The Story of Process-based Behavior Therapy (PBBT®)

Process-based Behavior Therapy (PBBT®) began as a decision taken by the Founders to fully embed clinical practice in scientific theory. PBBT is now Psychology’s first genuinely science-based full-length treatment regime. In PBBT, mental health difficulties are seen as a set of core processes that can be identified and changed in ways that allow Clients’ lives to be genuinely transformed for good.

PBBT is heavily focused on the self, how this has developed, and how it can be transformed. Over 30 years of our research has informed us that when we focus on changing the fundamental meaning of the self, unhelpful behaviours will inevitably change too.

More and more Practitioners all over the world are turning to PBBT to acquire transformational skills which they can use with all Clients, rather than using an eclectic toolkit. Our Practitioners tell us that PBBT has finally given them confidence in working with their clients; they now know what to do and why they’re doing it; and they are seeing their clients’ lives significantly improve as a result. 

Across time, PBBT became a community and that community needed a home. And that home is the PBBT Institute.

 

What is Process-Based Behavior Therapy (PBBT)?

Co-founder Dr. Yvonne Barnes-Holmes speaks about what PBBT can offer practitioners

How PBBT® was developed?

Process-based Behavior Therapy (PBBT®) is a scientifically-based psychotherapy. PBBT works by fundamentally changing the relationship we have with ourselves and redirecting our behavior toward a more meaningful life. The therapy was developed by the founders of the PBBT Institute, Dr. Yvonne Barnes-Holmes and Dr. Ciara McEnteggart, after years of research on human behavior and practice in clinical psychology.

As academics, we worked for many years on trying to advance the basic scientific theory of human behavior in order to connect it to psychotherapy and mental health problems. Our scientific discoveries led us to understand the core elements of mental health and enabled us to build a science-based programme of psychotherapy, called PBBT. It could be argued that a psychotherapy built directly from scientific principles is the first of its kind in the field of clinical psychology.

We meet mental health professionals from all contexts who are deeply dissatisfied with existing psychotherapies and the client outcomes these produce. And research suggests that poor clinical outcomes are directly associated with increased levels of burnout and risk of leaving the profession. PBBT offers mental health professionals the tools to increase their clinical precision in order to achieve significantly better client outcomes, increased self-efficacy in their practice, and reduced levels of burnout.

The PBBT Institute is the only place worldwide where you can learn PBBT directly from its developers. We have provided over 10,000 hours of training in PBBT to >800 mental health professionals across 39 countries globally from a variety of healthcare settings.

One Model, Infinite Possibilities

 

Transforming Mental Health Care

At the PBBT Institute, we believe in a dynamic approach to mental health that goes beyond traditional diagnoses. Our innovative model focuses on understanding the core processes driving psychological challenges, enabling practitioners to deliver tailored, effective treatments for every individual.

A Universal Model for All Clients

PBBT offers a step-by-step framework that empowers therapists to assess, intervene, and adapt with precision. Whether working with simple or complex cases, our model ensures that practitioners have the tools to guide clients through meaningful and lasting change.

Training for the Future

By joining the PBBT Institute, practitioners gain access to cutting-edge knowledge and practical training designed to improve outcomes, reduce burnout, and build confidence. Equip yourself with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern care.

PBBT Training