“This book provides an excellent introduction to clinical psychology. Written in an accessible style, the text effectively combines theory and research with practice examples and case studies.”

—Jason Davies, Professor of Forensic and Clinical Psychology, Swansea University 

“Comprehensive on key areas, theories and models.”

—Jessica Fielding, Lecturer in Psychology, University of Bristol

“Case formulations bring to life the various disorders presented here. A scholarly discussion of developments in clinical practice including third wave cognitive behavioural therapies is another unique strength. I highly recommend this as a key text for practitioner psychology trainees and health care professionals working in medical settings.”

—Christina Liossi, Chair in Paediatric Psychology, University of Southampton and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Psychology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Extensively updated, this popular and accessibly written textbook outlines the latest research and therapeutic approaches within clinical psychology, alongside important developments in clinical practice. The book introduces and evaluates the conceptual models of mental health problems and their treatment, including second and third wave therapies.

Each disorder is considered from a psychological, social and biological perspective and different intervention types are thoroughly investigated. 

Key updates to this edition include:

•The development of case formulations for conditions within each chapter

•An articulation and use of modern theories of psychopathology, including sections on the transdiagnostic approach, meta-cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy

•An introduction to emerging mental health issues, such as internet gaming disorder

•Challenging ‘stop and think’ boxes that encourage readers to address topical issues raised in each chapter, such as societal responses to topics as varied as psychopathy, paedophilia and the Black Lives Matter movement

•New vocabulary collated into key terms boxes for easy reference 

Paul Bennett is Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Swansea. He has previously worked as a clinical psychologist, as well as an academic at Cardiff and Bristol universities. He has published over 125 academic papers, in addition to a number of highly regarded student-focused books

Praise for the previous edition:

"This book provided an invaluable orientation to the grounding theoretical principles of clinical health psychology, how this knowledge can be applied by psychologists in healthcare settings, particular assessment and intervention approaches and issues associated with working with patients in healthcare settings ... I would highly recommend this as a key text for clinical psychology trainees and postgraduates working or researching in medical settings across the lifespan, both as a general orientation tool and a resource to refer to with reference to specific presenting issues.
Fleur-Michelle Coiffait, Doctoral student, University of Edinburgh, UK

"The tone of this volume is well pitched; it is written in clear English yet without being over-simplified. New vocabulary is collated into ‘key terms’ boxes for easy reference at the end of the chapter – a useful device for the new student. Also proffered at chapter end are ‘For Discussion’ boxes, encouraging the reader to critically assess and compare the contents of the chapter, along with useful suggestions for further reading. With a good level of detail without swamping the reader, this volume is an excellent introduction to students of abnormal psychology."
Hayley Burgess, Psychology Graduate