Analytical-functional Psychotherapy: Characteristics And Uses
There is a wide 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 approach, focused on mental processes and their relationship with behavior.
The therapies derived from this have evolved over time based on advances in the understanding of mental processes and overcoming previous limitations. One of the most recent treatments is the so-called analytical-functional psychotherapy
Functional analytical psychotherapy: its basic premises
Functional analytical psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment focused on the emission of behavioral patterns and their functionality and on its approach based on the positive bond between therapist and patient as a mechanism to promote behavioral change toward more adaptive behaviors and beliefs as well as the importance of language.
This is a type of therapy that is part of the repertoire of third generation behavioral modification therapies. Like the rest of this type of therapies, it takes into account the context in which the behaviors occur, it focuses on interpersonal relationships as a mechanism to cause an improvement in the patient’s life and gives great importance to the social environment and communication as elements that cause the problems and that in turn can solve them.
The aim is 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 psychodynamics or 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 he expresses there will be representative of those he experiences outside of it.
It is given a special importance to verbal behavior and the way of expressing oneself, since it helps to observe the type of behaviors carried out and they are attributed. What is sought is for the patient to analyze his own behavior and interpret its causes and, in turn, through the therapeutic relationship, the behaviors are enhanced to improve and cause changes in the functionality that the subject grants to his behavior. .
The different types of clinical behaviors
As we have said, what the subject says or does in consultation is the main element to work with in functional-analytic 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 gives them. These are clinically relevant behaviors among which three subtypes stand out.
Firstly, the relevant type 1 behaviors or those linked to the problem or disorder of the treated subject. These are the problematic behaviors that the subject manifests or performs during the sessions. The objective is to reduce these behaviors, but to do so the therapist must provoke them during the session in order to work on them. Examples of this are dependency, excessive seeking of approval or recalling certain memories.
A second type of behavior is type two, those that generate an improvement or a different and more positive way of facing the problem situation. In this case we are dealing with behaviors that must be promoted to the extent possible, in a genuine and true way.
Finally, type three behaviors refer to set of attributions or beliefs of the patient towards his own problem, which seek to be analyzed together to determine what function they fulfill for the subject and what circumstances generate them. That is, why the patient believes that he acts the way he acts and what makes him do it in that specific way. The aim is to encourage the patient to analyze his own behavior so that he can generate positive modifications.
Elements that help classify behaviors
The identification of the different behaviors that the subject carries out in their daily life is 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 timing of the sessions stands out, the existence of temporary periods without sessions or the mistakes or successes made by the professional. All of 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 he says it, is relevant. For example, he avoids talking about certain topics, he makes or responds to requests, how he refers to himself or how he attributes events. The intention with which things are discussed or the function that the subject gives to language is also material for analysis.
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 first allows problem behaviors to be expressed and even deliberately provokes them in consultation.
You must be able to see through the analysis of behaviors and expressions what reinforces 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 encourage 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 what cases is it applied?
Functional analytical psychotherapy has application in 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)
Kohlenberg, R.J., & Tsai, M. (2008). Functional Analytical Psychotherapy. Creation of intense and healing therapeutic relationships. Biomedical Science Collection. Malaga University.
Labrador FJ; Cruzado FJ & López, M. (2005). Manual of behavior modification and therapy techniques. Pyramid: Madrid.
