Showing papers on "Acceptance and commitment therapy published in 2006"

Mindfulness-based treatment approaches : clinician's guide to evidence base and applications

Abstract: Eastern spiritual traditions have long maintained that mindfulness meditation can improve well-being More recently, mindfulness-based treatment approaches have been successfully utilized to treat anxiety, depressive relapse, eating disorders, psychosis, and borderline personality disorder This book discusses the conceptual foundation, implementation, and evidence base for the four best-researched mindfulness treatments: mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) All chapters were written by researchers with extensive clinical experience Each chapter includes the conceptual rationale for using a mindfulness-based treatment and a review of the relevant evidence base A detailed case study illustrates how the intervention is implemented in 'real life', exploring the clinical and practical issues that may arise and how they can be managed This book will be of use to clinicians and researchers interested in understanding and implementing mindfulness based treatments It offers a comprehensive introduction to the best-researched mindfulness-based treatments It covers wide range of problems & disorders (anxiety, depression, eating, psychosis, personality disorders, stress, pain, relationship problems, etc) It discusses a wide range of populations (children, adolescents, older adults, couples) It includes wide range of settings (outpatient, inpatient, medical, mental health, workplace) It also includes clinically rich, illustrative case study in every chapter International perspectives are represented (authors from US, Canada, Britain, Sweden)

Using Acceptance and Commitment Training in the Support of Parents of Children Diagnosed with Autism

Abstract: Parents of autistic children face enormous challenges, but very little attention has been paid to their psychological needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has previously been tested with parents as part of a comprehensive package, but not yet alone. The present study used a within-subject, repeated measures design to test the effects of a 2-day (14 hour) group ACT workshop on 20 normal parents/guardians of children diagnosed with autism. Parents were assessed three weeks before the workshop, one week before, one week after, and three months after. No significant change occurred while waiting for treatment, but pre to post improvements were found on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the Global Severity Index (GSI) of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Significant pre to follow-up improvements were observed on the BDI-II, BSI, and the General Health Questionnaire-12. Processes measures of experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion also changed and there was some evidence tha...

The role of values in a contextual cognitive-behavioral approach to chronic pain.

Abstract: Chronic pain can dominate all concerns for individuals suffering with it, leaving much of their time focused on trying to reduce pain rather than living their life, as they would most want to do, according to their values. The purpose of this study was to examine these processes, the degree of success patients have in following their values as guides for their actions, and relations between values-based action and other aspects of daily functioning. For this study we designed a brief inventory of patient values in domains of family, intimate relations, friends, work, health, and growth or learning. One hundred forty, consecutive, adult patients referred to a pain management unit completed this inventory in addition to measures of pain, disability, depression, pain-related anxiety, and acceptance of pain. Results showed that highest importance was placed on values in the domains of family and health and the least importance in friends and growth or learning. Highest success was reported in domains of family and friends and the least success in health and growth or learning. Significant correlations of overall success with measures of avoidance and acceptance of pain supported the validity of scores from the values measure. Success in living according to values was correlated with measures of disability, depression, and pain-related anxiety. Regression analysis showed that success at living according to values predicted variance in functioning independent of acceptance of pain, supporting its incremental utility in a contextual analysis of chronic pain and its potential importance in treatment for chronic pain.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Schizophrenia

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: A growing body of evidence supports the use of cognitive behavior therapy for the treatment of schizophrenia. A course of cognitive behavior therapy, added to the antipsychotic regimen, is now considered to be an appropriate standard of care in the United Kingdom. The objective of this article is to offer a broad perspective on the subject of cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia for the American reader. METHOD: The authors summarize current practice and data supporting the use of cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia. RESULTS: Five aspects of cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia are addressed: 1) evidence from randomized clinical trials, 2) currently accepted core techniques, 3) similarities to and differences from other psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia, 4) differences between the United States and United Kingdom in implementation, and 5) current directions of research. CONCLUSIONS: The strength of the evidence supporting cognitive behavior therapy for schizop...

Embracing your demons: an overview of acceptance and commitment therapy

Abstract: Acceptance and commitment therapy [ACT] is one of the recent mindfulness-based behaviour therapies shown to be effective with a diverse range of clinical conditions. In contrast to the assumption of 'healthy normality' of Western psychology, ACT assumes that the psychological processes of a normal human mind are often destructive and create psychological suffering. Symptom reduction is not a goal of ACT, based on the view that ongoing attempts to get rid of 'symptoms' can create clinical disorders in the first place. Russell Harris provides an overview of ACT against a background of the suffering generated by experiential avoidance and emotional control. A case study illustrates the six core principles of developing psychological flexibility; defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, the observing self, values, and committed action. (editor abstract)

Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy for drug refractory epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial in South Africa--a pilot study.

