RFT for clinical use: The example of metaphor
The current article argues that the conceptual analysis of metaphor as offered by relational frame theory (RFT) illustrates one way in which the theory may be integrated with, and have a constructive influence on, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The article walks though a basic account of metaphor as the relating of relations and summarises the empirical evidence in support of this conceptualization. This understanding is then applied to a number of metaphors that are common to ACT in an attempt to illustrate how the RFT account of metaphor may be useful in aiding ACT practitioners to construct and deconstruct clinical metaphors.
RFT for clinical use: The example of metaphor
Author(s):
Mairead Foody, Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Dermot Barnes-Holmes, Niklas Torneke, Carmen Luciano, Ian Stewart, Ciara McEnteggart
Free Videos: Learning About and Applying RFT
Here are some free videos that can help you learn about RFT. These videos were not created for or by ACBS. We merely gathered the videos from various sources for your convenience. (There are additional RFT-relevant videos available to ACBS members).
We hope that you find these free videos useful. Simply click on the links below to browse.
Learning RFT
Relational frame theory, or RFT, is the little-understood behavioral theory behind a recent development in modern psychology: the shift from the cognitive paradigm underpinning cognitive behavioral therapy to a new understanding of language and cognition.
Articles Linking RFT and ACT
There is an extensive list of excellent articles that describe RFT in simple terms, and links the principles directly to ACT processes. We highly recommend reading some of these to further your understanding RFT and it's relation to ACT.
Please visit the page by clicking here.
About RFT
This is where you can read about the basic principles in Relational Frame Theory and learn about its advantages over other theories of language and cognition.
What is RFT?
Advantages of RFT
For suggestions on further reading, please visit Resources for Learning RFT. To learn more about RFT research and application, please visit the RFT Research section.
Suggested Readings & Helpful Presentations
There are numerous resources for further reading. These are simply a few suggestions and you may find many others helpful. We highly recommend using this list as a starting point from which to begin your journey.
Suggested Readings & Helpful Presentations
There are numerous resources for further reading. These are simply a few suggestions and you may find many others helpful. We highly recommend using this list as a starting point from which to begin your journey.
RFT/Behavior Analysis Books
- Dixon, M.R., Hayes, S.C., & Belisle, J. (2023). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Behavior Analysts. New York: Routledge.
- Ming, S., Gould, E., & Fiebig, J. (2023). Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory: Mastering the Foundations of Complex Language in Our Work and Lives as Behavior Analysts. Context Press.
- Fryling, M., Rehfeldt, R. A., Tarbox, J., & Hayes, L. J. (Eds.). (2020).
Resources for Learning RFT
We recommend several ways to enhance your understanding of RFT. A great place to start is with the Learning RFT: An introduction to relational frame theory and its clinical applications but there are many more.