Preliminary data from a randomized pilot study of web-based functional analytic psychotherapy therapist training

Area of Science:

• Psychotherapy Research
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The therapy relationship is crucial for treatment success, yet therapist training in this area lags.
• Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) offers a novel approach to enhance the therapy relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new online training program for Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP).
• To assess the impact of FAP training on therapist behavior and self-perceived competence.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week online FAP training program using web-conferencing.
• Integration of behavioral principles with a focus on trainee-trainer and trainee-trainee interactions.
• Randomized controlled trial comparing immediate training versus a waitlist control group.

Main Results:

• Significant and large improvements in therapist skills for the immediate training group.
• Replication of positive training effects in the waitlist group upon receiving training.
• High therapist satisfaction with the FAP training protocol.

Conclusions:

• The FAP training program is effective in enhancing therapist skills related to the therapeutic relationship.
• Online delivery of FAP training is feasible and well-received by therapists.
• Further research is needed to address study limitations and explore long-term effects.