Training

Training

Visit the Training section for additional resources.

See the webpage Resources for Learning More About ACT for a comprehensive list of resources.

ACBS staff

Peer Consultation

Peer Consultation

Another great way to create resources and support is to form a Peer Consultation Group.

They are not hard to form. Just click here for advice on how to do so and for a list of peer consultation groups.

Several ACBS Chapters and Affiliates have peer consultation groups.

Read the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science article Creating a peer-led acceptance and commitment therapy consultation group: The Portland model (JCBS, Volume 4, Issue 3, July 2015)

Steven Hayes

Training DVDs

Training DVDs
  • Introduction to ACT, Steven C. Hayes: Psychotherapy Networker Audio Home Study Course A318
    This is a six hour, clinician-friendly audio course on ACT. You can get it as a CD. Good introduction to the model. A bit pricey and the audio is not always great during questions, but you get CEUs.
  • Hayes, S. C. (Ed.). (2007). ACT in Action DVD series. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
    A set of six DVDs on the following topics: Facing the struggle; Control and acceptance; Cognitive defusion; Mindfulness, self, and contact with the present moment; Values and action; and Psychological flexibility. The tapes include several ACT therapists from around the world in addition to Steve, including Ann Bailey-Ciarrochi, JoAnne Dahl, Rainer Sonntag, Kirk Strosahl, Robyn Walser, Rikard Wicksell, and Kelly Wilson. As the marketing folks say: you've read the books, now see the movies.
  • A 100 minute video published by the APA of Steven Hayes conducting ACT with an actual client. Shows several aspects of the model in a single session, including some that are characteristic and distinct from other approaches. Good for training.
  • A 90 minute ACT tape from the 2000 World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy is available from ABCT. It shows Steve Hayes working with a client (role-played by a graduate student—Steve did not, however, meet the “client” or know their “problem” before the role playing started so it appears relatively realistic). Some sound problems but good for training.
  • ABCT has a taped interview with Steve Hayes about the development of ACT and RFT as part of their “Archives” series. Steve thinks this means he is old.
  • Eifert, G. (2004). Tutorial: Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Disorders (DVD).
    The Association for Behavior Analysis has a one hour DVD of a short talk by Georg Eifert on ACT for Anxiety Disorders. It doesn’t really show you at all how to do ACT, but does give a nice introduction to how ACT can be used for Anxiety.
  • Barnes-Holmes, D. (2006). Tutorial: Relational Frame Theory (DVD).
    This is a DVD of a tutorial given by Dermot Barnes-Holmes at the Association for Behavior Analysis conference. The presentation focuses on the main concepts of RFT and how they are currently being used to develop conceptual and empirical analyses of areas such as symbolic meaning, analogical reasoning, rule-governance, and implicit attitudes.
  • Roche, B. (2006). Tutorial: Making the World A Better Place...Context by Context and Frame by Frame (DVD).
    This is a DVD of a tutorial given by Bryan Roche at the Association for Behavior Analysis conference. The tutorial includes an outline of RFT and functional contextualism as well as a discussion of the application of RFT to a range of social issues.
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Materials for Presenting ACT and Teaching Resources

Materials for Presenting ACT and Teaching Resources Community

Materials for Presenting ACT

Materials for Presenting ACT

This is the old parent page (<2011) for presentations (e.g., Powerpoint Slides), individual slides or figures, handouts, or related materials for sharing ACT with others.  

Back to the new page (>2011) titled Teaching Resources.

Joel Guarna

ACT 2-day Training

ACT 2-day Training

Presented by Steve Hayes in Boston.

 

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ACT Colloquium

ACT Colloquium
Colloquium presented by Steve Hayes in 2005. Includes Ann Branstetter's data on psychological adjustment among cancer patients.
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ACT Gone Wild

ACT Gone Wild
The Togus, VA Intensive Outpatient Program's approach to ACT in groups is presented. It reviews a bit of the old four-week ACT program and then presents the new one-week program. Values work runs throughout the program. Diffusion from struggling with suffering moves across four themes. It also includes some short videos of Dr. Polk's colleagues, Dr.s Agee and Hambright, presenting a bit of the program. Presented by Kevin Polk, Ph.D. at SI-3; Houston, TX, USA; July 2007
Kevin Polk

ACT Oceania II - The History of ACT and RFT

ACT Oceania II - The History of ACT and RFT
Powerpoint presentation on history of ACT and RFT presented by Rob Zettle at Christchurch, NZ.
Rob Zettle

ACT Oceania II--ACT with Depression

ACT Oceania II--ACT with Depression
Powerpoint on ACT with Depression workshop presented by Rob Zettle at Christchurch, NZ.
Rob Zettle

ACT State of the Evidence (2008)

ACT State of the Evidence (2008)

Originally presented by Steve Hayes at ACT SI 2; Philadelphia, PA, USA 2005. Updated July 2008.

