Book excerpt: This manual begins with an introduction to chronic, nonmalignant pain treatment and some of the main pain theories, as well as approaches to pain management . The core of the book delineates the application of Beck's cognitive therapy assessment and intervention strategies with this client population, and offers an easy-to-follow structured approach. The book provides case examples and therapist-patient dialogues to demonstrate cognitive therapy in action and illustrate ways to improve collaborative efforts between practitioners and patients.