Abstract: Purpose: Psychological interventions in the treatment of epilepsy have been developed and evaluated for many years but the amount of research has hardly made an impact on how epilepsy is treated. T ...

Psychological Flexibility, ACT, and Organizational Behavior

Abstract: This paper offers organizational behavior management (OBM) a behavior analytically consistent way to expand its analysis of, and methods for changing, organizational behavior. It shows how Relational Frame Theory (RFT) suggests that common, problematic, psychological processes emerge from language itself, and they produce psychological inflexibility. Research suggests that an applied extension of RFT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has led to new interventions that increase psychological flexibility and, thereby enhance, organizational behavior and health.

A Preliminary Investigation of the Use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Group Treatment for Social Phobia

Abstract: The present study examined the impact of a group treatment protocol based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that was tailored toward the avoidant behaviors and life problems typical for socially anxious persons. Twenty-two participants enrolled in the group treatment, which consisted of 10 sessions. Twelve participants completed treatment. Post-treatment and follow-up data revealed significant decreases on the social phobia and experiential avoidance measures (follow-up effect sizes: 0.83 and 1.71, respectively). Completers’ ratings of effectiveness in living, specifically pertaining to social relationships, significantly increased at follow-up. Symptoms decreased despite their not being a treatment target. This results suggests that symptom improvement may result from an increased willingness to both experience aversive emotions and engage in social behaviors that are consistent with what the participants valued, but previously avoided. Despite its exploratory nature and limitations, the study provides a basis for further application of ACT in this population.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for persistent insomnia: a pilot study.

Abstract: 188 gic antidepressant aminpetine, 55% still had at least some type of sexual dysfunction after 6 months compared to 4% in the control group treated with aminpetine alone [13] . More studies are needed to address the frequency, severity and nature of this problem before its neurochemical etiology can be addressed. These case studies have important clinical implications. They suggest that when patients develop sexual dysfunction as a side effect of SSRIs, clinicians should be alert to the possibility that restoration of sexual function may not correlate temporally with medication cessation. Patients are often willing to continue taking SSRIs despite sexual side effects, but the possibility of increasing the probability of dysfunction remaining after discontinuance should be taken into consideration. Such persistent side effects could even worsen the long-term prognosis of depression [14] .

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Depression: Description and Comparison.

Abstract: The field of clinical behavior analysis is growing rapidly and has the potential to affect and transform mainstream cognitive behavior therapy. To have such an impact, the field must provide a formulation of and intervention strategies for clinical depression, the "common cold" of outpatient populations. Two treatments for depression have emerged: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and behavioral activation (BA). At times ACT and BA may suggest largely redundant intervention strategies. However, at other times the two treatments differ dramatically and may present opposing conceptualizations. This paper will compare and contrast these two important treatment approaches. Then, the relevant data will be presented and discussed. We will end with some thoughts on how and when ACT or BA should be employed clinically in the treatment of depression.

Evidence-based psychotherapy for schizophrenia.

Abstract: Many patients with schizophrenia have psychological distress and receive some form of psychotherapy. Several different psychotherapeutic approaches for schizophrenia have been developed and studied. Of these approaches, cognitive behavior therapy has the strongest evidence base and has shown benefit for symptom reduction in outpatients with residual symptoms. In addition to cognitive behavior therapy, other approaches include compliance therapy, personal therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and supportive therapy. Although usually studied as distinct approaches, the therapies overlap with each other in their therapeutic elements. As psychotherapy for schizophrenia further evolves, it will likely be informed by other psychosocial interventions used with this clinical population. In particular, techniques of remediating cognitive deficits, teaching behavioral skills, and educating about schizophrenia may be incorporated with psychotherapy. Future research may also consider three different goals of psychotherapy with this population: to provide emotional support, to enhance skills for functional recovery, and to alter the underlying illness process.

The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template (FIAT) system: For use with interpersonally-based interventions including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and FAP-enhanced treatments.