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ACT for Anxiety- Kenneth Cole

ACT for Anxiety- Kenneth Cole
Presented by Kenneth Cole, PhD, of the VA Long Beach Health Care System in April 2007
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ACT for Anxiety-Gary Powell

ACT for Anxiety-Gary Powell
Presented by Gary Powell, Trinity School Staff Twilight Talks Session, 6 February 2006
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ACT for Chronic Pain

ACT for Chronic Pain
Presented by Laura Meyers, PhD, Minneapolis VAMC
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ACT for Male Sexual Problems

ACT for Male Sexual Problems
This page includes a power point presentation by Russ Harris on ACT for Male Sexual Problems, from the 2nd World Conference in 2006.
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ACT for PTSD

ACT for PTSD
Two powerpoint presentations to psychology interns in Spring 2006 by Kevan McCutcheon, PhD, Center for Stress Recovery, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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ACT materials - Dr Kingsley Mudd

ACT materials - Dr Kingsley Mudd

Some useful client education tools and handouts from my ACT presentations.

Cheers

Dr Kingsley Mudd MBBS BMedSci FRACGP

Townsville, Qld, Australia

Email - kjkmudd@bigpond.net.au

kjkmudd

ACT with Couples

ACT with Couples

This is a presentation called:

The Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Couples in Distress

Presented by Casey Capps and Ragnar Storaasli

May 30th, 2006
ABA Atlanta

Powerpoint presentation attached below.

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ACT with Depression

ACT with Depression
PowerPoint presented by Rob Zettle of Wichita State University at ACT SI-3; Houston, Texas, USA; July 2007.
Rob Zettle

ACT with Parents and Families

ACT with Parents and Families
Presented by J.T. Blackledge, Ph.D. on enhancing parent training with ACT.
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ACT:Model and Application

ACT:Model and Application
Presented by Steve Hayes at NIMH in 2005. Includes overview of ACT processes and outcome data.
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Anxiety and Forgiveness

Anxiety and Forgiveness

The two attachments below are to introductory ACT-based presentations on Forgiveness and Anxiety that I gave to staff and students at the UK school where I work.

Please feel free to use/amend/distribute them for non-commercial purposes. Thanks to the ACT artists and conceptualisers of the illustrations used therein.

Downloadable files below.

Gary

Gary Powell

ContextaFlex: Connecting FC, RFT and the Hexaflex

ContextaFlex: Connecting FC, RFT and the Hexaflex

A PowerPoint presentation to show beginners the importance of the underlying philosophy (functional contextualism) and theory (RFT) behind the practice of ACT. 

Presented by: Jerold Hambright, Ph.D., Kevin Polk, Ph.D., John Agee, Ph.D. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Togus, Maine, USA

Kevin Polk

Drugs and Alcohol Action Teams ACT 2 day training course

Drugs and Alcohol Action Teams ACT 2 day training course

Powerpoint from 2 day training courses I have run for Drugs and Alcohol Action Teams (DAATS). The course is usually run after a two day CBT training.

 

AIMS OF INTRODUCTION TO ACT TWO DAY WORKSHOP

In this workshop, you will learn:

The position of ACT in relation to other cognitive behavioural therapies
The six core principles of ACT, and how to adapt them to different clinical populations
Become aware of tools to develop and strengthen psychological acceptance
Become aware of ways to rapidly reduce the believability of negative thoughts (without challenging them)
Develop an understanding of mindfulness, and how to use ACT therapeutically
How to innovate your own mindfulness techniques
How to utilise ACT in a variety of clinical problems
How to use interventions based on metaphor, paradox and experiential exercises
How to apply ACT in your own life, to create a sense of vitality, meaning and fulfilment
How to use ACT to help you cope with the stresses of difficult clients
How to access and experience a transcendent sense of self
How to fundamentally change your relationship with unwanted thoughts and feelings
How to help clients connect with their core values, and take committed action

Teaching methods will be a mixture of didactic and experiential learning. Handouts for future use will be provided.


COURSE TUTOR
Nadim I. Siddiqui
Associate Fellow British Psychological Society, BA (Hons) Psychology, MSc (Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy), Cert. REBT, Cert. Stress Man., Dip. Couns., EMDR level 2. Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner
 

NadimACT

From Mechanism to Functionalism - or: What is Avoided in Emotional Avoidance?

