What are Third Generation Therapies for?

Throughout the history of psychology, several intervention modalities have been developed that have responded to the different ways of conceiving the problems of the human being, which have emerged over the years.

Thus, since the beginning of the use of the scientific method in psychology, Behavioral Therapies (First Generation), Cognitive-behavioral Therapies (Second Generation) and finally Contextual Therapies or Third Generation have been succeeding each other.

Each of these currents emphasized one aspect or another of the person and the different theories on which they were based, all with the aim of recognizing facets that make up the life and way of behaving of human beings. In this sense, let's see what exactly Third Generation Therapies are for .

What do we understand by Third Generation Therapies?

Contextual or Third Generation Therapies are strongly influenced by the contributions of psychologist Steven C. Hayes, especially in Functional Contextualism , a philosophy based on the scientific method that emphasizes the context of the person as the key to achieving success. when treating any disorder.

Functional Contextualism could be defined as a current that proposes to directly influence the behavior and functioning of the person through the study of observable phenomena and variables present in their daily context. It puts the focus on the way in which actions and spaces play a role in the process of trying to achieve goals.

Thus, in Contextual Therapies , much emphasis is not placed on the need to mitigate or eliminate discomfort , but rather on making the person accept the ups and downs of life in a way that does not lead him to self-sabotage, adapting to his context and developing a way of life compatible with their true interests and personal objectives (related to the resources and skills available to them).

Some of the contextual aspects of the person that can be studied and modified are their verbal behavior, the moral values ​​that make up their personality or the way they speak to themselves (interior monologue).

The contextual or third-generation approach is one of the most widely used in psychological consultations around the world , both because it is based on an empirically based scientific philosophy and because of its great variety of existing modalities within the same current.

What are the different types of Third Generation Therapies for?

Currently we can find 4 major types of Contextual Therapies, all of them highly effective and proven to help us treat one or another psychological disorder, based on the particular needs of each client.

1. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness or full attention is an attentional focus management technique that aims to help the person focus their attention on the present moment and explore what is happening inside them in real time, without being carried away by obsessions linked to memories of the past or estimates of what might happen in the future.

This technique also has a powerful scientific basis, so it can be used in all kinds of studies and experiments. In addition to that, it integrates a series of transcendental meditation strategies that have proven to be widely effective and that have been detached from the Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions on which they have been inspired .

The main bases of Mindfulness as a contextual therapy for self-exploration and self-regulation are total attention and focus on present feelings as they are, radical acceptance of one's own experiences and living them actively, getting involved in one's own goals and experiences. vital.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy integrates various elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with the conceptual bases of Contextual Therapies, and is based on learning psychosocial skills that help the person to live better.

In DBT, the therapist validates the feelings of the treated person, but at the same time helps him to train and acquire a series of more adaptive skills that will make him happier in his daily life.

This therapy was initially designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder , but it is also commonly used in people with emotional instability, mood disorders, people with suicidal behavior or people with borderline personality disorder.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is mainly based on language as the basis for any psychological problem or disorder that people may have.

Through training in various techniques for restructuring one's own language that the therapist teaches the client, the latter will learn to improve their psychological flexibility ; that is, the ability to live and accept the present moment and adapt to the situations that he lives daily.

4. Functional Analytical Psychotherapy (FAP)

Functional Analytical Psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the behaviors exhibited by the client in consultation, to achieve change in the person and get him to overcome his psychological alteration.

In Functional Analytical Psychotherapy, the therapist will reinforce those behaviors, thoughts or positive impressions taking into account the context and the particularities of each patient, and will detect those that are most problematic or maladaptive so that the client analyzes them, values ​​them and is ultimately able to to change them.