ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the possible reasons why cognitive therapy may not seem to be effective in an individual. These can be divided into therapist, patient, structural and external factors. Remember there may be more than one reason for the failure of the therapy. Some of the reasons that it is not progressing as expected can be resolved, and therefore the therapist needs to be aware of these before commencing therapy. Sometimes possible reasons for failure can be anticipated by the therapist from information gained in the initial assessment – for example, therapeutic failure. The client needs to understand and accept the therapeutic model if they are to cooperate appropriately.
