Relational Frame Theory EXPLAINED - Part 1

**Title: Relational Frame Theory EXPLAINED - Part 1** @shaunhardie

Welcome to "ACT on Mental Health," where we delve deep into the fascinating world of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a groundbreaking approach to improving mental health and fostering self-improvement. In Part 1 of our series, we unravel the foundations of ACT through the lens of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and explore how these concepts are shaping the landscape of modern counseling and therapy.

**Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)** is a therapeutic approach that champions psychological flexibility and personal growth. It's a powerful tool used by counselors and therapists to guide individuals on a transformative journey to better mental health. Whether you're a graduate counseling student, a seasoned counselor, or simply someone seeking self-improvement, understanding the core principles of ACT can significantly impact your approach to therapy and life itself.

**Relational Frame Theory (RFT)**, often referred to as the backbone of ACT, is our focal point in this first part of our series. Developed by the brilliant Murray Sidman, RFT originated from an unexpected place: the realm of learning disabilities. Back in the 1970s, a group of American psychologists led by Sidman embarked on a study exploring how individuals with learning difficulties connect words and concepts. Their groundbreaking work paved the way for understanding "stimulus equivalence," a concept that reveals how humans create connections between seemingly unrelated things, essentially how they learn the language of thought.

**Relational Responding** is the key concept in RFT, which goes beyond recognizing objects based on appearances. It's about understanding the relationships between things. Consider this – you're shown three balls of different sizes and asked, "Which is the biggest?" Your answer depends on the context, showcasing your relational responding abilities. Understanding these relationships is vital not just for learning but also for therapy and counseling.

**Derived Relational Responding** is another intriguing aspect of RFT. It demonstrates how humans can derive new connections without direct teaching, akin to learning the value of coins. In everyday life, we often make connections between different things effortlessly. Imagine instantly understanding the spiciness levels of curries in an Indian restaurant without any direct comparisons. This ability is called "derived relational responding," and it highlights the incredible power of the human mind.

The transformation of **stimulus function** is a concept that emphasizes how one thing can change or affect another due to their relationship. It's this phenomenon that plays a pivotal role in mental health, particularly in understanding anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We explore how seemingly unrelated triggers can evoke powerful emotional responses in individuals, even when there's no direct experience.

Now, you may wonder how all of this connects with **ACT**. The beauty of ACT is that it bridges the gap between theoretical psychology and practical therapy. ACT pioneers like Steven Hayes, who is both a researcher and clinician, have transformed RFT into a therapeutic approach with real-world applications. As a counselor or someone interested in the field of counseling, grasping the relationship between RFT and ACT can revolutionize your approach to therapy.

ACT introduces the concept of **defusion**, a powerful tool that helps individuals change their relationship with their thoughts. It's about understanding that thoughts are just words, not absolute truths. Through defusion exercises, individuals can observe their thoughts without feeling controlled by them. This simple yet profound shift allows them to live in alignment with their values rather than being dominated by unhelpful thoughts.

So, whether you're a graduate counseling student eager to deepen your knowledge or someone on a journey of self-improvement and better mental health, understanding the connection between RFT, ACT, and behavioral science is a transformative step in your path to psychological flexibility and acceptance.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll further explore the practical implications of these concepts and their real-world applications in therapy and self-improvement. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to "ACT on Mental Health" for more enlightening content that empowers you to live a life you truly value. Your journey to mental well-being starts here!

[equineassistedtherapy]

Humans try to make sense and enjoy concepts. It is much more; feelings, smells, tastes etc

[SkyForbes-.]

Thank you for making a video on RFT that is very easy to understand. Many videos from other channels seem to have an amazing talent of complicating this subject to the highest order.

[teverify]

The best video on RFT I've seen! Great job

[Militarywidow]

Thank you for explaining RFT. You broke it down and made it more simple for me to understand. I am currently a grad student in CMHC program and looking forward to implementing RFT and ACT in therapy. I am reading Mastering the Clinical Conversation and love the book. Can you recommend any books that are similar to it? Love your videos btw