Advances in functional analytic psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper describes the variables that explain the process of change and foundations and behavioral principles that underpin Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and its latest advances. Its foundations are the targets of intervention, that is, clinically relevant behaviors (CRB) and also the five proposed therapeutic rules. The analysis of the proposed therapeutic change process provides an insight into what variables to are necessary to conceptualize a clinical case. FAP emphasizes the client-therapist relationship which gives the opportunity to shape and reinforce improvements. The lines of research on efficacy and effectiveness are promising. We describe recent studies of effectiveness of single-case designs of the intervention measures with positive results. Its integration with other third wave behavior therapies produces synergistic effects. The progress of the forms of evaluation and intervention described above provides opportunities for therapeutic innovations and to evoke necessary CCRs to bring about improvements.