The impact of training in functional analytic therapy on therapists’ target behavior.

Abstract

The proposed mechanism of action in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is therapist-contingent responses to client in-session behavior that parallels out-of-session problematic behavior. In theory, these responses shape adaptive behaviors that generalize into the client's daily life (Tsai et al., 2009). Therefore, the therapist's response repertoire must be ripe with interpersonally effective responses to model and shape client behavior. Thus, trainings in FAP were designed not only to equip therapists with a skillset in implementing the fundamentals of shaping but also to serve several other functions, including facilitating the development of an effective interpersonal repertoire to promote shaping. Kanter, Tsai, Holman, and Koerner (2013) demonstrated that 8-week FAP trainings may increase knowledge of FAP principles as measured through self-report and analogue tasks; however, no research examines reported changes in therapists' interpersonal behavior in or out of session. We believe that an 8-week FAP training will increase therapist use of effective interpersonal behavior (tCRB2) and decrease therapist maladaptive behavior (tCRB1). Four newly graduated and graduatelevel therapists attended an 8-week FAP training. Using an AB single-subject design, we examined the frequency of targeted interpersonal behavior. Results indicated that FAP trainings may have an impact on therapists' daily life behaviors as demonstrated through changes in weekly frequency counts. Although the design includes significant limitations (see Discussion), these data provide some support for the utility of 1 theorized function of FAP trainings.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and single-case designs on the efficacy of functional analytic psychotherapy.

“…The main reasons for exclusion were lack of quantitative measures of clinical outcomes for group studies ( n = 15) and lack of baseline measures for SCD ( n = 6). We found one duplicate record reporting the same study data (Knott, 2014; Knott et al, 2019) and decided to include the first record because it reported more data…”

Professional training and supervision after graduation: Is it worthwhile?

“…Moreover, online experiential training on alliance building in functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP; Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003), including didactics, interactive activities, and practice between training sessions, demonstrated positive therapist outcomes. Following FAP training, therapists had gained knowledge and had shown improvements in self-reported and observer-rated levels of competency (Kanter et al, 2013;Maitland et al, 2016), possibly impacting therapists' skills in their subsequent clinical work (Knott et al, 2019). Similarly, an online tutorial followed by live remote observation of clinical skills via videoconference resulted in improved therapists' knowledge and competence (Kobak et al, 2017).…”

Psychotherapy training and supervision with undergraduate and graduate students.

“…Four studies (Kanter et al, 2013;Keng et al, 2017;Knott et al, 2019;Maitland et al, 2016) assessed the effects of training in functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), a behavioral treatment that emphasizes the development of an intimate and intense therapy relationship as the vehicle for client change. FAP is part of the third wave of behavioral treatments focused on mindfulness, acceptance, and constructive change.…”