A process-based approach to cognitive behavioral therapy: A theory-based case illustration

Clarissa W Ong; Steven C Hayes; Stefan G Hofmann

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1002849

A process-based approach to cognitive behavioral therapy: A theory-based case illustration

Front Psychol. 2022 Oct 25:13:1002849. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1002849. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Clarissa W Ong^{1

2}, Steven C Hayes³, Stefan G Hofmann^{2

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States.
² Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States.
⁴ Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.

Abstract

Despite the significant contribution of cognitive-behavioral therapy to effective treatment options for specific syndromes, treatment progress has been stagnating, with response rates plateauing over the past several years. This stagnation has led clinical researchers to call for an approach that instead focuses on processes of change and the individual in their particular context. Process-based therapy (PBT) is a general approach representing a model of models, grounded in evolution science, with an emphasis on idiographic methods, network models of case conceptualization, and enhancing wellbeing. In this paper, we describe the theory underlying PBT and present a case study for how to apply PBT tools and principles to deliver process-informed and person-centered evidence-based treatment. In addition, we discuss lessons learned from our case and provide suggestions for future considerations when implementing PBT in clinical settings.

Keywords: case study; network analysis; process-based approach; process-based therapy; processes of change.

Publication types

Review