About the Book
A comprehensive treatise on how to understand complex language, and use language effectively as a behavior analyst.
Language changes everything. From infancy through adulthood, language shapes our behavior, and in turn our language shapes others' behavior, in an increasingly complex web. Perspective taking skills influence how we use language, and how we make connections to others in our work and in our social circles. A comprehensive understanding of complex language is therefore critical to effective behavior analysis, not only in our immediate work, but also how we exist in the world as professionals--and as a profession.
Relational frame theory (RFT) is a psychological theory of human language. The theory argues that the building block of human language and higher cognition is relating--in other words, the human ability to create links between one thing and another. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory outlines the essential principles of RFT, and offers practical applications and tools for a wide range of uses to help clients live better lives.
As behavior analysts working with others to affect change, words matter. Therefore, you need to understand the functions of complex language, and be able to skillfully use language as an intervention tool.
With this book, you will:
Learn the theoretical basis of RFT.
Explore how complex verbal repertoires affect individual behavior, introducing the influence of rule-governed behavior and private events.
Examine relational framing in the context of groups--including supervision, mentorship, effective messaging, and pro-sociality within and between organizational systems.
Discover the implications of applying a behavior analytic understanding of complex language to a variety of settings, including education, mental health, business.
Learn how RFT can be applied to issues of diversity and inclusion, and global sustainability.
Finally, you'll find a thorough discussion of how behavior analysts can use the principles outlined in this book to extend the reach of the field into a range of socially significant and critical areas for behavior change.
About the Author :
Siri Ming, PhD, BCBA-D, (she/her) is a scientist-practitioner with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. She is committed to the compassionate practice of behavior analysis to help people live meaningful, values-directed lives. Her research and clinical focus are on applications of relational frame theory (RFT) to early intervention programs for children with autism, integrating Skinnerian verbal behavior with RFT. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed research and theoretical articles on applications of RFT, as well as a practical handbook series on using RFT in early intervention programs. Coauthor of Finding Your Why and Finding Your Way, Siri also supports both clinicians and creatives to help them find and stay on their chosen path. She teaches and acts as subject-matter expert for graduate-level classes in verbal behavior at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and has been an associate editor for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior journal. Her work is grounded in the values of rigor, generosity, and kindness.
Evelyn Gould, PhD, BCBA-D, (she/they) is a clinical behavior analyst and licensed psychologist from Belfast, Northern Ireland--currently residing in Los Angeles, CA; where she lives with her partner and three cats. Evelyn is a scientist-practitioner working to empower others to build rich and meaningful lives through evidence-based, values-driven, affirmative, and culturally responsive practices. Evelyn specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, autism, LGBTQIA+ mental health, and working with caregivers. Evelyn is also committed to lifelong learning and values-driven research, training, and mentorship. They have published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on autism, working with caregivers, student mental health, compassionate care, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and behavior analysis. Evelyn has served on a variety of task forces, committees, chapters, SIGs, and editorial boards within their professional communities, and was an associate editor for the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. Their work reflects personal and professional values of compassion, authenticity, social justice, and cultural humility. When not working, Evelyn finds joy in community, feeding the birds in their garden, dancing, art and music, nature, and spending time at home in Ireland.
Julia H. Fiebig, PhD, BCBA-D, (she/her) is assistant teaching professor at Ball State University in the applied behavior analysis (ABA) program. She is from Germany, and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her primary focus is on applications of behavior science to organizational leadership, sustainability, and regenerative systems design--collaborating with leaders and organizations to cultivate values-informed, consensus-building, prosocial practices. As a practicing behavior analyst for over twenty years, Julia has a range of experience consulting and working internationally with clinical, educational, and other nonprofit and private organizations. As an educator, Julia is passionate about teaching young people values of inclusive and responsible community building across diverse cultural backgrounds. She has served on the climate change task force for the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and currently serves on the board of special interest groups (SIGs) and ABAI's Practice Board. Julia is dedicated to working on issues of environmental justice and contributing to wider application and dissemination of a compassionate behavior science, and she also finds joy in her craft as a musician and writer/composer.
