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 observerassessed

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.