We are currently investigating the efficacy and mechanisms of change of an Acceptance Based Behavioral Exposure Therapy (ABBET) for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Our study involves randomizing participants to receive 16 sessions of either ABBET or CBT.
ABBET is a combination of two established therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT: Hope, Heimberg, Juster, & Turk, 2000) and Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy (ABBT: Roemer & Orsillo, 2009).
The CBT arm of our trial is based on the Hope, Heimberg, Juster, and Turk (2000) protocol.
CBT and ABBT have many overlapping features including psychoeducation about anxiety and assignment of between session activities.
They will both involve in-session and between session exposure exercises. CBT will also involve cognitive restructuring exercises, whereas ABBT will involve training in acceptance and mindfulness-based principles.
If you are interested in learning more email us at hayesresearch@umb.edu
We are investigating potential avenues of how individuals develop trusting relationships with therapists using an online, vignette design.
Our team is in the process of developing a prevention program for perinatal anxiety based on acceptance and mindfulness based behavioral principles.