Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders By Matthew J. Mayer, Richard Van Acker, John E. Lochman, and Frank M. Gresham (2009). New York: The Guilford Press. ISBN 978-1-60918-481-0

Abstract

Learning organisations are now institutions that are committed to achieving excellence by enhancing educational opportunities for all students. Attaining a school culture that allows students to feel that sense of belonging, understand and appreciate diversity, and interact respectfully with others is the ideal environment that all schools strive to create. In the quest for the provision of an inclusive education, the key is providing quality support and services to students, teachers and parents to enhance the teaching and learning experienced by all students. This practical guide serves as an ideal reference, not only for educators but clinicians and parents, as well as those who are interested in aiding students who suffer from various forms of emotional and behavioural disorders such as aggressive behaviours, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism. It addresses theoretical, methodological, and clinical issues on the fundamentals of cognitive-behavioural intervention. There are invaluable chapters exploring the use of various strategies and programs to reach out to at-risk children and adolescents. The forms of interventions proposed range from preventive programs for all levels to specific targeted interventions, thus capturing a broad spectrum of areas of concern. What I appreciate most about this compilation is its clear demarcation of the different issues that respond to the different forms of intervention. Within each issue highlighted and explored, there is also a clear definition of each specialised area, which highlights the procedures, processes and key ideas in a systematic and concise manner. This facilitates the search for key information, thus making it a user-friendly guide for readers. As the book emphasises some of the key intervention strategies from the schools’ perspective, it is also an effective and ideal guide for educators and school personnel. The focus on the fundamentals of integration of mental health services into general education, as well as the special education system, allows educators to acquire a repertoire of skills, which gives them the flexibility to address different circumstances that arise. Another unique characteristic of the book is how the authors have provided rich insights from the practical real-world settings that confront clinicians handling cognitive-behavioural therapy. With the inclusion of all the case studies,