Mastering the Clinical Conversation Language as Intervention

This compelling book provides psychotherapists with evidence-based strategies for harnessing the power of language to free clients from life-constricting patterns and promote psychological flourishing. Grounded in relational frame theory (RFT), the volume shares innovative ways to enhance assessment and intervention using specific kinds of clinical conversations. Techniques are demonstrated for activating and shaping behavior change, building a flexible sense of self, fostering meaning and motivation, creating powerful experiential metaphors, and strengthening the therapeutic relationship. User-friendly features include more than 80 clinical vignettes with commentary by the authors, plus a "Quick Guide to Using RFT in Psychotherapy" filled with sample phrases and questions to ask.

1. The Power of Language 2. Language and Psychopathology 3. Symbolic Tools of Change 4. Psychological Assessment 5. Activating and Shaping Behavior Change 6. Building a Flexible Sense of Self 7. Fostering Meaning and Motivation 8. Building and Delivering Experiential Metaphors 9. Training Experiential Skills through Formal Practice 10. Empowering the Therapeutic Relationship Epilogue Quick Guide to Using RFT in Psychotherapy Practical Definitions of Terms Used in This Book References Index

Matthieu Villatte, PhD, is Research Scientist and Clinical Trainer at the Evidence-Based Practice Institute in Seattle. He has conducted workshops on the clinical applications of RFT and contextual behavioral science in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. He is also an associate editor of the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. Dr. Villatte's current work focuses on the dissemination of evidence-based practices, and he has published articles and book chapters on RFT, contextual behavioral science, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Jennifer L. Villatte, PhD, is a clinical psychologist committed to advancing health equity through contextual behavioral science. She is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington, where she partners with innovators in computer engineering, human-centered design, and data science to maximize the effectiveness and reach of behavioral interventions that enhance individual and community well-being. Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is Nevada Foundation Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada and a codeveloper of acceptance and commitment therapy. His career has focused on the analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and its application to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He has served as president of multiple scientific and professional organizations, including the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. His work has been recognized by the Award for Impact of Science on Application from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ABCT, among other awards. The author of 41 books and over 575 scientific articles, Dr. Hayes has focused on understanding human language and cognition and applying this understanding to the alleviation of human suffering and the promotion of human welfare. He is coauthor of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Second Edition.