Brazilian ACT therapists: exploring the diversity of professional practices

Abstract

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a functional contextualist therapeutic approach that prioritizes psychological flexibility. ACT therapists base their practice on direct contingencies of therapist-client interpersonal interaction and indirect verbal processes, focusing on establishing new repertoires with clients. This study aims to contribute to characterizing the diversity of clinical practice among Brazilian therapists who have ACT as a guiding reference for their practice, considering their management of processes involved in psychological flexibility. A survey was conducted with 22 Brazilian ACT therapists, utilizing a semi-structured interview script to investigate therapists’ practice and clinical work choices. Results indicated that ACT therapists in Brazil engage in theoretical and practical integration, particularly between contextual behavioral approaches, such as Functional Analytical Psychotherapy, and Behavioral Analytical Therapy. To a lesser extent, there is an intersection between their work and positions in line with cognitive-behavioral views. Moreover, reported interventions were experiential and idiographic, tailored specifically to individual clients, in accordance with the recommendations of contextual behavioral approaches. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the unique clinical practice of Brazilian ACT therapists and their approaches to cultivating psychological flexibility in their clients.