Analytical-functional psychotherapy: characteristics and uses

There is a large number of psychological currents, from which various therapies dedicated to the treatment of different problems are derived. Currently, one of the most predominant approaches is the cognitive-behavioral one, focused on mental processes and their relationship with behavior.

The therapies derived from it have evolved over time based on advances in the understanding of mental processes and the overcoming of previous limitations. One of the most recent treatments is the so-called functional-analytic psychotherapy.

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Functional analytical psychotherapy: its basic premises

Functional analytical psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment focused on the emission of patterns of behavior and its functionality and in its approach based on the positive relationship between therapist and patient as a mechanism for promote behavior change toward more adaptive behaviors and beliefsas well as the importance of language.

It is a type of therapy that is part of the repertoire of third generation behavior modification. As the rest of this type of therapy takes into account the context in which the behaviors occur, it focuses on interpersonal relationships as a mechanism for cause an improvement in the patient's life and attaches great importance to the social environment and communication as elements that cause problems and which in turn can work it out.

It seeks to treat not the symptoms, but the cause of their appearance. Although it is part of the cognitive-behavioral current, it approaches and integrates concepts and ideas from other currents such as psychodynamic or the systemic.

The basis of functional analytical psychotherapy is found in what the subject does and says in the session itself, which allows us to see aspects of his performance in real life. His behavior in consultation and the problems that he manifests in it will be representative of what he does outside of it.

It is given special importance to verbal behavior and the way of expressing oneself, since it helps to observe the type of behaviors carried out and to which they are attributed. What is sought is for the patient to make an analysis of his own behavior and interpret his causes and, in turn, through the Therapeutic relationship enhances the behaviors to an improvement and causes changes in the functionality that the subject grants to his conduct.

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The different types of clinical behaviors

As we have said, what the subject says or does in consultation is the main element with which to work in analytical-functional therapy. These behaviors that the patient carries out during the session are equivalent to those that he carries out in his daily life in regards to the function that the subject grants them. These are clinically relevant behaviors, among which three subtypes stand out.

In the first place, the relevant type 1 behaviors or those linked to the problem or disorder of the subject being treated. These are problematic behaviors that the subject manifests or performs during the sessions. The objective is to reduce these behaviors, but for this the therapist must provoke them during the session in order to work on them. Examples of this are dependency, the excessive search for approval or the recollection of certain memories.

A second type of behaviors are those of type two, those that generate an improvement or a different and more positive way of dealing with the problem situation. In this case we are dealing with behaviors that must be promoted as much as possible, in a genuine and true way.

Finally, type three behaviors refer to the set of attributions or beliefs of the patient towards his own problem, which seek to analyze together to determine what function they fulfill for the subject and what circumstances generate them. That is, why does the patient believe that he acts as he acts and that makes him do it in that specific way. The aim is to encourage the patient to analyze her own behavior so that she can generate positive modifications.

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Elements that help classify behaviors

The identification of the different behaviors that the subject carries out in his daily life is carried out carried out mainly through the analysis of the session itself and the language used by the patient.

In the first aspect, the emergence of elements such as the temporality of the sessions, the existence of temporary periods without sessions or the failures or successes committed by the professional. All this will have an effect and will be indicative of the patient's way of proceeding.

Regarding language, both what the patient says and what he does not say, and the way of saying it, is relevant. For example, that he avoids talking about certain topics, that he makes or responds to requests, how he refers to himself or that he attributes events. The intention with which things are discussed or the function that the subject gives to language is also material for analysis.

therapeutic action

During functional analytical psychotherapy, the therapist's performance is of great importance and a basic pillar for good therapeutic functioning.

In this type of therapy, the professional must attend to the clinically relevant behaviors that occur during the session, as well as work to build with the patient. a positive therapeutic relationship that allows problem behaviors to express themselves in the first place and even deliberately provoke them in consultation.

They must be able to see through the analysis of behaviors and expressions what reinforces the behaviors maladaptive behaviors and the function they have for the patient, as well as what behaviors are positive to produce an improvement. Likewise, it must motivate and favor the appearance of behaviors that produce an improvement in said behaviors, in a natural way.

Lastly, it is essential generate in the patient the ability to analyze their own behavior and visualize the equivalence between their behaviors inside and outside of therapy.

In which cases does it apply?

Functional analytic psychotherapy has application to a wide variety of psychological problems and disorders. Its operation It is effective in treating mood problems., self-esteem, disorders caused by trauma, interpersonal relationships and personality disorders (such as histrionic or dependent)

Bibliographic references:

• Almendro, M.T. (2012). Psychotherapies. CEDE PIR Preparation Manual, 06. CEDE: Madrid.

• Fernández Parra, A., and Ferro García, R. (2006). Functional-Analytic Psychotherapy: a functional contextual approach to psychological treatment. EduPsykhe. Journal of Psychology and Education, 5, 203-229.

• Kohlenberg, R.J. and Tsai, M. (2008). Functional Analytical Psychotherapy. Creation of intense and healing therapeutic relationships. Biomedical Science Collection. Malaga University.

• Labrador F.J.; crusader f. J. & Lopez, M. (2005). Manual of modification techniques and behavior therapy. Pyramid: Madrid.