Support Materials and Worksheets

This section is for ACBS members to share their support materials and worksheets.

ACBS staff October 27, 2017 - 9:16am

ACT brief handouts for clients

I've put together a few handouts for students at the University of New South Wales, Australia. Whilst they were originally designed with students in mind the content is relevant for older adolescents to adults. Topics include: stress and anxiety, low mood / depression, relationships, mindfulness meditation, healthy lifestyle / choices with awareness, "getting unhooked from difficult thoughts" and writing oneself a letter from the future. They are intended as a brief reminder of workshop material (or session discussions) or to be used as a stand alone summary of skills. Feel free to share as appropriate.

louise shepherd February 9, 2010 - 11:20pm

ACT Change Plan

This form is a way to list values, things that can't change, and things the client is willing to commit to. This is good early in treatment (when the client is coming with the intent to "get rid of" something.

GoMindfully January 26, 2011 - 5:43pm

Decision Canvas

The Decision Canvas guides you in a structured way through a difficult professional or personal decision and makes room for thoughts, feelings, values and commited action during the decision process.

The Canvas may help ask the right questions: What do you want to decide? What are the facts? What does reason say? What do your heart and gut feelings say? And very importantly in ACT: Let your personal values guide you in your decision. They will help you let go of lost options.

As always with canvases: they are just a starting point, an inspiration. Adjust the canvas to suit your needs.

Englisch version: https://miro.com/miroverse/decision-canvas/?social=copy-link
German version: https://miro.com/miroverse/entscheidungs-canvas/?social=copy-link

Downloadable PDFs and instructions see here: https://unstruggle.ch/unstruggle/the-decision-canvas/

peter@unstruggle.ch November 8, 2024 - 9:49am

Defusion Worksheets for Clients

Several members have shared Defusion worksheets to use with clients.

From Amy S. House, Ph.D. - I made up this defusion worksheet and wanted to share. I’m sure there are other similar ones out there but I couldn’t find just what I wanted so I made this. The worksheet walks clients through just a few well-known defusion strategies, with some self-compassionate perspective taking thrown in. I hope the worksheet will be helpful for some of you and your clients.

Amy's Worksheet "Noticing and Working with thoughts" is attached below.

Bartosz Kleszcz has translated Amy's worksheet into Polish. This translated version is also attached below.

Lior Gilad has translated Amy's worksheet into Hebrew. This translated version is also attached below.

Debbie Sorensen, Ph.D. shared - "I have also struggled to find a thought awareness worksheet that was exactly what I wanted before - and have created one myself, too. I'm attaching it here...in case it's helpful to anyone who wants to draw from multiple versions." Debbie's worksheet is attached as both a word and pdf document below.

office_1 November 11, 2021 - 12:12pm

FACE-COVID resource from Russ Harris

YouTube animation of FACE COVID:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmvNCdpHUYM&feature=youtu.be

Illustrated eBook of FACE COVID:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OG58MgC4dR2PxwNhunCoYEaCOHN4TPkq

Infographic version of FACE COVID:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YjGsKTP23PKVP-pSYRbDWvNoSYM47Xg2/view?usp=sharing

Text only English language version of FACE COVID:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q5-WQbw1q7qM9ZU3slUeYx1_3uITGtxn/view?usp=sharing

Spanish version on e (thank you Carlos Irurzun): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GiIq2TGHwsnsZIKz0YqBDt1RSQbw_1gI/view?usp=sharing

Spanish Version two (thanks Enrique Parada): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IC4kKXsi51nZl06VpX6HaSgryPpiZBdT/view?usp=sharing

Italian version (thank you Salvatore Torregrossa):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZoLriWDQDgeApB02k4oyqALyFZ_edolk

Dutch version (thank you John Morawski):
https://drive.google.co m/file/d/1pvZCguyZGob5Dre0Kr3sErDVpV-Q1sn2/view?usp=sharing

French version (thanks Lise Loury)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Lbhc48TLuk2bCv1CpUQqAy_6ov1j6Lf/view?usp=sharing

