Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability

Renee R. Taylor, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor within the Department of Occupational Therapy at UIC. She currently serves as the Principal Investigator of a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) research and outcomes demonstration project funded by the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research within the US Department of Education. This project is designed to evaluate the the efficacy, replicability, and sustainability of peer-based intervention strategies applied to individuals with CFS as implemented within a Center for Independent Living setting. Applying theoretical frameworks of empowerment theory, participatory action research, control theory, and the new paradigm of disability, it is predicted that this community-based intervention will improve overall quality of life, functional capacity, illness severity, coping, and service utilization among individuals with CFS. Dr. Taylor's particular areas of expertise include developing community-based treatment programs for individuals with chronic illnesses, examining the relationship between interpersonal stress, resource loss, and illnesses involving chronic fatigue, and examining different approaches to the treatment of social and environmental issues experienced by individuals with chronic illness.

• Theoretical Foundations and General Practice Guidelines.- Introduction: The Four Case Examples.- Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.- The Psychological Complexities of Chronic Illness and Impairment.- The Initial Assessment and Orientation to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.- The Subsequent Sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.- to the Techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.- Techniques for Addressing Maladaptive Cognitions That Are Unrealistic.- Techniques for Addressing Realistic but Maladaptive Cognitions.- Behavioral Approaches.- Unique Features of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Clients with Chronic Conditions.- Related Knowledge.- Believing in Empathy: The Need for a Novel Approach.- Instilling Hope in People with Chronic Conditions.- Overcoming Motivational Dilemmas in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.- Specific Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Fatigue, Pain, Sleep Disorders, and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction.- Fatigue: Subtypes, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions.- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Chronic Fatigue: The Case of Nina.- Pain: Subtypes, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions.- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Chronic Pain: The Case of Paulette.- Sleep Dysfunction: Diagnostic Categories, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions.- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Sleep Dysfunction: The Case of Curtis.- Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: Diagnostic Categories, Prevalence, and Associated Conditions.- Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: The Case of Alex.

From the reviews: "Renee R. Taylor's book, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability, expertly details a treatment method that is well directed ... . The question we must ask ... is: Does the treatment outlined in Taylor's book meet the requirements of a typical managed care company while simultaneously demonstrating adequate clinical validity on the basis of evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP)? I believe the answer is yes. ... an excellent manual for students of psychology and will undoubtedly provide a basis for instruction ... ." (Monica Kurylo, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 52 (6), 2006)