Functional Analytic Psychotherapy: A Behavioral Model of the Therapeutic Relationship

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (known as "FAP") is a contextual behavioral lens through which to view the therapeutic relationship. While not necessarily a treatment for specific clinical issues, this approach is aimed at addressing clinical problems occurring within relationships. Social workers using FAP strategically use moments with clients to collaboratively transform problematic relationship patterns. This course will introduce the fundamentals of FAP and build on knowledge of behavioral principles through didactics, invite students to begin using FAP techniques through experiential exercises, explore in classroom discussion what makes interpersonal moments transformative, and apply the FAP formula to situations arising in the treatment of common clinical issues.