Abstract: Relationship or interpersonal skills are considered important targeted behaviors for many psychotherapies. Behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy interventions continue to be utilized for interpersonal problems and personality disorders. Contemporary behavior therapies, including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, target the amelioration of complex social and interpersonal skills deficits and develop more effective behaviors that create meaningful relationships for clients. While traditional taxonomies exist, few are able to capture either the functional nature or the uniquely individual aspects of these types of behavioral problems. The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template (FIAT) manual allows the clinician to assess strengths and weaknesses within interpersonal relationships in the context of both the therapeutic relationship and those relationships clients have outside of therapy. The combination of a behavioral framework and an idiographic approach to analysis make this a unique assessment approach in the area of interpersonal relating. The FIAT system is organized around five main areas (called classes) of interpersonal functioning: (1) skills in identifying and asserting needs and values in relationships; (2) sensitivity to and responsiveness to receiving and providing feedback to others; (3) problems with specifying and expressing emotional and cognitive experiences; (4) difficulties with interpersonal closeness including disclosure; and (5) problems with interpersonal conflict. The FIAT manual includes an overview of how to use the manual, a description of how the assessment process is conducted, therapist assessment questions, and a paper-and-pencil client assessment called the FIAT-Questionnaire (FIAT-Q). Examples of clinician created idiographic assessment measures for both client and therapist are provided. The majority of the manual is devoted to definitions of each class of behavior and specific types of problems in the areas of contextual cues, discrimination, and response repertoire. In each area instances of behavioral problems are denoted and examples are provided for the clinician. The FIAT system captures specific interpersonal strengths and deficits so that a clinician can better tailor treatment to each client, leading to more efficient and effective amelioration of client problems. Key words: Functional assessment, behavioral assessment, idiographic, temp late, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, social skills, personality disorders, Acceptance Commitment Therapy ********** FIAT Manual Instructions and User Information Overview This manual is designed to be used in conjunction with Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP; Kohlenberg & Tsai, 1991) or FAP-enhanced treatments such as FAP Enhanced Cognitive Therapy (FECT; Kohlenberg, Kanter, Bolling, Parker, & Tsai, 2002) and FACT (Callaghan, Gregg, Marx, Kohlenberg, & Gifford, 2004). The FIAT manual specifies classes of behaviors seen in interpersonally focused interventions. These problems are based on the function of behaviors as they impact the client's ability to form effective interpersonal relationships. Some of these behaviors are experiential or intrapersonally focused; however, the impact of those behaviors ultimately resides in an interpersonal context. An example of the use of the FIAT can be seen in an article by Callaghan and colleagues on the treatment of a client with behaviors consistent with Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Callaghan, Summers, & Weidman, 2003). The "template" aspect of this manual resides with its use in creating idiographic assessment materials for each individual client. Examples of these assessments are included in the appendix of this manual. There is no one specific correct way to create these idiographic assessment devices; they should each be tailored the needs of the client, the therapist, and the on-going intervention. …

Cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia. [Review]

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: A growing body of evidence supports the use of cognitive behavior therapy for the treatment of schizophrenia. A course of cognitive behavior therapy, added to the antipsychotic regimen, is now considered to be an appropriate standard of care in the United Kingdom. The objective of this article is to offer a broad perspective on the subject of cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia for the American reader. METHOD: The authors summarize current practice and data supporting the use of cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia. RESULTS: Five aspects of cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia are addressed: 1) evidence from randomized clinical trials, 2) currently accepted core techniques, 3) similarities to and differences from other psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia, 4) differences between the United States and United Kingdom in implementation, and 5) current directions of research. CONCLUSIONS: The strength of the evidence supporting cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia suggests that this technique should have more attention and support in the United States.

State of the research & literature address: ACT with children, adolescents and parents.

Abstract: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999) has been found effective in treating a wide number of psychological conditions affecting adults. To date, however, little research has been done on the use of ACT with youth and parents. Few efforts have been made at summarizing the literature that does exist. This article, therefore, is a review of empirical and theoretical work with these populations. Online databases, ACT-related websites, and personal communication were used to collect information about published and unpublished, ongoing work. Recommendations for future research are also mentioned.

