The handbook is built on the foundation of , focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

A central theme of the paper should be the "Ten Cognitive Distortions" Burns identifies as the root of emotional distress. These include:

Using "musts" and "oughts" to motivate oneself, which often leads to guilt and frustration. IV. Practical Tools and Techniques

Techniques designed to resolve marital conflict and improve interpersonal relationships.