Relational Frame Therapy (RFT)

ACT is a psychological intervention that applies mindfulness and acceptance processes, and commitment and behavior change processes to the creation of psychological flexibility (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). It is based on modern behavioral psychology, which includes Relational Frame Therapy (RFT). ACT teaches individuals to handle pain more effectively by using mindfulness and teaches valued living (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).

ACT has three theories. These include (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016):

1. Functional Contextualism (FC)

FC is a philosophy, which grounds ACT, RFT and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). RFT is a behavioral theory

of human language and cognition. ABA is a powerful model for the prediction and influence of behavior. FC focuses on how things function in specific contexts. The example of the chair. Many thought that the chair was faulty but when we change the specific contexts, the chair will be used as a prop for a clown’s act, the chair functions very effectively. Viewing things from an FC perspective, no thought, feeling or memory is inherently problematic, dysfunctional or pathological. It all depends on the context. FC differs from the mechanistic model of mainstream psychology (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).
2. Behaviorism
Behaviorism has had a deep impact on clinical psychology (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).

Through scientific study, behaviorists discovered a range of powerful methods including exposure, reinforcement, shaping, extinction and classical and operant conditioning that have influenced human behavior in both public and private settings. There were three waves of behaviorism. The “first wave” focused on overt behavioral change utilizing operant and classical conditioning. The “second wave” emphasized on challenging or disputing irrational, dysfunctional, negative or erroneous thoughts and focused on private behaviors like thoughts and feelings through CBT. The “third wave” of behavioral therapies are known as ACT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and several others. All of these emphasize on acceptance and mindfulness in public and private behavior (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson,

2016).
3. Relational Frame Theory (RFT)
RFT is when one refers to private experiences as “events” (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).

An “event” is a private experience an individual has including a thought, a feeling, a memory or anything that can be experienced through your five senses. These events related based on social convention. RFT explains the origins of our verbal abilities. At times, we take literal meanings of language when they are truly based on arbitrary relations, which causes pain. To solve this pain, we over problem solve and are engrossed in thinking and lose contact. This then leads to psychological inflexibility (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson,

2016).
ACT has six basic tenants. These include (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016):
1. Contact with Present Moment (Be Here Now)
Humans find it very difficult not to be distracted by other thoughts relating to the past or future (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). This tenant encompasses making sure we are in the here and now by being fully connected with what is happening in the present moment. The contact with the present moment also involves being aware of the physical and psychological world (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).
2. Defusion (Watch Your Thinking)
Individuals let their thoughts come and go like cars passing on the street (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). This tenant is recognizing a thought is just a thought and may not be the truth. Stepping back, separating from our thoughts, images and memories, and seeing our thoughts for what they are is defusion. Watching our thinking helps with the thoughts that may come and go (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).
3. Acceptance (Open Up)
This tenant involves the willingness to open up and make room for painful feelings, sensations, urges and emotions (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). Acceptance does not mean liking these feelings. It simply means letting them be (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).
4. Self-As-Context (Pure Awareness)
This tenant explores the observing self or the awareness of whatever we are thinking, feeling, sensing or doing in any moment (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). Through life, there are several factors that will change like your roles, your body, your thoughts, etc., but the “you” will never change (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).
5. Values (Know What Matters)
This tenant discusses areas that are important to oneself and what truly matters to you (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). Values are desired qualities of ongoing action and they define how we want to behave on an ongoing basis. Values clarification is an important step in creating a meaningful life for yourself and making sure we have defined the direction and guide for our journey (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).
6. Committed Action (Do What It Takes)
This tenant is about taking effective actions that are guided by our values (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016). These values-guided actions can bring different thoughts and feelings, both pleasant and unpleasant, both pleasurable and painful. Through use of traditional interventions, it is all about “doing what it takes” to achieve valued living (Elkins, 2017a; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2016).