From Mechanism to Functionalism - or: What is Avoided in Emotional Avoidance?
PowerPoint presented by Rainer Sonntag of Olpe, Germany at WorldCon II; London, England; July 2006
Rainer

Handouts from Introductory and Advanced ACT Workshops by Russ Harris

Handouts from Introductory and Advanced ACT Workshops by Russ Harris

Russ Harris (from Australia) responded to a query about handouts that could be shared with the ACT community by volunteering a couple handouts that he uses in his workshops (see below). After looking at them, I find them to be a very valuable and practical aid for ACT therapists. If you want to talk to him about them, his contact info is described in the handouts.

Update by Russ Harris on April 22, 2008:

Thanks for posting my worksheets up, Jason. I regularly update them, and I'll send some them to you as I do so. Just a note: the extracts from 'The Happiness Trap' in these handouts are from the Australian version. It has been significantly rewritten for the USA version. If you don't already know about it, 'The Happiness Trap' is unique amongst ACT books in that it is the only one that has been written for EVERYONE - therapists, coaches, housewives and astronauts, regardless of whether or not they have ‘mental health issues’ - which also explains ACT in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, without any technical language, or a battery of worksheets and inventories. You can find out more at http://www.thehappinesstrap.com. It is increasingly used as a resource by both therapists and coaches - not only to use with their clients, but also as a way of learning the theory and techniques of ACT in a simple, clear and entertaining manner. (And its ultra-low cost also helps: only $10.50 via www.amazon.com)

Jason Luoma

Intro to ACT by Guarna and Kubik, Portland, ME June 5, 2009

Intro to ACT by Guarna and Kubik, Portland, ME June 5, 2009
Powerpoint from full-day workshop in Portland, Maine, 6/5/09.
Joel Guarna

Intro to ACT, 2/04/11, Maine Medical Center, Portland -- by Joel Guarna

Intro to ACT, 2/04/11, Maine Medical Center, Portland -- by Joel Guarna

My powerpoint presentation for this workshop can be found in my blog at this page.  You will need to be logged-in to see and download the attachments. If you need it sent to you directly, please email me at joel@whitepinepsych.com

Joel Guarna

Intro to ACT_Portland, Maine_Guarna_&_Kubik

Intro to ACT_Portland, Maine_Guarna_&_Kubik
Full day training on 6/20/08 by Joel Guarna and Elizabeth Kubik.
Joel Guarna

Introduction to ACT by Joel Guarna, Dover, NH: 3/21/09

Introduction to ACT by Joel Guarna, Dover, NH: 3/21/09
Powerpoint attached (must be member & logged-in).
Joel Guarna

Introduction to ACT- Charles Morse

Introduction to ACT- Charles Morse
Presented by: Charles Morse, MA, LMHC, Director of WPI Student Development & Counseling
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Introduction to ACT-Julian McNally

Introduction to ACT-Julian McNally
The PowerPoint is an abbreviated form of Steve Hayes' presentation on the Hexaflex. The only original material is in the speaker's notes (under the slides and in the attached Word document) and I think the 'Chocolate' slide is original. Julian McNally
Julian McNally

Introduction to ACT_Boston Consortium_ 2005_Joel Guarna

Introduction to ACT_Boston Consortium_ 2005_Joel Guarna
Intro to ACT Presentation to the Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology, March 2005, by Joel Guarna and Steve Quinn (staff psychologists at the VA Boston).
Joel Guarna

Introduction to the Hexaflex

Introduction to the Hexaflex
This power point created by Steve Hayes outlines the various features of the hexaflex model.
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Trans-Diagnostic Approach to Problems in Living

Trans-Diagnostic Approach to Problems in Living
Presented by Kelly Wilson at Boystown.
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What is This Thing Called ACT

What is This Thing Called ACT

A Presentation at the University of Maryland (College Park) Counseling Center

10/26/2011

Ron Kimball, PhD, CGP, FACFE

rkthera

What is this Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

What is this Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Presented in Australia by Mary Sawyer.
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Tips on how to add content to this section

