1st Edition

Treating Impulsive, Addictive, and Self-Destructive Behaviors Mindfulness and Modification Therapy

By Peggilee Wupperman Copyright 2019

    This accessible book presents time- and cost-effective strategies for helping clients break free of dysregulated behaviors--such as substance abuse, binge eating, compulsive spending, and aggression--and build more fulfilling, meaningful lives. Mindfulness and modification therapy (MMT) integrates mindfulness practices with elements of motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other evidence-based approaches. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or a precursor to more intensive therapy. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes session-by-session implementation guidelines, case examples, practical tips, guided mindfulness practices, and 81 reproducible client handouts and therapist sheets. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download audio recordings of the guided practices, narrated by the author, plus all of the reproducible materials.

    Winner (Second Place)--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Category

    I. A Transdiagnostic Treatment for Dysregulated Behavior
    1. Challenges of Treating Dysregulated Behavior
    2. Conceptualization and Professional Stance
    II. Five Basic MMT Strategies
    3. Strategy 1: Strong Focus on the Therapeutic Relationship
    4. Strategies 2 and 3: Client Values and Understanding
    5. Strategies 4 and 5: Home Practice and Shaping
    III. MMT Session Guidelines
    6. Common Questions, Obstacles, and General Issues
    7. MMT Setup, Intake Guidelines, and Structure of Sessions
    8. Early Sessions
    9. Mindful Emotion Regulation Module
    10. Mindful Communication/Relationships Module
    11. Acceptance/Empathy Module
    12. Integrating and Generalizing: Planning for the Future
    13. Conclusion: Training Opportunities and Online Resources
    References
    Index
    List of Audio Files

    Audio Downloads:
    1. Color Body Scan (12:41)
    2. Body Movement (14:10)
    3. Mirror (13:54)
    4. Mighty Tree (8:52)
    5. May You Be (10:43)
    6. Thoughts (8:01)
    7. Sounds (6:26)

    Biography

    Peggilee Wupperman, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at John Jay College of the City University of New York. She is also Assistant Clinical Professor at the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Wupperman is invested in improving the understanding and treatment of individuals with dysregulated emotions and behaviors. With this aim, she has conducted basic and applied research related to mindfulness and modification therapy since receiving her doctorate in 2006. Her publications have focused on behavior dysregulation, mindfulness, emotion regulation, emotion processing, and personality disorders. Dr. Wupperman regularly teaches classes and workshops for mental health professionals and trainees. She sees clients through the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy and through various clinical trials.

    “Wupperman tackles the thorny problem of dysregulated behavior with an elegant intervention empowered by the science of mindfulness and behavior change. Seamlessly interweaving elements of dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, the book provides the tools and perspectives that clinicians need to help people who suffer with chronic, unworkable patterns of action. This is a focused approach, and it is on target."--Dennis Tirch, PhD, Founding Director, The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, New York City

    "This masterful book presents an empathic, individualized approach to treating a range of behaviors that might interfere with living a valued life, including, but not limited to, harmful alcohol and drug use, eating behaviors, and gambling. Wupperman's caring and compassion are clearly evident. The treatment artfully brings together concepts and techniques from motivational interviewing, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and all of the 'third-wave' therapies. What I love most about the treatment is the focus on the client’s perspective and individual values, as well as the depathologizing of behaviors that are getting in the way for a client. I can picture many clients who would benefit from Wupperman’s pragmatic and compassionate approach. "--Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, Regents’ Professor, Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico

    "This book provides a structured yet very flexible transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of people with dysregulated behavior. It will serve as a practical guide for beginning therapists or those experienced in any therapeutic modality who want to deepen their skills for working with this population. I highly recommend this book and the MMT approach to clinicians in a variety of settings, from inpatient psychiatric units to drug and alcohol centers to eating disorder clinics."--Guy Undrill, PhD, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, United Kingdom; member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)

    "Even the most seasoned practitioners feel overwhelmed by clients presenting with severely dysregulated behavior coupled with impaired relationships. Wupperman masterfully presents an integrative approach for achieving positive outcomes. She fully anticipates the therapeutic challenges and offers expert, step-by-step guidance for effectively treating dysregulated clients with affirming, nonjudgmental interventions."--Richard Rogers, PhD, ABPP, Regents Professor of Psychology, University of North Texas

    "Wupperman addresses a major gap in the field, offering a much-needed resource for clinicians and researchers. By targeting the shared factors that underlie the development and maintenance of diverse forms of behavioral dysregulation, MMT has utility for clients with a broad range of presenting problems. MMT is unique in its explicit focus on validation and the therapeutic relationship--recognized components of treatment effectiveness that, unfortunately, often are not clearly emphasized in existing cognitive-behavioral treatment protocols. By assisting clients in identifying and pursuing life values, MMT not only aids clients in reducing behavioral dysregulation, but also helps them build the life they want to live."--Matthew T. Tull, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Toledo
    -The book does an excellent job of helping therapists provide the consistent, highly structured sessions needed to help clients with dysregulated behavior develop a new positive therapeutic routine. Ongoing description on how and when to use authentic affirmation, validation, and therapeutic self-disclosure is provided throughout the book. These valuable client-centered tips help therapists develop a strong, empathic, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship….Detailed descriptions of session content and process from intake to termination are provided with important insights on how to handle expected client reactions and issues. [Mindfulness and Modification Therapy (MMT)] provides an effective treatment protocol grounded in evidence-based principles, while respectful of the therapist's clinical judgment, their need to be flexible and authentic in order to develop a strong therapeutic relationship. In the era of manualized therapy where clinicians grapple with the question, 'Do you want to be effective or do you want to be authentic,' Dr. Wupperman may have found a way to be both.--Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 11/22/2019