Getting Started

New to ACBS? Welcome aboard!

This page will give you some suggestions for using this website and the wonderful world of contextual behavioral science more generally.

What is ACBS?

Founded in 2005, the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) is a professional society dedicated to the advancement of functional contextual cognitive and behavioral science and practice, with the goals of alleviating human suffering and advancing human well-being. For more information about ACBS, click here.

Here is an introduction to contextual behavioral science, the philosophy that underlies our approach to psychological science and practice.

We recognize that you may have many interests you share in common with other ACBS members. We've found that if you join email listservs and special interests groups that reflect your passions, you are about five times more likely to remain an ACBS member! That makes perfect sense, doesn't it? We are social beings, after all. So, before you do anything else, please consider joining the main ACT for Professionals email listserv. Receive the listserv posts for a while to see how it works, and then ask your questions on the listserv. They will be answered! Then decide...

Are you interested in the basic psychological science underlying contextual behavioral science?

In that case you might want to read about Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and you should consider joining the RFT email listserv.

If you want to further your learning, we have compiled several RFT resources for novice and expert alike.

Are you interested in the application of that science to important domains such as psychotherapy and other forms of psychosocial intervention?

In that case you might want to start reading up on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

You can find further resources for learning about ACT.

Try accessing our resources for practitioners.

You should consider joining the ACT for Professionals email listserv.

If you find yourself particularly drawn to ACT and wish to share your excitement with others, maybe you would like to start training?

Do you want to review the research done on ACT, RFT, and CBS?

A good way to do that is to peruse the official journal of ACBS, the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. ACBS members can read all JCBS articles for free.

Additionally, you can search our repository of publications and research resources.

Finally, perhaps most valuable of all, take advantage of the networking ACBS offers!

Remember: you are a social being! Whatever you’re interested in or wherever you live, don't stop until you find others inside ACBS who live nearby or are interested in the same thing. ACBS is home to more than 60 Chapters and Affiliates around the world. We have specific Special Interest Groups that help connect people with similar passions, from climate change to diversity, equity, and inclusion; from evolutionary science to spirituality; from autism to pain management. Check out the calendar of Chapter, Affiliate, and SIG events. ACBS members are cooperating to make a difference. 

The ACBS community wants to hear your voice.

Hopefully this introductory guide has been helpful. If you’d like any further information on any of the above then please feel free to contact us.