CBT Social Anxiety - Assertive Defense

This was an excellent program. Very practical, with clearly defined behaviour experiments that illustrate the use of Assertive Defence of the Self. Within a day of reviewing it I was applying what I’d learned with my clients. My clients were receptive to the approach, and have provided very positive feedback about the skills they have learned. I used the approach with a client who is too nervous to go to a job interview. I am also using the approach with people struggling with addictions, since isolation has been a huge problem for them, and re-integrating into society is quite challenging. I’m so glad I made the purchase. I am currently completing my practicum in counselling psychology, the last step towards receiving my master's degree.

I was very curious to learn more about Padesky's concept of "Assertive Defense of the Self." I was pleased to hear it's something I already do, but call "taking the voice of the other." I especially liked her descriptions of behavioral experiments, though buying a camcorder, and setting up an office to watch is is just beyond my price range and skill. I think some of her suggestions are better suited for a large practice, rather than a solo practitioner. I especially liked the role play she and a confederate did since I could hear her escalating when she used the critical voice, something not easily conveyed in a book. She emphasized the importance of setting up a complete hierarchy which was helpful with one of my patients tonight. I realized the reason the patient couldn't do the homework was probably because we started at too high a Suds rating. I've now listened to the set 1 1/2 times, and plan to listen more often. It's well worth the wait time, and the money. Buy it!

This audio CD was a speech from a workshop. It describes Padesky's approach to social anxiety in a way that's clear and interesting, with lots of clinical examples. This was a great find!