Learning Process-Based Therapy: A Skills Training Manual for Targeting the Core Processes of Psychological Change in Clinical Practice

by Stefan G. Hofmann PhD, Steven C. Hayes PhD, David N. Lorscheid

Overview

Step-by-step guidance for implementing process-based therapy in practice

Evidence-based mental health treatments—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—have long been defined in terms of scientifically validated protocols focused on syndromes. This is rapidly changing. A process focus is now emerging for evidence-based therapies, as the era of “protocols for syndromes,” passes away. This groundbreaking book offers concrete strategies for adopting a process-based approach in your clinical practice, and provides step-by-step guidance for formulating effective treatment plans.

Written by renowned psychologists Steven C. Hayes and Stefan G. Hofmann, this manual will show you how to utilize the core competencies of process-based therapy (PBT) in a way that honors the behavioral, cognitive, and acceptance and mindfulness wings of CBT and builds bridges to other models. In the book, you’ll find a comprehensive road map to the theoretical foundations of PBT, as well as techniques for creating customized treatments that address the unique needs of each client—leading to better therapeutic outcomes.

Whether you’re a clinician or student of the behavioral sciences, this book has everything you need to understand and implement PBT in your work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684037575
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	12/01/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD, is Alexander von Humboldt Professor in the department of clinical psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg/Lahn, Germany; and professor of psychology in the department of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University. He has been president of numerous professional organizations, and is currently editor in chief of Cognitive Therapy and Research. He has published more than 500 scientific articles and twenty-five books. He is a highly cited researcher, and has received many awards, including the Humboldt Research Award. His research focuses on the mechanism of treatment change, translating discoveries from neuroscience into clinical applications, emotion regulation, and cultural expressions of psychopathology. He is codeveloper of process-based therapy (PBT) with Steven C. Hayes.

Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is Nevada Foundation Professor in the department of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. He has been president of numerous professional organizations, is author of forty-seven books and more than 650 scientific articles, and is among the most cited living psychologists. He has shown in his research how language and thought leads to human suffering, and is originator and codeveloper of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): a powerful therapy method that is useful in a wide variety of areas; relational frame theory (RFT): an empirical program in language and cognition; and PBT, with Stefan G. Hofmann.

David N. Lorscheid is a psychological coach and science writer. After completing his BSc in psychology at the Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, he specialized in helping people with low self-esteem and social anxiety. His business, Feel Confidence, uses evidence-based psychotherapy techniques in a fun and playful way to help people overcome their fears and become more confident. As of this point, his workshops and seminars have been attended by thousands of people from over twenty countries, and his articles have reached over one million readers.

Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD, is one of the most widely cited experts on using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety—appearing in academic and medical journals as well as mainstream media. Hofmann has been researching social anxiety disorder for most of his career. CBT for Social Anxiety is the first nonprofessional book to translate Hofmann’s research into a user-friendly format to help readers personalize this highly effective treatment to overcome social anxiety.

Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is Foundation Professor Emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno; and president of the Institute for Better Health. Author of forty-eight books and more than 700 scientific articles, he has been president of numerous professional organizations and is among the most cited living psychologists. He has shown in his research on relational frame theory (RFT) how and why language and symbolic thought leads both to human achievement and to human suffering, and has guided the extension of RFT to ACT.

Table of Contents

Prologue v

Chapter 1 Rethinking Clinical Science and Practice 1

Chapter 2 The Network Approach 13

Chapter 3 The Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model 27

Chapter 4 The Cognitive, Affective, and Attentional Dimensions 41

Chapter 5 The Self, Motivational, and Behavioral Dimensions 65

Chapter 6 The Biophysiological and Sociocultural Levels 87

Chapter 7 Context Sensitivity and Retention 109

Chapter 8 A Closer Look at Processes 131

Chapter 9 Disrupting the System 151

Chapter 10 Treatment Kernels 165

Chapter 11 The Course of Treatment 183

Chapter 12 From Problems to Prosperity: Maintaining and Expanding Gains 203

Chapter 13 Using the Tools of PBT in Practice 213

Epilogue 219

References 221

Interviews

Hoffman resides in Boston, MA; Hayes resides in Reno, NV; Lorscheid resides in Kleve, Germany.

