Metacognitive therapy is based on the principle that worry and rumination are universal processes leading to emotional disorder. These processes are linked to erroneous beliefs about thinking and unhelpful self-regulation strategies. This book introduces the theoretical foundations and therapeutic principles of metacognitive therapy.

Part I: The Distinctive Theoretical Features of Metacognitive Therapy. A Focus on Metacognition. An Information Processing Model of Psychological Disorder. The Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS). Metacognitive Beliefs. Object and Metacognitive Modes. Reformulated A-B-C Analysis. Detached Mindfulness. Executive Control and Attentional Flexibility. Levels of Control. Types of Knowledge. Processes Beyond Cognitive Content. View of Self-awareness. Varieties of Change. Disorder Specific Models. A Universal Treatment? Part II: The Distinctive Practical Features of Metacognitive Therapy. Conducting Therapy at the Metacognitive Level. Assessment of Metacognition. Case Formulation. Meta-level Socialisation Procedures. Shifting to a Metacognitive Mode of Processing. Modifying Negative Metacognitive Beliefs. Modifying Positive Metacognitive Beliefs. Worry/Rumination Postponement. Attention Training Technique. Implementing Detached Mindfulness. Situational Attentional Refocusing. Targeting Meta-emotions. Delivering Metacognitively Focused Exposure. Developing New Plans for Processing. Integrating MCT Techniques: A Case Study.

"This book provides a skilful mix of theory and practice that should be essential reading for all wanting to learn more about MCT... I highly recommend it." – Hans M. Nordahl, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway "The book is unique in that it expands upon traditional CBT and adds a dimension that may prove to establish metacognitive therapy (MCT) as a distinctive therapeutic technique. The approach offered in this book will make a definite contribution to the field of psychotherapy--for therapists who do not practice traditional CBT as well as for those who do. This book will be of particular value to persons practicing CBT who wish to understand more of the weaknesses (and presumably, therefore, the strengths) of the traditional CBT model.Represents a new paradigm in the treatment of mental disorders. Its foundations are rooted solidly in traditional psychotherapeutic thought (particularly psychoanalysis) yet also within our latest understanding of the developmental and neurological aspects of the brain. It is clearly a book for the seasoned and knowledgeable psychologist." – Richard H. Cox, President Emeritus/Professor of Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, in APA Journals, PsycCRITIQUES