Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), founded by Mavis Tsai, alongside the late Robert Kohlenberg, PhD, ABPP. is a transformative approach that fosters deep, meaningful relationships between therapists and clients. What makes FAP truly unique is its focus on understanding and addressing the client’s real-life struggles as they manifest during therapy. In this blog, we’ll explore the five essential rules of FAP, that can serve as guiding principles for therapists. While they may be simple to understand, they take a lifetime to truly master. You can also watch Mavis Tsai, founder of FAP, talk through the 5 rules of FAP on our resource hub.
Rule 1: Be aware of clinically relevant behaviours (CRBs)
The first rule of FAP is to identify and understand your client’s clinically relevant behaviours (CRBs). These behaviours are the patterns your clients bring into therapy that mirror their struggles in daily life. For instance:
- If a client has intimacy issues, how do they interact with you in the session?
- Are they reluctant to open up?
- Do they seem overly protective of themselves?
- Do they lack the skills to communicate or connect effectively?
By paying close attention to how clients behave during therapy, you gain valuable insight into the challenges they face outside the therapeutic setting. Observing their interactions is the foundation for creating meaningful change.
Rule 2: Be courageous and evocative
The second rule emphasises the therapist’s role in courageously addressing and bringing out the client’s struggles during the session. This step requires both sensitivity and bravery. A therapist must create a safe space where clients feel encouraged to confront their difficulties.
By evoking the very challenges they face in the real world, therapists can work through these issues in the controlled environment of therapy. This process not only builds trust but also facilitates growth and healing.
Rule 3: Reinforce progress genuinely
Reinforcement is a cornerstone of FAP. Rule three focuses on recognising and genuinely reinforcing the positive changes your clients are working on. When clients demonstrate progress during a session, whether it’s opening up, expressing vulnerability, or trying a new approach, it’s essential to acknowledge and encourage their efforts.
By reinforcing these behaviours in a meaningful way, therapists empower clients to continue striving toward their goals. This genuine encouragement becomes a powerful motivator for change.
Rule 4: Be aware of your own impact
As therapists, it’s crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of your approach. Rule four encourages self-awareness: “Is what I’m doing actually working?” Therapy is a dynamic process, and not every technique will resonate with every client.
Staying attuned to your impact allows you to adjust your methods when needed. This adaptability ensures that you remain responsive to your client’s unique needs and challenges.
Rule 5: Generalise gains to daily life
The ultimate goal of FAP is to help clients apply what they’ve learned in therapy to their everyday lives. Rule five focuses on ensuring that the progress made during sessions translates into real-world changes.
For example, if a client learns how to communicate more openly in therapy, they should feel equipped to use those skills in their relationships outside of therapy. Therapists can support this process by encouraging clients to practice and reflect on their progress in real-life situations.
These five rules, awareness of CRBs, courage and evocation, genuine reinforcement, self-awareness, and generalisation, form the foundation of functional analytic psychotherapy. While they may seem straightforward, mastering them is a lifelong journey. Each session offers new opportunities for growth, both for the therapist and the client. FAP is more than just a therapeutic approach; it’s a way to create deep, meaningful connections that foster lasting change. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just beginning your journey, these principles can guide you in helping your clients live fuller, more authentic lives.