Stavroula Sanida - Story Writing as an Evocative Tool in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy

===ABSTRACT

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) uses functional analysis to create meaningful therapeutic relationships by focusing on the subtle ways client\s’ interpersonal difficulties occur in the therapy session. FAP has five rules which can be summarized in a model using the mid-level terms awareness, courage, and love, behaviorally defined. Writing a unique metaphor/story for clients is a creative way of implementing this model as it involves:

* awareness of a client’s history, strengths and target behaviors,
* courageous or evocative therapist behavior,
* loving behavior that shapes target behaviors and also motivates clients to be more present in session and to interact in more connecting ways.

Through writing unique metaphors, a new context is created, where clients can form new perspectives and move in valued directions.