A Strength-Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Approach to Recovery From Trapped to Liberated Self

Biography

Daniel Fu Keung Wong is a social work academic and a clinical psychologist.  His research team has been actively conducting research in mental health practice, and he is a pioneer in indigenizing the application of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for Chinese people with depression, anxiety problems, chronic illnesses, gambling problems, and drug addictions. Regarding mental health issues, Professor Wong and his team have conducted numerous studies on mental health literacy of Chinese people in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Australia, and on mental health first aid for Chinese people in Hong Kong and Australia. He has written more than 100 academic papers and 15 books and professional manuals. Professor Wong and his colleagues established the Institute of Cognitive Therapy in Hong Kong and Centre for Holistic Health in Melbourne, Australia, to provide training for mental health professionals and promote better mental health among Chinese populations. His research interests include CBT, evidence-based practice in mental health, mental health promotion, mental health literacy and mental health issues among migrants. Professor Wong has received numerous awards such as The Fulbright Fellowship, University of Hong Kong and Faculty of Social Sciences Outstanding Teaching Awards, Universitas 21 Fellowship, and Fellow of Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

Rose Wai Man Yu is a registered social worker with more than ten years of experience in the mental health field in Hong Kong, Canada and China. She has worked with Professor Wong to prepare training materials and to write a book on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).  

Viola Yuk Ching Chan is a social worker who has worked in mental health service for over 30 years. She has experience in providing clinical counselling, therapeutic groups, and supervising and training frontline social workers in various mental health service settings.  Her main interest is application of cognitive behaviour therapy on treating different mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

‘It was a real pleasure to read Dr. Daniel Wong’s newest book, titled Strength-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Mental Health Recovery – From Trapped-Self to Liberated-Self.  Professor Wong is a master of his subject.  A graduate of The Beck Institute and a Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy,, Dr. Wong is credentialed as a practicing social worker and licensed psychologist.  This book brings a comprehensive and international understanding to the complexities of cognitive behavior therapy and combines this with the best of strength-based approaches to psychotherapy.  This volume is a empirically-based treatment manual which lays out a sophisticated methodology solidly based on intervention research conducted by the author and others. Having already written 17 books and treatment manuals, this newest contribution by Dr. Wong to the research-supported treatment literature is a compendium of practical and effective approaches to the assessment and treatment of clients with a wide array of mental health problems and difficulties in everyday living.  I cannot commend this book highly enough to psychotherapists wishing to learn about a genuinely effective approach to treatment.’ - Bruce A. Thyer, Distinguished Research Professor, College of Social Work, Florida State University, USA

‘The key to successful application of strength-based cognitive-behaviour therapy on mental health recovery hinges on how well professionals such as social workers, counsellors, and other health care professionals are equipped with relevant theoretical knowledge and competence using the requisite intervention tools and skills, as well as are practicing in an environment that facilitates a recovery-oriented approach to care.  Professor Daniel Wong from the University of Hong Kong, his team and agency colleagues from Hong Kong Baptist Oi Kwan Social Services have ingeniously integrated the recovery concept, strengths perspective, and cognitive-behavioural therapy in developing a practice model which infuses autonomy, hope, meaning, purpose, and social connectedness in the lives of people with mental illness.  Using a metaphor “from trapped self to liberated self,” this book is a consolidation of Profession Wong and his team’s practice wisdom and insights on this innovative approach on mental health recovery.  The case illustrations give a detailed, comprehensive and easy-to-understand analysis of the different phases and techniques involved in the process of recovery. This book is exceedingly readable, yet inspiring; and will be an invaluable resource for the helping professionals.’  - Yin-Ling Irene Wong, Associate Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Global Studies at the School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, USA

‘This book draws on recent work done on the application of a person's strengths to psychotherapy. It will not only appeal to CBT therapists, but also to those wishing to explore the relevance of CBT to coaching’ - Windy Dryden, Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies, Goldsmiths University of London, UK