What are Third Generation Therapies for?

Throughout the History of Psychology, various modalities of intervention have been developed that have responded to the different ways of conceiving the problems of the human being, which have arisen with the years.

Thus, since the beginning of the use of the scientific method in psychology, there have been, first of all, Behavioral Therapies (First Generation), Cognitive-behavioral Therapies (Second Generation) and finally Contextual or Third Generation Therapies Generation.

Each of these currents emphasized one aspect or another of the person and the different theories in which based, all with the aim of recognizing facets that make up the life and way of behaving of beings humans. In this sense, Let's see what exactly Third Generation Therapies are for.

• Related article: "History of Psychology: authors and main theories"

What do we understand by Third Generation Therapies?

Contextual or Third Generation Therapies are strongly influenced by the contributions of psychologist Steven C. Hayes, especially in

Functional Contextualism, a philosophy based on the scientific method that emphasizes the context of the person as the key to achieving success when treating any disorder.

Functional Contextualism could be defined as a current that proposes to directly influence behavior and the functioning of the person through the study of observable phenomena and variables present in their context diary. It focuses on the way in which actions and spaces play a role in the process of trying to achieve goals.

Thus, in Contextual Therapies not much emphasis is placed on the need to mitigate or eliminate discomfort, but in making the person accept the ups and downs of life in a way that does not lead to self-sabotage, adapting to the context of it and developing a way of life compatible with their true interests and personal objectives (related to the resources and abilities of which has).

Some of the contextual aspects of the person that can be studied and modified are their behavior verbal, the moral values ​​that make up her personality or the way she talks to herself (monologue inside).

The contextual or third generation approach It is one of the most used in psychological consultations around the world, both for being based on an empirically based scientific philosophy, and for its great variety of existing modalities within the same current.

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What are the different types of Third Generation Therapies for?

At present we can find 4 large types of Contextual Therapies, all of them of great proven efficacy and that can help us treat one psychological disorder or another, based on the particular needs of each customer.

1. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness or full attention is a focus management technique whose objective is for the person to be able to focus their attention on the present moment and to be able to explore what is happening inside them in real time, without being carried away by obsessions linked to memories of the past or estimates about what could happen in the future. future.

This technique also has a powerful scientific basis, so it can be used in all kinds of studies and experiments. In addition to that, it integrates a series of transcendental meditation strategies that have proven to be widely effective and that they have become detached from the Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions in which they have been inspired.

The main bases of Mindfulness as a contextual therapy of self-exploration and self-regulation are attention and total focus on feelings. present as they are, the radical acceptance of their own experiences and the living of these in an active way, getting involved in their own objectives and experiences vital.

• Related article: "What is Mindfulness? The 7 answers to your questions"

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy integrates various elements of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy with the conceptual bases of Contextual Therapies, and is based on the learning psychosocial skills that help the person to live better.

In DBT, the therapist validates the feelings of the person treated, but at the same time helps him to train and acquire a series of more adaptive skills that will make you happier in your life daily.

this therapy It was originally designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder., but it is also commonly used in people with emotional instability, mood disorders, people with suicidal behavior or people with borderline personality disorder.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is mainly based on language as the basis of any problem or psychological disorder that people may have.

By training the various restructuring techniques of one's own language that the therapist teaches the client, the latter will learn to improve your psychological flexibility; that is, the ability to live and accept the present moment and adapt to the situations that he lives daily.

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4. Functional Analytical Psychotherapy (FAP)

Functional Analytical Psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and behaviors exhibited by the client in consultation, to achieve change in the person and get him to overcome his alteration psychological.

In Functional Analytical Psychotherapy, the therapist will reinforce those positive behaviors, thoughts or impressions taking into account the context and particularities of each patient, and will detect those most problematic or maladaptive for the client to analyze, value and ultimately be able to change them.

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