German Version (th anks Threo Schelp)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UdHLbMBcEcA4GppZ3aIlPILUUQCIjUa2

Vietnamese version (thanks Gia Hoang):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1e0dBe71FZY1CwXCqz2r9940JXdQ9oBOz

Hebrew Version (thanks Lilac Friedman):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hJ5nO2dBOuHa6yB_TGZwYs9JeTOPwBom

Russian Version (thanks Ilya Rozov):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vJFwSE5MhmyqC7pIbYEc8drAnVOAuzPd

Polish Version (thanks Agnieszka Wroczyńska)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RtEDPYUNHMMi8sRRg-jl_6MKAurJUI9j

Swedish Version (thanks Nicklas Lasko ): https://drive.google.com/file/d/17bCyStg7LkJoHaAUKEmjWABYDoOCwiz6/view?usp=sharing

Portuguese Version one (thanks Graça Areias):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1B0N-JEnb7OGaXs7Wd-0vF3oCSrEoplEn

Portuguese Version two (thanks Bruno Carraça and C. Magalhães)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UrFwi4FxNmLuqOHT50Zkp5d9nR5i7lTE

Malay Version (thanks Eugene Koh ):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Azgj-78tGcFgvLkKd7aLqOX8RbuUUvJN

Greek Version (thanks Maria Karekla):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1iz7ui-hi0-tNTnvzTjOPdMGikQzG1mSx

Norwegian Version (thanks Kristin Evjen ):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_j1tyeIYEIyLPmaQLGi0A34jVo4jGF-8

Serbian Version (thanks Darko Tomic and Natasha Lazareski):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-cHQE45q9VqBvfU8Zi3xUpGlKHx5psGE

sindhu23 April 27, 2020 - 5:09am

PDF Values Cards Document

Several people got in touch asking for the PDF values cards doc we have stored, so please see attached. All cards on all pages are aligned so once printed you should be able to carefully cut several sheets at a time (if you've got a decent cutting tool). Credit to Paul Flaxman, who originally shared these cards with myself and colleagues. We just aligned them all on a PDF for ease of producing card decks!

Also, just to say, I would not see these a an alternative to the Values Conversation Cards mentioned in the original thread by Joe and developed by Louise Hayes. I find these to be a great resource and, personally, I use these in quite different contexts to the contexts in which I would typically use the attac hed.

Finally, for anyone who a) has not seen them, b) works with younger clients and c) might be interested, we worked with the charity 1625-Independent People to develop a DNA-v based tool kit, which is also in the form of a card deck. We make no cash on sales and all proceeds go to back into this fab charity (just to be clear!) so I share these here as - bias as I may be - I think they are really cool. Here's the link: The DNA-V Toolkit - A card pack for using ACT with young people : 1625 independent People (1625ip.co.uk)

Shared on 9/11/2021 by Duncan Gillard

office_1 September 14, 2021 - 11:01am

The Happiness Trap - Support Materials

There is now an entire website full of support materials for The Happiness Trap. Please visit the website for the book.

I have also attached the introductory chapter below.

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.

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.

Russ Harris April 22, 2008 - 1:23am

Tom Lavin, MFT, LCADC, ACATA: "Live Better" Worksheets

Worksheets are designed for universal use and accompany the “Live Better” psychoeducation video series found here.

To access class worksheet, please click on class title below.

Tom Lavin August 31, 2015 - 9:15pm

Tom Lavin, MFT, LCADC, ACATA: The First Step Workbook

"The First Step Workbook" is designed to support people in becoming more fully aware of how their lives have been affected by the use of mood altering chemicals.

The workbook is often most useful when a person takes time to thouroughly respond to each question and then share their responses with a trusted therapist, group, mentor, or sponsor.

After completing the workbook some people decide they want to make significant changes in their lives.

