Book now: https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/live-training/act-for-adolescents-2027/
Explore innovative and engaging ways to work with adolescents and young people in therapy by using ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). This workshop introduces adaptions to ACT principles for young people (12-24) through the DNA-V framework — a developmental approach designed to meet their unique needs and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Blending theory with hands-on practice, participants will gain tools to help teenagers and young clients navigate the challenges of self-identity, emotions, relationships, and values.
Whether you’re new to ACT or building on existing skills, the focus is on what actually works in the room, giving you tools you can use straight away.
Background to the workshop
Adolescence is a period of rapid change, often marked by self-doubt, emotional intensity, and shifting relationships. Many young people respond to this by avoiding difficult thoughts and feelings, which can increase distress over time.
Clinicians working with this group often need approaches that are not only evidence-based, but also engaging, flexible, and developmentally appropriate.
ACT offers a strong foundation for building psychological flexibility, and the DNA-V model (Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor, Values) helps translate these processes into forms that resonate with young people. Together, they provide a clear, practical framework for supporting adolescents to move towards what matters.
What you will gain from this workshop
- A clear, practical understanding of the DNA-V model and how to use it within ACT when working with young people
- Practical tools to engage adolescents in values-based living, driving motivation in ways that resonate with their experiences.
- Simple, effective ways to introduce values so they feel relevant, not abstract or forced.
- Techniques for using metaphor and experiential exercises to help young people understand and address their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
- Strategies for helping adolescents develop a more flexible and compassionate relationship with self-criticism and painful self-stories.
- Ideas for guiding young people in navigating the complexities of social relationships and building meaningful, balanced connections.
- Insights and techniques to integrate these tools into your practice, including guidance on applying ACT and DNA-V to specific challenges such as anxiety, self-esteem, and social difficulties.
About this workshop
This highly practical and interactive workshop introduces theory in digestible segments, followed by opportunities to see it in action through live demonstrations. You’ll engage in experiential activities designed to give you confidence using ACT and DNA-V techniques with your young clients. With small group discussions, role-plays, and reflective exercises, this workshop equips you with skills you can immediately apply in practice. Additionally, participants will learn ways to adapt the Portland Peer Supervision model to refine and build on their ACT and DNA-V applications post-workshop.
About the speakers
This workshop is led by two highly experienced clinicians and trainers who specialise in applying ACT with young people.
Duncan Gillard is an HCPC-registered Senior Educational Psychologist and an experienced ACT and DNA-V practitioner and trainer. He is the author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Dummies and The Science of Children’s Wellbeing, and has published a number of peer-reviewed papers in ACT and contextual behavioural science. Duncan is also Lead Psychologist for an inclusion team working with young people at risk of school exclusion and those struggling with school avoidance.
Freddy Jackson Brown is an HCPC-registered Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families in the NHS. He has published widely, including peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and books on ACT, and brings particular expertise in child development, communication, behaviour, and working with systems around the young person.
Together, they bring a strong combination of clinical experience, research, and real-world application, with a focus on what actually works when using ACT and DNA-V with young people.
Who will benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is for psychologists, counsellors, social workers, teachers, and other professionals working with young people aged 12–24.
It’s suitable for those new to ACT as well as those with some experience who want more practical ways to apply it with adolescents. No prior knowledge of DNA-V is needed.
https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/live-training/act-for-adolescents-2027/