Process-Based Therapy: genuine innovations or more of the same?

Abstract

Process-Based Therapy (PBT) emphasizes the identification and manipulation of functionally relevant processes of change to explain and alter clinically significant behavior. This theoretical article aims to provide an overview of PBT. This theoretical article aims to present a general overview of PBT. To this end, it examines relevant historical influences, such as Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), related to the work of Steven C. Hayes, as well as the Complex Causal Network, related to the work of Stefan G. Hofmann. Subsequently, the concept of processes of change and their characteristics are defined, including Network Approach. The article also describes two other characteristic concepts of PBT, the Extended Evolutionary Metamodel (EEMM) and Process-Based Functional Analysis. It concludes by highlighting the novelties proposed by PBT.