Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Relational Frame Theory in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis: The Acceptability and Perspective of the Practicing BCBA

AbstractThis paper introduces Acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT) as one of the newer contextualist behaviour therapies. A brief history of the development of ACT is outlined. The concepts of equivalence and laterality and the important relationship between Relational Frame Theory and ACT are then described. The “hexagram” summary of the six core linked processes in ACT is presented and, finally, the research evidence to support the effectiveness of ACT applied to a range of clinical conditions and client groups is summarized.

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Strategies for using metaphor in psychological treatment

Metaphor and the Social World ◽

10.1075/msw.00004.tor ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 214-232

Author(s):

Niklas Törneke

Keyword(s):

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Relational Frame Theory ◽

Psychological Treatment ◽

Specific Model ◽

Frame Theory ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Human Language ◽

Dynamic Approach ◽

Acceptance And Commitment ◽

Relational Frame

Abstract In most models of psychotherapy metaphor is considered an important aspect of communication. At the same time there is a need for a rationale to tell the clinician with what purpose and how to use metaphor for the benefit of the client. The present article suggests such principles, specifically based on a behavioral approach to human language, relational frame theory (RFT). This approach has co-developed with a specific model of psychotherapy: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and the conclusions in this article are very much in line with that model. Overlap between RFT and a recent linguistic theory of metaphor, the dynamic approach, is also discussed.

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Values in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197550076.013.12 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jenna LeJeune ◽

Jason Luoma

Keyword(s):

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Relational Frame Theory ◽

Behavioral Science ◽

Empirical Literature ◽

The Past ◽

Commitment Therapy ◽

Acceptance And Commitment ◽

Relational Frame ◽

Contextual Behavioral Science

While the concept of values has been present in behavioral traditions dating back to Skinner, the analysis of the role of values in modern contextual behavioral science (CBS) in relation to motivation has greatly expanded over the past 30 years. In particular, values are important in a modern understanding of the role of human language in modifying how reinforcement occurs. In this article we outline values work as a foundational component of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and analyze values through a CBS and relational frame theory lens. Included are an extensive review of the empirical literature on the role of values in ACT and a discussion of values measures commonly used in CBS research and clinical practice. Finally, we offer recommendations for the next steps needed to expand our understanding of this essential process.

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