Avances desde la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT)

Abstract: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has been widely described in the last ten years. Under such an umbrela, ACT will be presented os the most complete therapy of tbose included in the Third Wave of Behavior Therapies (Hayes, 2004). This paper addresses first, tbe conditions under which this therapy emerges. Second, the characteristics of language and human condition, and what the culture is promoting Third, the Belational Frame Theory -RFT- is briefly described. Fourth, the functional dimension of Experiential Avoidance is described os alternative to mainstream psychopathology; and finally, fifth, the methods and components defining ACT are provided pointing to the avaiable empirical evidence in several respects

A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Family Therapy

Abstract: Although cognitive behavioral spectrum approaches with individual children are plentiful and demonstrate effectiveness, cognitive behaviorally oriented clinicians are frequently left to their own devices when it comes to treating families. Cognitive behavioral family therapy is a relatively recent development and there are precious few reports of its clinical use. This article presents a conceptual foundation and clinical rubrics for the practice of cognitive behavioral family therapy. Basic theoretical background information is presented and places the therapeutic processes and procedures in a proper context. Session structure in cognitive behavioral therapy is illustrated and the way it propels therapeutic momentum and adds focus to each session is explained. Rudimentary processes of self-monitoring, self-instruction, rational analysis, and behavioral enactment are described and augmented with case material. Finally, the conclusion offers directions for further theory building, research, and clinical practice.

Acceptance and Mindfulness in Behavior Therapy: A Comparison of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Abstract: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are both innovative behavioral treatments that incorporate mindfulness practices and acceptance-based interventions into their treatment packages Although there are many similarities between these treatments, including the fact that they are part of a newer “wave” in behavior therapy involving mindfulness and acceptance interventions, there also are some key differences in the ways in which ACT and DBT conceptualize and use acceptance and mindfulness interventions in treatment This article discusses these similarities and differences

Functional Assessment of Skills for Interpersonal Therapists: The FASIT system: For the assessment of therapist behavior for interpersonally-based interventions including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy or FAP-enhanced treatments.

Abstract: Several contemporary behavior therapies exist that espouse the importance of the therapeutic relationship including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each of these therapies has described the importance of focusing on the process of what occurs in session between the client and therapist in an effort to change client behavior. This interpersonal aspect is shared not only by behavior therapies but by numerous other paradigmatically driven interventions. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy posits that the mechanism of clinical change is therapist contingent responding to client problem and improved behaviors in-session. This suggests that the therapists conducting these types of interpersonally-oriented psychotherapies possess a corresponding set of interpersonal skills to be effective. The Functional Assessment of Skills for Interpersonal Therapists (FASIT) manual presents an approach to assessment and classification of behavioral repertoire problems that can prevent effective delivery of interpersonally-oriented psychotherapies such as FAP. The manual begins with a discussion of its purpose, the selection of target therapist behaviors for improvement, therapist self-assessment questions, questions used by the supervisor to assess the therapist, and a discussion of idiographically based tracking devices that can be developed using the FASIT system. The bulk of the FASIT manual presents definitions and examples of particular therapist problems in five domains or classes of interpersonal functioning. These classes include: Assertion of needs; bi-directional communication (providing and receiving feedback); problems with conflict resolution; disclosure skills related to developing interpersonally close relationships; and difficulties with the experience and expression of emotions. There is a repeated emphasis throughout the manual on the purpose of identifying and targeting therapist skills for change. It is highlighted for the reader that therapist skills which directly impact his or her ability to conduct interpersonally-oriented psychotherapies can be reasonable behaviors targeted for change by a supervisor. The FASIT manual provides a basic behavioral approach to assessing these therapist responses in order to assist with the identification, documentation, and amelioration of such problems in the context of supervision and training. Developing more effective interpersonally-oriented psychotherapy therapy skills should continue to be driven by its direct impact on alleviating client distress with these clinical interventions. Key Words: Functional Analysis, Analytic, Psychotherapy, Assessment, Therapist, Skills, Interpersonal, Behavior, Interpersonal, Therapy ********** This system is used to assist therapists in learning interpersonally-based behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP; Kohlenberg & Tsai, 1991) or FAP-enhanced treatments such as FAP Enhanced Cognitive Therapy (FECT; Kohlenberg, Kanter, Bolling, Parker, & Tsai, 2002) and FACT (Callaghan, Gregg, Marx, Kohlenberg, & Gifford, 2004). The Functional Assessment of Skills for Interpersonal Therapists (FASIT; pronounced "facet") system is designed to target therapist problem and improved behaviors relevant to effectively conducting FAP. This manual is designed to be used with the Functional Idiographic Assessment Template (FIAT) system (Callaghan, in press). The FIAT manual specifies the classes of behaviors used with the Client Forms (FIAT-C pre and FIAT-C post) and Therapist Forms (FIAT-T pre and FIAT-T post) of the assessment template. The FIAT system is more expansive than this counterpart focusing on therapist skills. However, there are both parallels and important differences between the two systems. There are many similar impersonal skills deficits that can appear with clients and with therapists alike. …