Functional Analytic Psychotherapy: an Introduction with Dr Gareth Holman
Attuned Enough, Disruptive Enough: A Process-Based Approach to the Therapy Relationship
Course Description
Originally hosted on Thursday 29th April, 2021
Two hour Webinar + recording AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE HERE
Presenter: Dr. Gareth Holman
You will have access to this recording for 6 months
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a powerful contextual-behavioural approach that utilises the therapy relationship as a vehicle for change. If you are an ACT practitioner, then learning about FAP is crucial!
In this webinar, following the lead of Process-Based CBT (e.g. Hayes, Hoffman, & Ciarrochi, 2020), we take the idea that the therapeutic relationship sits firmly together with technique or theory. We will and build on the framework of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP; Holman, Kanter, Tsai, & Kohlenberg 2017) – a contextual behavioural account of therapy process – to look at the process of navigating interpersonal challenges as core to our work—to clinical outcomes and to our sense of mastery and meaning.
Each day as clinicians we face a stream of meaningful, many-sided interpersonal challenges. If athletes have games where everything is on the line in real time, we have sessions where we ask:
- How do I connect with a client who seems distant or hard to like?
- How do I motivate a client grappling with anxiety to take meaningful risks?
- How do I course correct when treatment bogs down?
- How do I give powerful feedback to a client I fear cannot hear it?
- How can I be challenging without being rude?
- How do I collaborate with a client who speaks on and on as if I were not there?
- How do I set limits with clients who push past them over and over again?
- How do I overcome my own invisible fences as I face these challenges?
These challenges are not generic. They are as unique as our clients—and as unique as us, the clinicians. These challenges are not exceptions. They are the work. Through these challenges, our clients expect to be understood AND nourished to stretch and grow. How do we bring all our creativity, compassion, and skill to this work?
Building on a simple process model of the therapy relationship, we will explore four fundamental evidence-based practices for effective therapy relationships:
- Self-awareness: How our own strengths and limits shape our work
- Case formulation: How and why to formulate process/relationship issues
- Interpersonal skills: How to show up for hard, honest, important, graceful conversations
- Treatment process: How to build a foundation from the beginning of treatment and course correct adaptively
We will explore each practice not in the abstract, but as a body of high impact skills to be practiced deliberately when you see clients this week.
About Your Presenter
Dr. Gareth Holman is a psychologist, coach, facilitator, and writer based in Seattle. His coaching and therapy practice serves primarily high achieving adults who need support across personal, relationship, and professional contexts. He has worked with leaders and teams across tech, media, manufacturing, consulting, government, and academic settings, in the start-up space as well as in Fortune 500 organizations.
In the clinical world, Dr. Holman is lead author of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Made Simple (New Harbinger, 2017) and has published peer-reviewed empirical and theoretical articles on therapeutic relationships and behavior change. He was previously Associate Director of Training at the Evidence-Based Practice Institute.
He loves his work, which serves the over-arching purpose of helping people more skilfully operate their psychology so that we collectively rise to the challenges and opportunities of 21st Century. Or as Elon Musk put it, “I want to think about the future and not feel sad.”
He earned his B.A. in Psychology and the Comparative History of Ideas from the University of Washington, and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington in 2011.
Practicalities
How do I access the webinar?
It’s super simple. All you need to do is follow a link that you will be provided prior to the course, along with instructions.
Can I ask questions during the presentation?
Absolutely. You will be able to ask the presenter questions, just as you would in any workshop. You’ll also have the extra benefit of being able to interact with other colleagues who have also joined the webinar.
Will I receive a CPD certificate?
Yes, you will receive a CPD certificate.
Can I view the presentation afterwards?
Yes, a video of the presentation will be available to you for up to 28 days after the workshop is finished. You’ll be able to go back over any part of the webinar to review or check anything that you missed. You also don’t actually have to attend the live webinar – if you’re not able to make it on the actual date, you can still login afterwards and watch the recorded version.
What equipment do I need?
You just need a computer (PC or Mac), laptop or tablet that can access the internet. You need a good broadband speed that would allow you to comfortably stream a movie (such as a video on YouTube).
Can I still participate in any skills practice work?
Yes, we have a special portal in the system to allow you to connect with other participants joining via the Webinar.
Will the Webinar work on my computer?
Yes! As long as you have access to a web browser and you’re connected to the internet, you will be able to attend. It’s that simple – all you need to do is go to the webpage link, login and you’re set to go. You can join the workshop on any device including your home computer or iPad. You can even join in using your smart phone.
How do I deal with any technical issues that come up?
We will have dedicated technicians on hand throughout the entire duration of the workshop. They will be there to help you manage any issues that may come up and get you back in to the workshop again. Also, if you think there may be a problem, be it with your work access or anything else, you can log in early to check if things are working for you, and be prepared.
There may of course be technical issues that come up on your end, which will be your responsibility to look after. But these are rare and we have an extra handy troubleshooting guide that comes with tips and tricks to deal with any problems.
If you have disability and require adjustments or accommodation, please email us at admin@contextualconsulting.co.uk to discuss your needs and we will do our best to help you.
Booking cancellation
The registration fee will be refunded minus a administration charge if cancellations are received at least two weeks before the workshop date.
Cancellations within two weeks of the event date are charged the full registration fee, other than in exceptional circumstances that can be verified.
Event cancellation
In the event of cancellation of the course outside of our control we will not be held accountable for travel and/or accommodation costs incurred. However, the workshop fees will be refunded.
All workshops will be subject to minimum delegate numbers being met; in the event that a workshop should be cancelled delegates will be given no less than 2 months’ notice.
Replacing delegates
If a delegate is unable to attend and a replacement is nominated there may be a charge depending on the individual circumstances, this will be advised at the time. Please contact the us to request a replacement of delegates at least a week before the workshop date.