Tips on how to add content to this section
------------------------------------------------------- Suggestions on adding to the ACT Presentation Materials section: (a) For the sake of keeping this organized, I would recommend using the option for "add child page" to this main page instead of adding as comment/reply. Child pages are listed in a nice list that is easy to read and access. Comments can get quite chaotic. Also, the "add child page" format allows others to make comments and give feedback that will stick to the appropriate page/presentation instead of getting jumbled to the point where you will not know which comments refer to which postings. (b) Then, give your new page a short, descriptive title (e.g., "General ACT Talk, Boston 2005"). (c) Write whatever description/comments/requests for feedback that you want directly on the new child page. (d) You can then either: (i) Provide a link to the location where the presentation/materials are located (on or off site) or (ii) Attach the actual presentation/materials at bottom (if you do this, be sure to mention "materials attached at bottom" as attachments are easy to miss with the format here). Personally, I would encourage folks to do (ii) for ease of downloading. (e) Another option: Link from here to material in your blog. Even if you opt to leave your posted presentations in your personal blog, perhaps you could add a child page here, inform members you have stuff in your blog, and then link to it by adding the URL to your child page. For example, if Steve wanted to link us to presentations in his blog, he would (a) add a child page, (b) title it "Steve's Presentations," (c) Write: Hey gang, I have some presentations you can use in my blog. You can find them at... on the page, and then (d) provide the link on the next line: "http://www.contextualscience.org/en/blog/steven_hayes" -------------------------------------------------------
Joel Guarna

Teaching Resources

Teaching Resources

Please feel free to post any materials (powerpoints, handouts, reading lists, etc) you use to teach your courses including (and beyond) material relevant to:

  • ACT
  • RFT
  • Behaviorism
  • Behavior analysis
  • Functional contextualism
  • History of psychology/clinical psychology, etc
  • Philosophy of science
  • Third wave
  • CBT
  • Mindfulness
  • Anything else of interest that has shaped you and you share with your students
Jen Plumb

Abnormal Psychology Text Recommendation

Abnormal Psychology Text Recommendation

Ronald Comer's Abnormal book has a nice section on ACT.

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David Gillanders: Intros to both ACT and RFT

David Gillanders: Intros to both ACT and RFT

This page includes two powerpoints: An introduction to ACT and and introduction to RFT. 

David Gillanders

John Forsyth: ACT class Syllabus

John Forsyth: ACT class Syllabus

The Spring 2011 syllabus is below. 

John P. Forsyth

Miscellaneous Presentations

Miscellaneous Presentations


Materials for presenting ACT (various presenters).

      

.

Joel Guarna

What is the Cost of Training in ACT?

What is the Cost of Training in ACT?

Because my name is associated with ACT as its instigator and co-developer I often get emails containing questions like this:

I am putting together a "toolkit" for community members in my area so that they know what kind of evidence-based programs are out there. 
What is the cost for participants in the program to learn ACT? What is the cost of the training program for the facilitators? 

 

My answer usually looks something like this:

ACT is a vast area and is run in a communitarian way. It is not a specific program -- it is an evidence-based model with specific methods of application that range from teacher burnout to psychotherapy; from Olympic sport to business; from self-help in Africa (e.g., the World Health Organization's "Self-Help Plus" program, which is ACT) to peer support for the chronically mentally ill.
 
We have foresworn therapist certification ... there are myriad training methods / programs. It is not centralized.
 

If you were diligent you could become competent in ACT in most of the existing ways it is specifically applied just by joining ACBS (contextualscience.org) and systematically availing yourself of the resources there -- hundreds of protocols, tapes, videos, tools etc arraying in a vast "Wiki-stype" site ...  especially if you then reached out to local ACBS members and plugging into local meetings and peer supervision groups

The cost to join ACBS is low. We have "values-based dues" meaning we ask people to pay what they think it is worth, based on their ability to pay. There is a $15 minimum (as of 2023) -- and a chunk of that goes to Elsevier for the association journal -- but that minimum itself can be waived if you are too poor to pay it.

Conversely if you want to access paid workshops (etc) they are plentiful and range in price in the usual way. Our annual conventions almost have myriad workshops for free after the initial convention registration, and the price is what is typical for conferences that also include a free lunch.

Bottom line: we live a bit outside of the box your question envisions for us.

ACT is not yet another evidence-based psychotherapy with an certification program run by founders that will anoint you at this or that level provided you pay up. We looked at that that horror show long ago and said "no" to it. Our "peer recognized ACT trainers" are the closest we come to it and they pay $80 for their materials to be reviewed by highly competent peers for free ($80 is less than half our secretarial costs) and the last thing they do if they are ready get over the hump is to sign a values statement agreeing to make their training protocols available for free or low cost; to not make proprietary claims; and to agree never to certify therapists in ACT so as to avoid the usual process of ossification and hierarchy that sets in so that founders can squeeze money out of people.
 
The bottom line: "the program" does not exist. It is up to the community whether it ever will ... I personally hope not. Nor is is there "the training program for the facilitators".
 

There is instead a scientific and professional community focused on a knowledge development and dissemination strategy called "contextual behavioral science." You can learning it all for free if you work hard at it ... and hopefully you can then also contribute your own voice to that development strategy.

- S

Steven C. Hayes

Steven Hayes