Editorial Reviews

Process—based therapy (PBT) is a comprehensive and innovative model that brings best practices to life. Intelligently written in a series of practical steps, it will advance clinical applications regardless of one’s level of experience or theoretical predilection.”
—Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD, founder and CEO of The Milton H Erickson Foundation, and architect of The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference

Jeffrey K. Zeig

This text does an exemplary job linking processes and treatments, and includes many clinical scenarios that will greatly aid graduate students who are mastering acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) concepts. I greatly appreciate the incorporation of the evolutionary science (ES) concepts into the meta—model described in the text for predicting and influencing both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. This is a highly pragmatic approach to delivering PBT.”
—Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, PhD, BCBA—D, chair of the bachelor’s program in psychology, and professor of applied behavior analysis at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Ruth Anne Rehfeldt

This is an important book that provides a realistic, powerful, and sensible way to conceptualize the issues for individual clients and tailor a unique treatment for each one. Focusing on specific processes rather, Hofmann, Hayes, and Lorscheid direct us to the best ideas from a range of approaches. A wonderful toolbox and conceptual road map for the clinician. This is the voice of modern cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and it rings clear.”
—Robert L. Leahy, PhD, director at the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, and author of Emotional Schema Therapy

Robert L. Leahy

This book shines a light on an important aspect of treatment: the transdiagnostic processes that lead to dysfunction and that should be targeted in therapy. The authors present a system for identifying and modifying these critical processes.”
—Judith S. Beck, PhD, president of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and author of Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Judith S. Beck

Each day, another trademarked intervention package appears on the market. I don’t want a new package and new jargon. Thank goodness for this book. It provides a clear and systematic way to understand effective processes that occur across different packages. It’s got me thinking differently about client suffering, in terms of dynamic systems, rather than static ‘things.’ The book is so practical and easy to understand. I love it.”
—Joseph Ciarrochi, PhD, research professor at Australian Catholic University, and coauthor of Your Life, Your Way; The Thriving Adolescent;and The Weight Escape

Joseph Ciarrochi

Our many distinct therapeutic approaches can be deeply enhanced by the wisdom and practical tools in this timely and important work. Exploring how human beings live within networks of systems, our articulate and thoughtful guides illuminate how an evidence—based approach can be tailored to the individual and the empirically validated processes of change to deepen and strengthen how we help not only reduce suffering, but bring lasting change to those for whom we care. Harnessing research—based knowledge of the embodied and relational human mind and how it both gets stuck in patterns of dysfunction as well as liberated with transformation, this book will be of benefit to anyone helping the development of individuals across the life span.”
—Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Mind, Aware, The Mindful Therapist, Mindsight, and The Developing Mind

Daniel J. Siegel

With any science, it is often imperative to take a step back, evaluate its progress, and identify bold new future directions. That is exactly what Hofmann, Hayes, and Lorscheid have done with this book. By focusing on processes, rather than content, they articulate a unique way of suggesting, investigating, and implementing effective approaches to best help people reach important life goals. This volume is an important step forward!”
—Arthur M. Nezu, PhD, DHL, ABPP, distinguished professor of psychological and brain sciences at Drexel University, and editor in chief of Clinical Psychology

Arthur M. Nezu

I love the idiographic approach to psychotherapy this book describes! PBT offers the clinician a welcome alternative to treatment guided by disorder—focused protocols. This book teaches the therapist to build a model of the individual case, and to use the model to guide treatment—monitoring progress and making adjustments based on the progress—monitoring data as the therapy proceeds. The intellectual framework for the model is mind—expanding and groundbreaking.”
—Jacqueline B. Persons, director of the Oakland CBT Center; clinical professor at the University of California, Berkeley; and author of The Case Formulation Approach to Cognitive—Behavior Therapy

Jacqueline B. Persons

Something important is missing from evidence—based psychological treatments and the research supporting these interventions—a clear and essential focus on the individual receiving the treatment. The authors, who are among the most distinguished clinical scientists in the world, attack this problem head—on with PBT. In this manual, clinicians will learn to refocus powerful principles of psychological change on the individuals being treated. Every clinician should be familiar with these strategies.”
—David H. Barlow PhD, ABPP, professor of psychology and psychiatry emeritus, and founder of the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD)

David H. Barlow PhD

This book is a breath of fresh air. It calls it like it is. The differential treatment model of what treatment for what disorder has had its day. Their proposed process—based approach to treatment moves us forward to a promising new transdiagnostic, transtheoretical approach focused on evidence—based processes of change that fit the needs of a given client. This is the future. A must—read, wonderful contribution.”
—Leslie Greenberg, PhD, distinguished research professor emeritus of psychology at York University, author of Changing Emotion with Emotion, and coeditor of Patterns of Change

Leslie Greenberg