A Practical Guide for Working with Depression provides mental health workers with information on the nature of depression drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It sets out to raise the awareness and skill level of those using psychological therapies with clients, with each section providing learning outcomes linked to units from the level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma (formerly NVQ3) in the QCF. The chapters act as a pathway through depression from understanding the condition, through working directly with it, to finally planning for recovery.

Coverage includes communication and listening techniques, the causes and presentation of clinical depression, techniques to help clients understand their depression, Beck’s triad of negative thoughts and how to recognise negative thought patterns, how to use activity scheduling to develop behavioural plans to improve mood and reverse negative cycles, and encouraging positive change. A suite of downloadable materials help users to apply the model in practice.