Relational Frame Theory Resources

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a functional contextual approach to language and cognition. You can read about Functional contextualism here.

RFT is a theory of language and cognition which aims to integrate a wide range of psychological phenomena. It does use lots of jargon which makes it kind of scary to approach. But once you have a watch of the video recommended such as Tim’s and some of the introduction articles such as Jen’s, you might be surprised how quickly it makes sense and even explains some things about humans and their behaviours to you.

For example, relational frames refer to the human process of creating bidirectional links between phenomena. These relations form the building blocks of language, higher cognition and lots of helpful and problematic thoughts and behaviours.

The resources below aim to aid your learning, start with the videos, and save the books for later is probably most useful.

You will need to login as a member to see many of the linked resources, but some are available freely to the public (free resources are designated by 3 asterisks***). If you are interested in ACBS Membership you will find more information, including our values-based dues here. ACBS offers a number of membership scholarships - you can apply for a scholarship here.

Books

• Villatte, M., Villatte, J. L., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). Mastering the clinical conversation: Language as intervention. New York: The Guilford Press.***
• Dahl, J., Stewart, I., Martell, C., Kaplan, J. (2014). ACT and RFT in Relationships: Helping Clients Deepen Intimacy and Maintain Healthy Commitments Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Relational Frame Theory.***
• Dymond, S., & Roche, B. (Eds.) (2013). Advances in relational frame theory: Research and application. New Harbinger Publications.***
• McHugh, L., & Stewart, I. (2012). The self and perspective taking: Contributions and applications from modern behavioral science. Oakland: New Harbinger Publications.***
• Törneke, N. (2010). Learning RFT: An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory and Its Clinical Application. Reno, NV: Context Press.***
• Rehfeldt, R. A., Barnes-Holmes, Y. (2009). Derived relational responding: Applications for learners with autism and other developmental disabilities. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.***

Videos

• Tim McLauchlan - Learning RFT (Relational Frame Theory) – ACT is the car, RFT is the engine!
     - What is Relational Frame Theory, this is a really excellent starting point and will give you the basics.
• Niklas Törneke, Robyn Walser - How to do an RFT- Enlighted Functional Analysis of Clinical Work
     - How to do an RFT- Enlighted Functional Analysis of Clinical Work
• Jennifer L. Villatte, Matthieu Villatte - Mastering the Clinical Conversation with RFT
• Ryan Sharma, Psy.D., ABPP - An Experiential Introduction to Relational Frame Theory
• Niklas Törneke - RFT and ACT – how do they go together?
• Paul Atkins, Ph.D., Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., Niklas Törneke, M.D., Paul Atkins, Ph.D., Louise McHugh, Ph.D. - The RFT of Meditation
• Behavior Analysis and Cognition - Videos in RFT***
• Frank W. Bond, Ph.D., Jonathan R. Dowling - ALIVE and Thriving: The Evolution of CBS in Theory and Practice
• Interview with Matthieu Villatte - Clinical RFT in specific contexts (with Portuguese subtitles - Rolê Contextual Entrevista. Matthieu Villatte (Interview) - RFT Clínica em contextos específicos)
   

Articles

• Behavior Analysis and Cognition - Articles in RFT***
• Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland, Galway John McElwee, Private Consultant, Pennsylvania Siri Ming, Private Consultant, Maryland - Language Generativity, Response Generalization, and Derived Relational Responding***
• Jen Plumb - A Very Simple Overview of RFT (in non-technical language)***
• Articles Describing the Link Between RFT and ACT***
• Blackledge - An introduction to Relational Frame Theory: Basics and applications