Examining the ACT Model in the Case Study of Taro

Abstract

ACT is a functional contextual form of behavioral and cognitive therapy. It shares commonalities with other contextualistic approaches such as constructivist or narrative therapies, but it differs in its scientific goals. Because of these differences, it is oriented toward manipulable processes linked to basic principles. In this commentary I describe these characteristics and link them to the target article (Muto & Mitamura, 2015). I discuss how a major value of case studies of this kind is the exploration in an intensive way of the links between a model and treatment decisions, processes of change, and outcomes. This recasts somewhat the use of case studies and time series designs in the empirical investigations of ACT, and provides special opportunities for the examination of cultural factors in the application of an evidence-based model. Finally, I note how ACT may help bring together some of the wings of clinical work in Japan.