There are so many interesting CBT books around at the moment it is difficult to know where to begin. However, we have pulled out the best 10 we think every CBT therapist should have on their shelf to support their development and clinical practice. Some are brand new, some have been out for a while – but they are all powerful for modern psychotherapeutic practice in CBT
Mind Over Mood, Second Edition: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think Greenberger & Padesky (2015)
A modern classic balancing practical techniques and informed insight. Supported by extensive online support materials.
Brief CBT for Non-underweight Patients (2019) Waller et al
Possibly not only one of the best CBT books on eating disorders in the last decade possibly the CBT manual for anything in the last decade.
CBT for Young People: The Complete CBT Workbook for Kids, Children, Teens, and Adolescents
A thorough, non-nonsense but compassionate guide to working with children and young people through CBT. Focuses on practical techniques for anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, and anger.
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (2024) – Resick et al
The second edition of the game changing CPT approach to treating PTSD. Clear session by session and step by step guidance in each chapter. Excellent online support materials.
The CBT Handbook (2015) – Miles and Shafran
Undoubtedly the best of the Self-Help books for CBT. Easy to read and clearly laid out. Works well as a stand alone resource, or as an adjunct to CBT therapy with a therapist.
Feeling Great: The Revolutionary New Treatment for Depression and Anxiety – Burns
A big massive everything you need to know book which covers every angle of treatment for anxiety and depression. As the blurb says: “our negative moods do not result from what’s wrong with us, but rather – what’s right with us. And when you listen and suddenly “hear” what your negative thoughts and feelings are trying to tell you, suddenly you won’t need them anymore, and recovery will be just a stone’s throw away… The goal is not just a rapid and complete elimination of negative feelings, but the development of feelings of joy and enlightenment.”
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (2020) – Judith Beck
A classic now in its 3rd edition and used by students all over the world as part of CBT courses internationally. In an interesting move, the 3rd edition uses a more complex case study ‘Abe’ who has a more difficult set of layers of challenges to navigate than the ‘Sally’ of the 2nd edition. There are also video clips to support the material in the book.
A great self-help book that also works well as an addition to therapist-led treatment.
Deliberate Practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2021) – Boswell & Constantin
Despite the CBT emphasis on specific skills and intervention, books on exactly how to execute those skills are surprisingly few and far between. This book, and the series it is a part of, fills this gap and takes the reader through a series of carefully designed exercises to develop concrete CBT skills. As stated on the book “Deliberate practice exercises help students and trainees rehearse fundamental cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to develop basic competence and hone their own personal therapeutic style. Each book in the Essentials of Deliberate Practice series contains customized exercises consisting of role-playing scenarios in which two trainees act as a client and a therapist, switching back and forth under the guidance of a supervisor. The trainee playing the therapist improvises appropriate and authentic responses to a series of client statements organized into three difficulty levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—that reflect common problems and concerns encountered by CBT practitioners.”
The Ultimate CBT Handbook 2025 – McGhee (2024)
Well, why not? My new 121-page full colour practical workbook and guide designed to help CBT practitioners deal with the everyday issues and challenges that are part and parcel of being a therapist in the real world.
Amongst the range of photocopyable resources for clients and therapists, this book contains: Monthly Calendar to track appointments Monthly Planner to keep on top of priorities for you, your clients, CPD and supervision Monthly Review to track progress, achievements, lessons learned, and experiences to be grateful for. Core Checklists for Client Sessions, Safety Planning, Clinical Will, Neurodiversity, Activity Scheduling, SUDs Clinical Resources for Key Steps in Treatment of GAD, Key Steps in the Treatment of Depression, GAD7, PHQ9, Client Self Care Checklist, CBT Model Session Supervision Guides – Dos And Don’ts, Supervisee Supervision Preparation Checklist, Supervisee Supervision Preparation Checklist, Supervision Logbook Useful addresses and contact information. Keep up to date with the latest ideas – 9 Great Books for CBT; Top 10 Articles to read in 2025; 5 must have online CBT services; 6 Useful websites for Depression, GAD, Anger, Relationships, Grief and Health Anxiety Artificial Intelligence and AI – 10 Principles of AI Literacy in CBT, 5 Tips for Ethical AI use in CBT Professional development support – CPD and Accreditation (BABCP) Therapist Self Care and Compasssion – Daily Reflection Journal, Therapist Self-Care Checklist; Top 10 Tips for new therapists; 5 Tips for a great working office; 4 Basic Steps for a Positive Morning Routine; 4 Basic Steps for a Positive Morning Routine; Being a Self-Compassionate Therapist; 28-Day Therapist Gratitude Challenge
So, those are our Top Ten Books to Read in 2025. Have we missed out any of your favourites? Let us know in the comments.
Practical Therapy 