 The active arena where change processes are targeted and occur in CBASP psychotherapy involves the current interpersonal milieu within which the patient functions.In-session focus exercises in an atmosphere of "felt safety" help patients confront the feared stimuli and modify the Pavlovian fear driving the refractory emotional state.Learning appropriate non-avoidant ways to deal with the fear stimuli also decreases Skinnerian avoidance behavior and prepares the way for mood change.