Preliminary data from a randomized pilot study of web-based functional analytic psychotherapy therapist training.
Therapists of many persuasions emphasize the therapy relationship in their work, a priority backed by strong empirical evidence. Training in how to maximize the power and potential of the therapy relationship, however, has lagged behind. A novel approach to using the therapy relationship and to training therapists in its use is provided by Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). FAP training involves eight 2-hr weekly training sessions conducted online using web-conferencing technology. The training integrates behavioral principles with a focus on trainee-trainer and trainee-trainee relationships in a highly structured course that evokes the desirable FAP therapist-trainee behaviors and collectively shapes the behaviors through reinforcement by the trainer and other trainees. In a preliminary study, 16 therapist-trainees were randomly assigned to receive either immediate FAP training or training after a waitlist period. Significant and large effects of training were found on both self-reported and observer-assessed measures for the first training group, and the waitlist training group replicated the first training group with significant within-subject change over the course of training. Finally, qualitative feedback from therapists indicated high satisfaction with the primary elements of the training protocol. Several important limitations to this preliminary study are discussed.
Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. jkanter@uwm.edu
Jonathan W
JW
Kanter
Mavis
M
Tsai
Gareth
G
Holman
Kelly
K
Koerner
D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D049269:Videoconferencing