Review :
"Words matter. The authors help us understand why and how language is important to human evolution. They do so by showing us the possibilities offered by relational frame theory (RFT). Ming, Gould, and Fiebig present clear conceptualizations and examples to illustrate the advantages of a functional and contextual approach to influencing the world around us. Above all, they teach us ways to accompany one another in the quest for collective well-being."
--Shahla Alai-Rosales, associate professor at the University of North Texas, and coauthor of Responsible and Responsive Parenting in Autism and Building and Sustaining Meaningful Relationships--Shahla Alai-Rosales
"Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory is a must-read. It presents readers with quality content in a very didactic format, with exercises that lead readers to a better understanding of the contents, while following their values. If you are interested in learning RFT, this is definitely a book I recommend."
--Táhcita Mizael, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, and coeditor of Debates on Feminism and Behavior Analysis--Táhcita Mizael, PhD
"A thoroughly written text that invites readers toward a more complete understanding of RFT and its application. The written information provided in this text is supplemented with infographics throughout which serve to create accessibility to the information for those just learning about RFT, and expansion of knowledge for those more familiar with the topic. The authors have powerfully set the occasion for readers not only to read, but also experience RFT."
--Nasiah Cirincione-Ulezi, EdD, BCBA, academic faculty director at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Capella University--Nasiah Cirincione-Ulezi, EdD, BCBA
"An important book and a must-read for those wanting to learn to 'see' language. You'll follow its journey at theoretical, developmental, technical, and applied levels. If you have ever wanted to learn why it is that speaking a value can transform a life, sometimes in an instant, this is the book. A thorough text that would suit students, teachers, and professionals. I hope it becomes a text for every language and behavior syllabus."
--Louise Hayes, PhD, author of What Makes You Stronger and Your Life Your Way; developer of DNA-V; clinical psychologist; and adjunct senior research fellow at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia--Louise Hayes, PhD
"Not only does this book explore the foundations of RFT that are relevant for those involved in applied behavior analysis (ABA) practice, but it explores and applies RFT to some of the most pressing priorities of our time like diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Desperately needed is a book that explains how scaled-up, cultural-level interventions can affect the future, with a focus on contextual analyses of language and cognition."
--Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, coeditor of Derived Relational Responding and Applied Behavior Analyses of Language and Cognition, and fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science--Ruth Anne Rehfeldt
"This is a comprehensive and updated introduction to RFT, especially suitable for a reader who has a basic understanding of behavior analysis. In addition to this, it is also the first whole-book treatment on RFT which gives the concept of 'hierarchical framing' its proper place in understanding human behavior. It also shows how many commonsense phenomena--like cooperation, compassion, self-compassion, and curiosity--can be conceptualized from an RFT perspective. Excellent!"
--Niklas Törneke, MD, author of Learning RFT and Metaphor in Practice--Niklas Törneke, MD
"This is the book I have been waiting for--one that bridges the basic science of RFT from functional analysis to social justice, all in plain language. Practice implications, exercises, and personal disclosure on the part of the authors deconstruct complex ideas into felt functions that graduate students or advanced practitioners alike will benefit from. I look forward to the opportunity to adopt this text for graduate courses in behavior therapy."
--Matthew D. Skinta, PhD, ABPP, assistant professor of psychology at Roosevelt University, and author of Contextual Behavior Therapy for Sexual and Gender Minority Clients--Matthew D. Skinta, PhD, ABPP
"Writing about the functional vision is a challenge because, as any behavior, the act of understanding is brought to the present according to the individual history of interlocking contingencies. It is an act into a whole context, influenced by it and influencing it. Analyzing the complex functions, mostly in verbal humans, is a difficult endeavor. This book connects the dots in a creative, comprehensive, and didactic way. A present to learn and enjoy."
--Carmen Luciano, PhD, professor of psychology and chair of the master's program at University Almeria, and director of specialized training at the Madrid Institute of Contextual Psychology (MICPSY) --Carmen Luciano, PhD
