“RFCBT is a natural and useful extension of CBT that is applicable to many, if not most, chronically or recurrently depressed individuals. Watkins has translated lessons from the laboratory and clinical work into a well-formulated, clearly described intervention. In addition to drawing on CBT and behavioral activation, RFCBT incorporates many unique and original strategies. It helps patients to develop effective alternatives to habitual and dysfunctional ruminative patterns, and to become more 'concrete' and actively oriented toward problem solving instead of abstract, reflective, and passive.”

—Constance Hammen, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor, Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles


“Rumination is the hallmark feature of depression, implicated in its maintenance and recurrence. The treatment so eloquently presented in this book fills a significant gap for clinical practice. Written by the leading researcher in the field and based on an extensive corpus of basic and applied research, this book offers a comprehensive and thoroughly validated approach. The techniques offered will serve as an important resource for clinicians for many years to come.”

—Thorsten Barnhofer, PhD, Heisenberg Fellow, Free University of Berlin


“Watkins has identified a critical but often overlooked factor in the treatment of mood disorders. Rumination is a central feature of depression, and is arguably the primary mediator of the maintenance of the disorder. A book that focuses on targeting rumination in treatment is sorely needed, and Watkins has delivered a masterful volume that is insightful, thorough, and accessible. This is an essential guide for anyone who treats depressed patients.”

—Rick E. Ingram, PhD, Professor and Director of Clinical Training, Department of Psychology, University of Kansas


“Written by an internationally recognized expert, this book provides a highly accessible and engaging review of the phenomenology, etiology, assessment, and treatment of rumination. Practical, evidence-based treatment strategies are supplemented with rich clinical transcripts that illustrate the moment-by-moment intricacies of intervention. The techniques in this manual empower patients to go beyond the content of their thoughts to address the process and form of rumination. Clinicians at every level of expertise will benefit from this excellent volume.”

—David J. A. Dozois, PhD, Professor and Director, Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada