Process-based Behavior Therapy (PBBT®):An Introduction

Process-Based Behavior Therapy (PBBT®) is a new scientifically-driven highly precise form of behavior therapy. PBBT is entirely based on the empirically-supported functional-analytic theory of human language and cognition, known as Relational Frame Theory (RFT). PBBT as a full therapeutic regime has emerged across 10 years of integrating clinical practice with empirical evolution in RFT. PBBT is process-based with its precise focus on, and ability to manipulate, core units of relational learning and the enduring behavioral functions these entail. According to RFT, these core units of relational learning define human self-meaning and PBBT builds on RFT by providing an operational framework through which these units can be identified clinically for individual clients and can be transformed systematically to create the foundations of new self-meaning that is less directed by a client's history and more suited to the client's real world context and what is seen as important to them.

This introductory session will explore the core concepts of PBBT, emphasizing their clear basis in the empirically-supported technical language of RFT. The session will explore the PBBT conceptual approach to self-meaning and its relationship to others. The session will explore: 

• The PBBT concept of layers where human development is parsed into three key developmental epochs where self-identity is crystalized and powerful behavioral functions are acquired as a result of this self-meaning.
• Examples of how PBBT Techniques weaken the entrapment created by these historical layers of self-identity and how their behavioral functions can be diminished effectively, allowing new behavior to be established and gain momentum.

About Presenter

Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D. was a highly-active researcher for over 20 years before co-founding the PBBT Institute. She has published 150+ peer-reviewed articles and book chapters primarily on Relational Frame Theory and Behavior Therapy. She has given hundreds of international workshops and trainings. She is the co-founder of PBBT. She has graduated 20 PhDs, many on translational research building bridges between empirical evidence and clinical practice. She is a highly-experienced behavior therapist, with 27+ years of clinical experience, including work on extremely complex cases for various government bodies and organisations. More about presenter at https://pbbtinstitute.com/

Target Audience

This workshop is designed for licensed professionals & advanced graduate students with clinical experience who anticipate seeking licensure as mental health professionals. The instructional level of this presentation is INTERMEDIATE.

CE Learning Objective(s)

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify a Client's overarching self-meaning as three interconnected developmental layers.

2. Explain the power of self-meaning to establish and control behavioral functions that are often resistant to change.

3. Describe the PBBT Clinical Pathway and phases, with an understanding of the core aim of each phase.

• Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists*. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• This program provides two (2) hour of CE credits.
• * PBTA now offers CE to licensed psychologists licensed in the state of New York. Attestation of full attendance and provision of license number post-event required to obtain certificate that meets NY criteria for CE.
  
• PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Non-psychologist licensees in other states should confirm with their respective boards if this meets criteria for CE in their specific non-PA states.
  
• Full attendance with video display is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
  

Zoom video link will be sent to participants 48 & 24 hours before the event contingent upon membership being paid in full if membership rate was selected. NOTE: New membership period begins 2/1/26 

Suggested Readings (click reference for PDF)

Barnes-Holmes, D., Barnes-Holmes, Y., & McEnteggart, C. (2020). Updating RFT (more field than frame) and its implications for process-based therapy. The Psychological Record, 70(4), 605-624.