ABOUT THE GROUP:
More than a decade of empirical studies have shown ACT-informed exposure to be as effective as traditional exposure—and to be more consistent with emerging data on how exposure works (Landy et al., 2015). Because of its focus on function over form and psychological flexibility over symptom reduction, ACT-informed exposure can be tricky for clinicians new to ACT to learn and implement. Based on our book, ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety: Creating Effective, Innovative, and Values-Based Exposures Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Thompson, Pilecki, & Chan, 2023), this 5-class course is structured to help therapists work through chapters in the book and build their own ACT-informed exposure practice that is adapted to their style and the clients with whom they work. Below is an overview of the course.
Meeting 1: (March 18) An introduction to ACT-informed exposure (Ch 1-3)
Meeting 2: (April 1) Orienting clients to ACT-informed exposure (Ch 4-5)
Meeting 3: (April 15) ACT processes in exposure: How and what to track (Ch 6, 8)
Meeting 4: (April 29) Trouble-shooting common difficulties with ACT-informed exposure and cultural adaptations (Ch 10-11)
Meeting 5: (May 13) Summary and wrap-up
Meetings will involve didactic elements, modeling, experiential learning, and case examples while allowing time for discussion. We recommend reading the relevant book chapters in preparation for each meeting. Between meetings, attendees are invited to develop their own materials for their practice and submit those materials to the presenters for personalized feedback. We will also take your questions at the first class to tailor the program to attendee needs. We hope to answer all attendee questions about ACT-informed exposure during the course. Enrollment will be limited due to the highly interactive nature of the training.
**CEs will be offered for this workshop. Each group meeting will be worth 1.5 CE credits for a total of 7.5 possible CEs. CEs will only be given for live meetings attended.
ACTUAL WORKSHOP TIME: Five 90 minute meetings on Mondays from 12-1:30pm. Dates are: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, 2024
AUDIENCE
Therapists with some understanding of exposure who would like to bring more ACT into what they do. This may include therapists who are experienced in traditional exposure who would like to bring more of an ACT focus. For clinicians who work with child/adolescents, this workshop will mainly focus on working with adult clients.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL
People with some grasp of ACT and a basic understanding of exposure who want to develop an ACT-informed exposure practice. May also include therapists experienced in traditional exposure who want to bring ACT into their work.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Class 1
- Explain current research on ACT-informed exposure
- Describe what is unique about ACT-informed exposure compared to traditional exposure focused on habituation
Class 2
- Explain ACT-informed exposure to clients by using clear and concise language and providing relevant examples
- Create an ACT-consistent rationale for exposure
Class 3
- Identify processes and client experiences to track during exposure
- Create worksheets to guide their ACT-informed exposure practice
Class 4
- Troubleshoot common difficulties implementing ACT-informed exposure
- Address potential concerns or questions raise by the client about ACT-informed exposure
Class 5
- Address common client barriers to ACT-informed exposure
- Plan next steps to further apply their learning of ACT-informed exposure in their clinical practice beyond the scope of this workshop
SCHOLARSHIPS
We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority to those who would add diverse and underrepresented voices to our field. To submit an application, please click here.
CE CREDITS
Portland Psychology Clinic, Research & Training Center is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Portland Psychotherapy, Clinic, Research & Training Center maintains responsibility for all programs and content.
Each group meeting will be worth 1.5 CE credit for a total of 7.5 possible CEs. CEs will only be given for live meetings attended.
Refund/cancellation policy:
We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made more than one week before the training event. For cancellations within one week of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. No refunds will be given after the first meeting.
Special Accommodations :
Please contact us if you need accommodations to enable you to fully participate in the workshop. We will work with you and do our best to find a way to ensure your participation.
INSTRUCTORS:
Brian Thompson, PhD: Dr. Brian Thompson is a licensed psychologist and director for the anxiety clinic at Portland Psychotherapy. Brian completed his doctorate at the University of Montana, his pre-doctoral internship at the Portland VA Medical Center, and a post-doctoral fellowship focused on acceptance and commitment therapy under the supervision of Jason Luoma, PhD, (e.g., Learning ACT) and Jenna Lejeune, PhD, (e.g., Values in Therapy). Passionate about evidence-based treatment, he specializes in working with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRD). In addition to working full-time as a clinician, Brian has published in peer-reviewed journals on Third Wave approaches to anxiety and OCRD, organized and contributed to professional trainings (e.g., workshops, symposia, panel discussion) on related topics, and offers consultation to professionals on integrating ACT and newer models of exposure in clinical work. He has held leadership positions, most recently as Past-President for the Oregon Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and he was a consultant and therapist for a telehealth program focused on health anxiety through Regence.
Brian Pilecki, PhD: Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at the Portland Psychotherapy Clinic that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. Brian completed his doctorate at Fordham University in Bronx, NY and completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Weill-Cornell Medical center at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Brian also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy. Brian has also held numerous leadership positions, including his current service as a committee chairperson for the Association for Contextual and Behavioral Science. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in his specialty areas.