Tom Lavin August 31, 2015 - 9:34pm

Values Compass pictures

see attachement - & feel free to change it as you like - one is a word doc. & then a jpeg

sgeorgescu June 20, 2007 - 4:41pm

Values Driven Treatment Goal Development Activity

This is a treatment goal planning activity that I'm using that I really like. I had been using a values sheet with the teens I work with to help them get in touch with sources of meaning in their stimulus-overloaded, introspection-devoid lives. I love how values are the language of the spirit that lend nobility to our lives and work for Evangelical Fundamentalists as well as stalwart atheists. I'd also done a life domain wheel (like life compass) some years ago as a self esteem development tool for teens though it had too much detail to capture their interest. (That I've found such similar ideas and tools in ACT is very cool). Anyway, I took the 80th birthday/be at your own funeral activity, combined it with the values sheet and life domain wheels to come up with a way that helps people identify highly personally relevant treatment goals. (I'm not too computer savvy so it's not that nice to look at; but it works).

Nicole Rensenbrink September 10, 2010 - 1:10pm

When Clients Can't (or Don't Want to) Connect With Thoughts

Russ Harris has shared a free eBook on a topic that comes up often in ACT training: When Clients Can't (or Don't Want to) Connect With Thoughts.

When logged in, you will find the eBook attached below.

office_1 February 19, 2024 - 11:45am

Smartphone Apps

The ACTing with Technology SIG resources webpage has a list of smartphone apps. ACBS members can access the webpage here

The ACTing with Technology SIG has a website, which includes a section about Apps and Websites.

Community December 8, 2020 - 11:04am

Videoconferencing/ Telehealth software options for therapists

On this page you can find known video/teleconferencing options that might work for you as a mental health professional. These have been submitted by ACBS members.

The ACTing with Technology SIG has put together a page highlighting a few recommendations and guidelines for online/video therapy as well.

(Looking for a therapist in your area who does video/teletherapy? Look here!)

If you have more suggestions, please login to your ACBS account and add a “comment” at the bottom of this page, and we’ll incorporate your suggestion into this page.

Please check each system to verify that any system you choose conforms with any necessary security and privacy requirements in your Country/Province/State as needed. ACBS endorses no particular system, or its privacy statements.

Doxy.me

Doxy.me is easy to use, doesn’t require downloading the program from the client and is free for one-to-one sessions. In the paid version you can have group sessions, share your monitor, and other features.

doxy.me

Zoom

Zoom is also good for individual and group sessions. If you need to facilitate group sessions or need extra options, Zooms paid plans can be more affordable compared to doxy.me. (Zoom has free and paid versions. Secure and non-secure versions.)

https://zoom.us/healthcare

Some ideas to Protect against malicious Zoombombing.

G Suite

https://cloud.google.com/security/compliance/hipaa

https://support.google.com/a/answer/3407054?hl=en

JITSI

Jitsi is a free and open source, fully encrypted video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free - with no account needed. You can also download it for free and run it internally at an organisation not only for staff but for customers and partners too.

To get going just use any room name to create a VC space and invite others to use it.

Some of its features are:
* Auto-view the active speaker or click on any attendee to see their video
* Android and iOS apps
* Text chatting (web only)
* Lock a room with a password
* and more....

https://meet.jit.si/

THERAPlatform

THERAPlatform is an all in one practice management system. The video portion features ability to use an interactive whiteboard, view videos, share documents and write progress notes during video sessions (as well as in-person sessions). It's secure and HIPAA-compliant. I have no affiliation with THERAplatform and am currently trying it out. On trial, it had better connectivity than experienced with other HiPAA-compliant video systems.

theraplatform.com

Whereby

https://whereby.com/ easy to use - no extra downloads. (privacy compliance unknown)

admin March 17, 2020 - 9:30am

Getting Started with Telemental Health - Free 30 minute video

Hello all,

I recently completed a recording for the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) called "Getting Started with Telemental Health." It's about 30 minutes and provides a quick overview of the basics in providing mental healthcare via tele. The slides have links to find more in depth information as needed. I hope it helps ease some of the difficulties in transitioning to this modality right now.

