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Stories and Analogies in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy By Paul Blenkiron (2010). Stories and Analogies in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are the foundation to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT is a psychotherapy that melds tenets of cognitive therapy and behavior therapy to assist the client in making changes to unhealthy behaviors and choices. In this therapy, the clinician guides the client to become knowledgeable about his or her thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to change unhealthy choices (Blenkiron, 2010).
In Stories and Analogies in Cognitive Behavior Therapy Paul Blenkiron (2010) discusses the concept of CBT and the use of stories, metaphors, analogies, anecdotes, and similes during therapy sessions. Using stories has been a long tradition in many cultures, and this technique is further discussed and demonstrated in the book. The author remarks that stories not only pass along traditions and history, but also teach valuable lessons to those listening. As indicated in the book, incorporating stories into CBT is a purposeful and useful skill for clinicians, such as recreation therapists, to assist the client in identifying his or her own thoughts and behaviors. Stories allow clients to relate to others and create meaning of their thoughts and behaviors; thus, assisting the person in identifying their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
Blenkiron has developed Stories and Analogies in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for any health professional to utilize as a resource in the therapy process. Divided into three purposeful sections, each building on the previous is a "book to present the clinical application of the story, anecdote, quote, metaphor, and analogy within CBT" (Blenkiron, 2010). Section one is an overview of CBT, definitions of story, analogy, and metaphor, research on narratives, and 'do's' and 'don'ts'. Section two reviews specific disorders as well as what types of anecdotes and analogies would work best for that disorder. Section three provides an overview of how to use this technique and other therapies. Many of the examples in the book are from his or his colleagues' clients. Blenkiron believes that using stories, analogies, and metaphors in CBT provides many opportunities to assist the clinician or client clarify a point and to create meaning.
Blenkiron creates an atmosphere throughout section one. This atmosphere...