Interventional screening and functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP): experience report in a psychology school clinic/service

Abstract

The article aims to report the experience of the Interventional Screening process with the focus of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), developed in a Psychology School Clinic/Service. The Interventional Screening sought to welcome users registered on the waiting list of the Applied Psychology Center. The process lasted four months, and the screening protocol of the Psychology School Clinic/Service and the FAP case conceptualization model were used as data collection instruments. In total, twenty-five users were served, eighteen female and six male, with an age range of 6 to 65 years. Among the main complaints identified were anxiety and suicidal ideation, followed by problems related to family issues. Regarding clinically relevant behaviors, the most frequent problem presented by clients/participants was difficulty in accessing and describing feelings. When progress was made, it was possible to identify a significant decrease in the incidence of excessive talk and sharing of intimate matters. A decrease in behaviors that had the function of avoiding subjects. Problem behaviors were also identified and targeted by therapists, highlighting the role of supervision in identifying strengths and weaknesses. Regarding suggestions for referrals and psychotherapeutic plans, more severe cases were referred to specialized mental health care services and individual psychotherapy, in addition to interventions in women's groups, social skills and parenting. The experience allowed us to identify the feasibility of carrying out IT from the perspective of FAP, in addition to contributing to the formative aspects of psychology students.