Association for Behavior Analysis International

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) stands as a clear example of how Clinical Behavior Analysis (CBA) can be applied with precision and fidelity to promote meaningful change in one-on-one interactions, including the therapeutic relationship. While many behavioral therapies have adopted mid-level terms to explain their effectiveness, FAP has remained firmly rooted in behavioral analytic principles. The theoretical underpinnings of FAP have consistently aligned with behavioral principles, focusing on the contingencies of reinforcement present in the therapeutic interaction. Research on FAP has particularly emphasized in single-case designs, which measure the interactional contingencies and demonstrate their covariation with client behavior both within and outside the session. In many ways, FAP fulfills the "dream of the therapeutic session as a laboratory" envisioned by C. Ferster, bringing the rigor of behavior analysis into the therapy room. This presentation will explore how FAP exemplifies the power of behavioral principles and procedures when applied to the therapeutic context, showing that clinical change is not only possible but also measurable when behavioral principles are used with care and precision.

Behavior analysts interested in mental health

Amanda Muñoz-Martínez received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is a Certified Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Trainer (FAP trainer) and member of the FAP Certification, Policy, and Ethics Board (FAP CEP). Amanda is currently an Associate Professor at the Universidad de Los Andes (Colombia).

Amanda’s main research interest is optimizing and evaluating principle-based therapies for improving clients’ and stakeholders’ well-being, particularly, in Latin America. She is the director of ContigoLab that focused on the following research areas in clinical behavior analysis: (a) assessment of mechanisms of change in behavioral-based interventions, and (b) optimization and evaluation across diverse contexts and populations of contextually-based intervention such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), FAP, and so forth. From her research efforts, she has published several articles in peer-review journals (Q1 to Q4, SJR index). She has also written books with recognized book editorials such as Routledge.

As a FAP trainer, she has facilitated several trainings for English- and Spanish-Speakers to enhance interpersonal skills and create meaningful relationships.