Bruce Liese, Ph.D.
Room 453
Research, Teaching, and Practice Interests
I have always been interested in researching psychotherapy theories, methods, and techniques. I have co-authored treatment manuals with Dr. Aaron T. Beck and others, used in multi-center randomized clinical trials (RCTs). As a result of my research I have been labeled a cognitive-behavioral therapist, though my true interests lie in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
I am passionate about my career in psychology. It has provided countless opportunities to work with some of the best people I know, and many of them have been students. I love to teach, as it gives me a great opportunity to exchange ideas with such diverse bright and thoughtful minds. In addition to teaching, practice, and research activities I enjoy participating in professional organization activities. At this time I am the Membership Chair of APA’s Division 50 (Addictions). I am also Director of Communication and Publications for the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Research (SEPI).
I am currently conducting various research projects. As just one example, I am studying the impact of physicians providing counseling to binge eaters. We are using a standardized instrument for measuring observed empathy and also evaluating the effects of physician and patient attachment styles. My interest in studying binge eating follows years of studying addictions. Over the past ten years I have widened my focus from chemical addictions (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, etc.) to all addictive behaviors (e.g, gambling, Internet, shopping, binge eating, etc.).
I divide my time between KU Lawrence and KU Medical Center in Kansas City. When people ask me to describe my clinical practice at the medical center I explain that I am a generalist. I treat depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, personality disorders, marital problems, childhood behavioral problems, and more. As a Fellow of APA Divisions 29 and 50, I am comfortable working with people with all types of problems (including addictions), and I am also board certified as a Family Psychologist, so I try to see all of my patients (men and women, young and old) in the context of family systems. My clinical work is enhanced by working closely with KU clinical psychology students as we formulate case conceptualizations and treatment plans together.
Selected Publications
Liese, B. S., & Esterline, K. E. (2015). Concept Mapping: A supervision strategy for introducing case conceptualization skills to novice therapists. Psychotherapy, 52(2), 190-194.
Liese, B. S. (2014). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Addictions. In S.L.A. Straussner (Ed.), Clinical work with substance abusing clients (3rd ed.; pp. 225-250). New York: Guilford Press.
Wenzel, A., & Liese, B. S., Beck, A. T., and Friedman-Wheeler D. G. (2012). Group cognitive therapy of addictions. New York: Guilford Press.
Beck, J. S., & Liese, B. S., & Najavits, L. M. (2005). Cognitive therapy. In R.J. Frances, S.I. Miller, & A. Mack (Eds.), Clinical textbook of addictive disorders (3rd ed.; pp. 474-501), New York: Guilford Press.
Najavits, L. M., Liese, B. S., & Harned, M. (2004) Cognitive and behavioral therapies. In J.H. Lowinson, P. Ruiz, R.B. Millman, J.G. Langrod (Eds.), Substance abuse: A comprehensive textbook (4th ed.; pp. 723-732.). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
Siqueland, L., Crits-Christoph, P., Barber, J.P., Connolly-Gibbons, M. B., Gallop, R., Griffin, M., Frank, A., Thase, M. E., Luborsky, L., & Liese, B. S. (2004). What aspects of treatment matter to the patient in the treatment of cocaine dependence? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 27, 169–178.
Barber, J.P., Liese, B.S., & Abrams, M.J. (2003). Development of the Cognitive Therapy Adherence and Competence Scale. Psychotherapy Research, 13, 205-221.
Liese, B. S., Beck, A.T., & Seaton, K. (2002). The cognitive therapy addictions group. In D.W. Brook and H.I. Spitz (Eds.), Group psychotherapy of substance abuse (pp. 37-57). New York: Haworth Medical Press.
Crits-Christoph, P., Siqueland, L., Chittams, J., Barber, J. P., Beck, A. T., Frank, A., Liese, B. S., Luborsky, L., Mark, D., Mercer, D., Onken, L. S., Najavits, L. M., Thase, M. E., & Woody, G. (1998). Training in cognitive, supportive-expressive, and drug counseling therapies for cocaine dependence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66, 484-492.
Liese, B. S., & Alford, B. A. (1998). Recent advances in cognitive therapy supervision. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy: An International Quarterly, 12, 91-94.
Liese, B. S., & Beck, J. S. (1997). Cognitive therapy supervision. In C.E. Watkins (Ed.), Handbook of psychotherapy supervision (pp.114-133). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Liese, B. S., & Najavits, L. M. (1997). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance abuse. In J.H. Lowinson, R. B. Millman, P. Ruiz, & J. G. Langrod (Eds.), Substance abuse: A comprehensive textbook (3rd ed.; pp.467-477). Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.
Najavits, L. M., Weiss, R. D., & Liese, B. S. (1996). Group cognitive-behavioral therapy for women with PTSD and substance use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 13, 13-22.
Liese, B. S., & Franz, R. A. (1996). Treating substance use disorders with cognitive therapy: Lessons learned and implications for the future. In P. Salkavskis (Ed.), Frontiers of cognitive therapy (pp. 470-508). New York: Guilford Press.
Liese, B. S., & Beck, A. T. (1996). Back to Basics: Fundamental cognitive therapy skills for keeping drug-dependent individuals in treatment. In L.S. Onken, J.D. Blain, J.J. Boren (Eds.), Beyond the therapeutic alliance: Keeping drug dependent individuals in treatment (pp.210-235). NIDA Research Monograph. DHHS Pub. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Liese, B. S., Vail, B, & Seaton, K. A. (1996) Substance use problems in primary care medical setting: Is there a psychologist in the house? In R.J. Resnick and R.H. Rozensky (Eds.) Health psychology through the lifespan: Practice and research opportunities (pp.177-194). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Press.
Liese, B. S., & Larson, M. W. (1995). Coping with life-threatening illnesses: A cognitive therapy perspective. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy: An International Quarterly, 9, 1-16.
Najavits, L. M., Griffin, M. L., Luborsky, L., Frank, A., Weiss, R. D., Liese, B. S., Thompson, H., Nakayama, E., Siqueland, L., Daley, D., & Onken, L.S. (1995) Therapist emotional responses to substance abusers: A new questionnaire and initial findings. Psychotherapy, 32, 669-677.
Liese, B. S., Shepherd, D. D., Cameron, C. L., & Ojeleye, A. E. (1995). Teaching psychological knowledge and skills to family physicians. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 2, 21-38.
Liese, B. S. (1994). Brief therapy, crisis intervention, and the cognitive therapy of substance abuse. Crisis Intervention and Time-Limited Treatment, 1, 11-28.
Wright, F. D., Beck, A. T., Newman, C. F., & Liese, B. S. (1993). Cognitive therapy of substance abuse: Theoretical rationale. In Onken, L.S., Blain, J.D., Boren, J.J. (Eds.) Behavioral Treatments for Drug Abuse and Dependence. NIDA Research Monagraph 137. DHHS Pub. No. 93-3684. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 123-146.
Beck, A. T., Wright, F. D., Newman, C. F., & Liese, B. S. (1993). Cognitive therapy of substance abuse. New York: Guilford Press.
