In this brief but readable text, Davidson provides a succinct summary of the theories and best practice approach to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with clients diagnosed with personality disorders. She then cleverly translates psychological theory and the latest research findings into clear clinical suggestions. Davidson's expertise is bolstered by her client-centred, non-judgemental and optimistic approach in working with this often challenging client group.

Davidson begins with a broad overview of the classification, assessment, prevalence and established treatment efficacy for the DSM-IV personality disorders. A brief treatment of current contentious issues is provided, as is information regarding co-morbidity and suicidality. To the benefit of UK-based clinicians, many of the statistics and studies Davidson cites relate to the UK population. She provides a review of the prevailing cognitive theories for understanding personality disorder, contextualizing her practical suggestions. Importantly, Davidson clearly elucidates the strings that tie each of these models together; namely an understanding of developmental psychology, attachment and the impact of stressful environments and social deprivation. To support her succinct coverage of these complex ideas, Davidson provides helpful links to resources that describe the various theories and their associated treatment strategies in greater depth. As such, this first section functions as a quick reference guide to the current evidence and CBT-based theory informing therapy for those with personality disorders.

From this empirical and theoretical base, Davidson quickly moves into detailing the process of adapting CBT in the therapy room for clients with personality disorders. This is where her work comes into its own. Davidson elaborates on theoretical pointers with a generous helping of clinical examples, increasing the ease with which clinicians may apply this information to their learning and current caseload. This also serves to highlight her extensive clinical expertise and of course build readers' confidence in her knowledge and their own ability to apply these strategies.

Davidson's outline of structural aspects of therapy is particularly useful. Further chapters provide detailed guidance on each phase of therapy, from initial assessment, to developing a collaborative case formulation, to identifying and modifying unhelpful core beliefs, to ending strategies. Suggestions are offered on standardized measures of global progress in therapy, as well as ideas for specific measures of change in individual problem behaviours. Advice is also provided on stylistic strategies for clinicians to maintain a strong alliance and ensure a collaborative stance in therapy. Several resources are provided for use in therapy sessions, including Davidson's Acts of Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory and a handout on core beliefs for literate clients. Essentially, Davidson's work is a toolkit for the clinician.

In terms of detailed therapy advice, the book unfortunately illustrates just two of the 10 DSM-IV Personality Disorders: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorders (ASPD). In this specificity, the title of this volume is somewhat misleading. Of course this is likely as much a function of the current state of play of our research and understanding as it is of the focus of Davidson's expertise and research. However, despite this minor shortcoming, Davidson's treatment of these complex disorders is useful, readable and easily translated to the therapy room. In tying together the treatment suggestions that are the subject of her text, Davidson demonstrates the full application of her approach in two detailed case studies; the first a client diagnosed with ASPD, and the second a client diagnosed with BPD.

On a personal note, Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders has proven an invaluable resource for our Specialist Personality Disorders Recovery Team. We regularly reach for it during CBT supervision sessions and case discussions as a quick refresher for our practice. However, Davidson's audience need not be limited to clinicians with such specific clientele. This text would also serve as an appropriate starting point for CBT therapists or clinical trainees who wish to expand their expertise to work with clients with personality disorders.