there is a clear integration of theory and practice. Chapters one through to five present the theory whilst the final chapter offers a number of lessons and activities for therapists and their clients to work through. The activities offered in Chapter six are aimed at developing skills for wellness and recovery.

The DBT method is a collaborative support orientated approach giving clients the skills to take care of their self. Bein highlights the importance of a dialectic orientation – one that actively pursues the benefits of the therapeutic alliance and allows the client to acknowledge the experience. The other core element of DBT that Bein emphasises is that of mindfulness. The goal for emotion regulation can be achieved through the practice of mindfulness techniques.

Andrew Bein draws the reader through his text, and, much like the approach itself, allows the reader to sit with the information and decide how to apply it. The target audience for this book is therapists as the language used, whilst clear, is directed at those with some awareness of therapeutic methods. For counselling practitioners, this text may further validate the approach many have been utilising for some time.

Dialectical behavior therapy for wellness and recovery is a straight-forward text. The basic concepts of DBT are captured by Bein in a well-written format. A solid addition to any therapeutic library.

Review by Anda Davies

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