ABCT Website link (video and slides):

http://www.abct.org/Resources/index.cfm?m=mResources&fa=Telehealth_Kate_Morrison

YouTube link (video only):

https://youtu.be/RuosZGQM6N0

All my best,

Kate

--
Kate L. Morrison, Ph.D.

office_1 November 5, 2021 - 11:05am

Some more options

Adopted from https://opensource.com/alternatives

Wire
Developed by the audio engineers who created Skype, Wire features secure screen sharing, file sharing, and group chat, administrator management, and the ability to switch between accounts and profiles (work and personal, for example) at will from within the app.

Wire is open source under the GPL 3.0 license and is free to use if you compile it from source on your own server. A paid option is available starting at $5 per user per month (with large enterprise plans also available).
https://wire.com/en/

Jami
Audio and video calls are made through the Jami app, available for GNU/Linux, Windows, and MacOS desktops and Android and iOS mobile devices. You can communicate using either a unique user ID (which the Jami app randomly generates the first time it's launched) or over SIP. You can use your ID and SIP in parallel, switching between protocols as needed, but you must register your ID on the blockchain before it can be used to make or receive communications.
https://jami.net/

Riot
is not just a video-conferencing solution—it's team-management software with integrated group video/voice chat communications. Communication (including voice and video conferencing, file sharing, notifications, and project reminders) happens in dedicated "rooms" that can be organized by topic, team, event, etc. Anything shared in a room is persistently stored with access governed by that room's confidentially settings. A cool feature is that you can use Riot to communicate with people using other collaboration tools—including IRC, Slack, Twitter, SMS, and Gitter.

You can use Riot in your browser (Chrome and Firefox) or via its apps for MacOS, Windows, and Linux desktops and iOS and Android devices. In terms of infrastructure, Riot can be installed on your server, or you can run it on Riot's servers. It is based on the Matrix React SDK, so all files and data transferred over Riot are secured with Matrix's end-to-end encryption.
https://about.riot.im/

Signal
For mobile devices running Android or iOS, the open source Signal app offers end-to-end encrypted voice, video, text, and photos, and it's been endorsed by security and cryptography experts including Edward Snowden and Bruce Schneier and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Registration is simple: you're identified by your phone number, so all you have to do to register is to use the app. There's a desktop client available, but only for text chat, so it's clear that Whisper Systems, the nonprofit that maintains Signal, intends for this to be a mobile application. It's a perfect marriage between the two clients: you can use the desktop client as you work for brief messages and questions, and pick up your mobile (as you do) when you need to do a quick voice or video consultation.
https://signal.org/

Linphone
is a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) communications service that operates over the session initiation protocol (SIP). This means you need a SIP number to use the service and Linphone limits you to contacting only other SIP numbers—not cellphones or landlines. It's easy to get a SIP number—many internet service providers include them with regular service and Linphone also offers a free SIP service you can use.

With Linphone, you can make audio and HD video calls, do web conferencing, communicate with instant messenger, and share files and photos, but there are no other screen-sharing nor collaboration features. It's available for Linux, Windows, macOS desktops, and Android and iOS mobiles.
http://www.linphone.org/

Nextcloud
provides you with you own private cloud space with plenty of tools geared toward collaboration. After installing Nextcloud on a server, or opening a hosted account, you can add users who can log in and use the Nextcloud interface as a shared workspace. Users can store and share documents and files using either the web interface, or just by dropping them into a Nextcloud directory on their desktop, which gets synchronized automatically with the Nextcloud desktop client. The web interface also features a chat application called Talk, which features the ability to make voice and video calls.

Nextcloud is a shared work space, so once it's installed and configured for your organization, it can probably be the primary virtual office space for your team. It doesn't necessarily have every tool your team needs, but it's an ideal space to share and manage the data your team works on, and to coordinate remote work.
https://nextcloud.com/

office_1 November 5, 2021 - 11:08am