A FAP intervention: FAP Goodbye Ritual / Meaningful Termination for noticing clinically relevant behavior in the live therapeutic relationship and shaping more open, flexible and effective interpersonal behavior.
Step-by-step guide
- Hold the client's outside-life pattern in mind while attending to the present interaction.
- Notice the in-session behavior and ask what function it serves right now.
- Respond genuinely and with care, without turning the moment into a lecture.
- Reinforce any small CRB2 shift immediately and specifically.
- Link the in-session shift to one relationship outside therapy.
When to use
- When an interpersonal pattern appears in the room.
- When the client understands the issue intellectually but repeats it relationally.
- When the therapeutic relationship can safely become the change context.
Key phrases
What is happening between us right now?
Follow-up questions
I want to respond to what just happened, because it seems important.
If you can do this here, where else might it matter?
Alternative phrasings
Let us use FAP Goodbye Ritual / Meaningful Termination to make this pattern more workable.
What would be a small, reviewable step before next session?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not use authenticity to meet the therapist's own needs.
- ⚠️ Do not confront without enough safety and warmth.
- ⚠️ Do not confuse the form of behavior with its interpersonal function.
Source: Tsai et al. 2016; PubMed 27869469
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.