Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (2-Day Intensive)

Course Overview

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave psychological intervention that blends acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change techniques to increase psychological flexibility. The aim of ACT is to maximize human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life and to help individuals progress toward vitality and well-being through mindful values-based living, regardless of internal cognitive and emotional states.

In this 2-day Intensive, in addition to learning the fundamentals of ACT, participants will also gain a deeper understanding of the clinical principles that make ACT so effective.  Students will learn enhanced ways to make ACT sessions experiential and to help clients develop organic and personal understanding of the Hexaflex.  Clinicians will learn common stuck points in ACT and solutions. This seminar encourages a journey of moving from apprentice to master, mastering a deeper understanding and application of ACT.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Define and describe the (6) Core Pathologies of cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, dominance of conceptualized past and fear future, absent or confused values, inactivity/impulsivity, and attachment to conceptualized self.
2. Define and describe the (6) Core Therapeutic Processes to assist clients to enhance psychological flexibility: Cognitive Defusion, Acceptance and Willingness, Present Moment, Values Clarification, Commitment to Valued Action.
3. Identify and learn the aspects of functional contextualism relational frame theory as they relate to the development and process of ACT.
4. Identify and practices strategies for utilized applied behavioral analysis in session and its relevancy in selecting ACT interventions for treatment.
5. Identify and learn the core concept of “psychological flexibility” and the conditions that foster it in session.
6. Identify and learn how psychological inflexibility can contribute to unworkable behavior, including self-harm and substance use.
7. Identify and learn how ACT core concepts can be adapted for work with youth and families.
8. Identify and learn common stuck points within ACT therapy and practice tools for moving through them.
9. Apply ACT concepts and strategies to case conceptualization and treatment planning.
10. Identify and learn tools for safe, therapeutic self-disclosures and the development of ACT-consistent metaphors.