Culture-sensitive functional analytic psychotherapy

Abstract

Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) is defined as behavior-analytically conceptualized talk therapy. In contrast to the technique-oriented educational format of cognitive behavior therapy and the use of structural mediational models, FAP depends on the functional analysis of the moment-to-moment stream of interactions between client and therapist. This distinctive feature makes FAP particularly sensitive to the challenges posed by cultural differences between client and therapist. Core elements of FAP philosophy are invoked to argue that this vulnerability paradoxically implies an increased ability to capture and use relevant issues in the therapy process with culturally different clients. This argument focuses FAP's preference for concrete behavior over theoretical modeling, its emphasis on functional principles rather than topographically defined techniques, and its inclusion of the therapist's behavior in the assessment of clients' clinically relevant behavior. Suggestions are given concerning how academic and practical training and personal experience may be used to foster sound multicultural practice.

Developing the Cultural Awareness Skills of Behavior Analysts

“…Another suggestion is to be Bmindful^by attending fully and alertly, in the moment, to client interactions and our own private events, without judging or evaluating the events as they occur (Bishop et al 2004;Hayes and Plumb 2007;Vandenberghe 2008). We recommend practitioners hone their ability to attend closely to clients and self, in context, for two reasons related to self-awareness.…”

“…To increase the probability that assessment will identify cultural variables, Vandenberghe (2008) recommends focusing on functional relations and behavioral principles rather than topography. For example, Filipino families often live with extended family members, and the household situation can seem chaotic by Western living standards.…”

“…However, lack of follow through may also be interpreted as an indicator that the intervention recommendation may not have been culturally appropriate. Vandenberghe's (2008) description of functional analytic psychotherapy may also be a useful resource for determining how to provide culturally aware behavior analytic practices. Vandenberghe (2008) emphasizes the need for a behavior analyst to be aware of differences that may exist, including cultural differences, between the behavior analyst, client, and their families.…”

“…Vandenberghe's (2008) description of functional analytic psychotherapy may also be a useful resource for determining how to provide culturally aware behavior analytic practices. Vandenberghe (2008) emphasizes the need for a behavior analyst to be aware of differences that may exist, including cultural differences, between the behavior analyst, client, and their families. Specifically, behavior analysts should be knowledgeable about the client's culture, differentiate between an unfamiliar cultural norm and a pathology, and take culture into consideration during the therapeutic process.…”

“…Further, cultural awareness may be important because behavioral patterns that are viewed as problematic in our own culture may be the norm in other cultures (Goldiamond 2002;Vandenberghe 2008). Consider the following example of a child who was referred for a functional assessment for Bwithdrawn^behavior.…”