Acceptance and commitment therapy and the therapeutic relationships stance

This paper characterizes the ACT therapeutic relationship stance in the context of the findings of the common factors literature and the relationship between therapeutic alliance and outcomes. We describe some foundational aspects of the ACT model (its philosophical set of assumptions, its scientific theory of language and cognition, and its operating system of clinical intervention) and how they form the ACT therapeutic relationship stance. We also provide a possible theoretical model of the therapeutic relationship and a specific exercise to foster it that can be used by clinicians. Overall, we hold the therapeutic relationship as an important component of the therapeutic process and we argue that the ACT model, as a contextual behavioral science strategic approach (Vilardaga, Hayes, Levin, & Muto, 2009) provides a clearer understanding of the impact of the therapeutic relationship on outcomes, together with a clearer rationale to both improve the therapeutic relationship and research it.