Functional Analysis in Clinical Treatment (Practical Resources for the Mental Health Professional)

Much of clinical psychology relies upon cognitive behavior therapy to treat clinical disorders via attempting to change thinking and feeling in order to change behavior. Functional approaches differ in that they focus on context and the environmental influence on behavior, thoughts, and feelings. This second edition of Functional Analysis in Clinical Treatment updates the material in keeping with DSM-5 and ICD-10 and provides 40% new information, including updated literature reviews, greater detail in the functional analysis/assessment sections of each chapter, two new chapters on autism spectrum disorders and chronic health problems, and examples of worked assessments, such as interview transcripts, ABC charts, and observational data.

Presents a summary of research on the effectiveness and implementation of functional analytic approaches to treat clinical disorders

I have worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities for over 30 years as a volunteer; camp counselor; researcher; clinical psychologist in the British National Health Service; Chief Psychologist in developmental centers in Texas; consultant for many community services; and consultant to the states of Louisiana and Wyoming. I have been involved in professional training in Britain, Louisiana State University and now Queens College. It has always struck me that children and adults with developmental disabilities would have a better life, be happier, more autonomous and valued by other people if their staff and family members got a little help to do few simple things –interact positively and often, use contingent reinforcement accurately, teach a few simple skills and be more sensitive to preferences. I also believe that if these happened consistently, staff and family members would feel more competent.