Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship: Efficacy of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy with Different Problems

Abstract

Functional Analytical Psychotherapy (FAP) is a third generation and contextual therapy. It is based on therapeutic interaction, verbal and emotional client-therapist relationships. It also uses functional analysis of behaviour, and live on-going modification of clinical problem behaviours. The aim of this research was to study the efficacy of FAP with different types of psychological problems (anxiety, depression, obsession, sexual, personality, emotional control). An intra-group design (10 participants, 36 years old average) was used with pre-post and follow-up measurements. Different questionnaires have been used as common assessment tools for all clinical cases. The results showed a statistically significant change in all the standardised questionnaires, with a considerable size effect (d from -2.01 to -3.80) and maintained one year later. Also, as clinical change, the participants had improved in their daily lives. We conclude on the efficacy of FAP, focusing on the therapeutic relationship, regardless of diagnostic categories.