
Overcoming Depression and Low Mood
A Five Areas CBT Approach
Chris Williams(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
5th Edition
Will be published approx. on 13. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
294 pages
978-1-041-10786-6 (ISBN)
Description
Now in its fifth edition, the highly commended Overcoming Depression and Low Mood uses the tried-and-tested Five Areas (R) educational life skills model of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to help people work out why they feel as they do, and then plan changes in their life using cleverly designed workbooks and worksheets.
Accessible and approachable method
Effective and cost-effective in research
Comes with a license to photocopy workbooks and worksheets for use in your own life or work setting
Includes advice for family and friends on how to offer support
Written by award-winning author Professor Chris Williams, a CBT expert and twice Past-President of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Previous edition has been widely used in the UK. In North America, it is endorsed by the ABCT - the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Available on Prescription: Overcoming Depression and Low Mood is one of three books written by Professor Williams that are part of the National Book Prescription scheme for depression, anxiety and wellbeing
Accessible and approachable method
Effective and cost-effective in research
Comes with a license to photocopy workbooks and worksheets for use in your own life or work setting
Includes advice for family and friends on how to offer support
Written by award-winning author Professor Chris Williams, a CBT expert and twice Past-President of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Previous edition has been widely used in the UK. In North America, it is endorsed by the ABCT - the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Available on Prescription: Overcoming Depression and Low Mood is one of three books written by Professor Williams that are part of the National Book Prescription scheme for depression, anxiety and wellbeing
Reviews / Votes
'I have no hesitation recommending Overcoming Depression and Low Mood in Adults that in many ways has set the standard for others to try to emulate. The text is consistent with national guidance informing good quality written materials which can give comfort to people struggling with depression and low mood who may otherwise struggle to engage, and furthermore to the mental health practitioners providing support.'Professor Paul Farrand, PhD, PGDip BSc (Hons), chartered medical psychologist and cognitive behavioural therapist is professor of evidence based psychological practice at the University of Exeter and trained as a CBT Therapist.
More details
Series
Edition
5th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
General, Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, and Professional Training
Illustrations
20 farbige Zeichnungen, 91 farbige Abbildungen, 71 Farbfotos bzw. farbige Rasterbilder
20 Line drawings, color; 71 Halftones, color; 91 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 297 mm
Width: 210 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-10786-6 (9781041107866)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
approx. 07/2026
5th Edition
Routledge
€35.49
Available for download

Book
approx. 07/2026
5th Edition
Routledge
€161.50
Not yet published

E-Book
approx. 07/2026
5th Edition
Routledge
€35.49
Available for download
Person
Dr Chris Williams is a professor of psychosocial psychiatry and honorary consultant psychiatrist at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. His main clinical and research interest is in the evaluation of self-help approaches that provide wider access to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches. Dr. Williams developed the Five Areas (R) approach, and his books and resources are used nationally in the UK, and tested and used internationally in a series of major projects.
Content
Part 1: Getting started and understanding why you feel as you do
1. Starting out ... and how to keep going if you feel stuck 2. Understanding why you feel as you do
Part 2: Tackling problems and rebalancing relationships
3. Practical problem solving 4. Being assertive: How to ask for what you need 5. Building relationships with your family and friends 6. Information for families and friends: How to offer the best support
Part 3: Making changes to what you do
7. Doing things that make you feel better 8. Using exercise to improve how you feel 9. Helpful things you can do 10. Unhelpful things you do
Part 4: Noticing and changing unhelpful thinking
11. Noticing unhelpful thinking 12. Changing unhelpful thinking
Part 5: Improving sleep, tackling alcohol and drug misuse, understanding and using antidepressant medication
13. Overcoming sleep problems 14. Harmful drinking and you 15. Understanding and using anti-depressant medication
Part 6: Planning for the future
16. Planning for the future
1. Starting out ... and how to keep going if you feel stuck 2. Understanding why you feel as you do
Part 2: Tackling problems and rebalancing relationships
3. Practical problem solving 4. Being assertive: How to ask for what you need 5. Building relationships with your family and friends 6. Information for families and friends: How to offer the best support
Part 3: Making changes to what you do
7. Doing things that make you feel better 8. Using exercise to improve how you feel 9. Helpful things you can do 10. Unhelpful things you do
Part 4: Noticing and changing unhelpful thinking
11. Noticing unhelpful thinking 12. Changing unhelpful thinking
Part 5: Improving sleep, tackling alcohol and drug misuse, understanding and using antidepressant medication
13. Overcoming sleep problems 14. Harmful drinking and you 15. Understanding and using anti-depressant medication
Part 6: Planning for the future
16. Planning for the future